That’s right – we’re helping two lucky entrepreneurs on their journeys to success by helping them out on their journeys to the Dominican Republic for the ISS Experience in May!
Each winner will receive ½ off the cost of ISSE Dominican Republic May 6-9 – that’s half off the opportunity to relax in a luxurious resort and learn from the best of the best in the wedding business, while mingling with your colleagues and sipping on a cool cocktail! What could be better than that?
So, how do you get to be one of the two lucky recipients of the scholarship? Well, since I’m such a believer in volunteering your time and services, I decided that we would make this scholarship about giving back! In the comments below, share how you’re giving back to your community with your business or your wedding skills. But don’t wait too long – the deadline to register for the ISSE Dominican Republic is THIS Friday! {does not include airfare to Punta Cana}
So put how you’re giving back in the comments below to be entered to win! Click here to see all of the details for ISSE Dominican Republic – and good luck!
Hello Stacie!
I own a design studio for wedding invitations, souvenirs and social stationery in the Dominican Republic and I would love to attend the ISSE DR!!!
How I give back? Periodically, I choose a bride-to-be that contacted us or visited us to quote her wedding invitations but could not place an order because of budget matters and I work her invitations for free! We started this last year and it’s been a total excitement for them as we design their dream-invitation no worries attached. For us, it’s a refreshing way to do what we love and in the process help others!
Hi Stacie! First of all, thank you so much for reaching out with your email. My birthday is May 8th, so if I could find myself in the Dominican Republic mingling with other wedding professional rock stars that day, I’d feel extra pampered for sure.
Giving back is extra special to me because I have been thrilled to be on the receiving end throughout my career. Being part-time with my photography business for the first 3 years made things extra trying, but I learned a lot of things along the way and feel that much better for it. That said, I remember how time-consuming it was to find all the information I needed. So, now that I have gone full-time with the business, I have been reaching out in my community and on photography blogs/groups as a mentor with new photographers and other creative small businesses. I offer these new photographers opportunities to shadow me on a wedding day, offer advice when they have questions, and invite them for coffee or lunch to hear how they are doing and to answer other questions, send them leads, etc. If I receive an inquiry from a bride whose date I am reserved for or whose photography budget does not fit within my investment structure, I send the bride a short list of these newer photographers who I would highly recommend for their day.
Because my business started to grow (and continues to do so) through wonderful referrals from photographers and other wedding vendors that I know, I enjoy paying it forward whenever possible. That said, I also enjoy sharing my images (complimentary) with other wedding vendors – especially if they are just starting out or are reworking their website and marketing – so that they can have some quality images from an event we shared in. It has helped build some amazing relationships!
Thank you for your time! Cheers!
Robyn
Giving back, when I was young I had two cousins, 1 had cerebal palsey and the other had downs syndrome. I am heavily involved in Central Illinios Easer Seals, because when my cousins were around these services weren’t available. So, I donate my time to many different events, including the Passage to India, I design the tables and help the women with their bazaar areas, this event this year brought in $250,000.00! The Black and Blue ball 3 weeks later is a blast, agian I do the desing work and help set everything up, this event brought in $150,000.00 and last of the big events I help with is the 57th Annual Easter Seals Auxillary Fashion show (we run a Chicago/ New York style show) we have local boutiques get involved because we want people to by local, this event brought in $45,000.00. This organization is near and dear to my heart and I would donate my time to any other event they needed help with. Also, keep in mind that the Passage to India and the Black and Blue ball have around 1200 people who attend. I love doing it, I’m helping children from all over the local area and it touches my heart