As we launch our Wedding Band collection, we have all things Wedding on the brain. We got in touch with Rachel Emma Waring, founder of Rachel Emma Studio - paper artist, wedding stylist and stationer, as well as a content strategist for small businesses - all round creative type. We wanted to find out more about her, being a small business owner and what she loves about being a part of the Wedding industry.
Growing up, did you always know you were going to work within the creative industry?
I had about a million different ideas of what I wanted to do! Ballerina, Lawyer (would've been terrible at both), marine biologist, and then, as I got older I wanted to be a music therapist for a long time. Then I trained in set and costume design for theatre! So, I think I maybe always knew I wanted to do something creative, but didn't really settled on what (not sure if I'll ever settle on one thing to be honest).
How did Rachel Emma Studio come about, and what do you do?
After my theatre design degree, I worked as a set and costume designer for a few years, and then a couple of my pals asked if I wanted to design their weddings. I absolutely loved it, "retired" from theatre and started styling weddings full time.
What is your favourite part of being a wedding stylist?
Weirdly, I love the very beginning and the very end. I love the ideas stage - creating mood boards, helping to bring couples ideas into a cohesive scheme that represents their personalities. Then I absolutely love setting up venues for the wedding, and seeing all the ideas actually coming to life on the day. I basically love rushing around up ladders in my dungarees.
In the post-COVID19 world, do you think the way we celebrate weddings will change, if so how?
I think it could go two ways. I think elopements will sky rocket, as well as smaller more intimate weddings. But on the flip side I think lots of couples will want an excuse for a massive party as soon as they're possible again.
What made you want to get into creative content coaching & what do you enjoy most about coaching others?
A creative content strategy, particularly on Pinterest, was a massive game changer for me in my business, and for a long time I thought it's just what everyone was doing. As soon as I realised how many people aren't utilising the power of Pinterest, I thought ‘AHH I can teach this!’.
I can honestly say I love coaching other business owners just as much as I love styling weddings. I really enjoy the "businessy" side of, well, business, and sharing that with others is really fun for me. I love seeing other people get results - it's addictive!
Can you offer any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
The biggest game changer for me was to learn to start before I was ready. If you wait until you have all your ducks in a row, or you feel 100% qualified before you start your business, then you might be waiting for a long time. I've found that the best clarity comes from action - rather than over planning or overthinking. Easier said than done, but so powerful when you just start taking the small steps every day.
This or that? – Sustainably handmade or 2nd hand for your own wardrobe?
I quite like a mix of both! Is that cheating?
What's your star sign/zodiac sign?
WELL - I was traditionally a Scorpio, but today I heard that the star signs might have shifted because of the discovery of a 13th sign - so if that's true I'd be a Libra!
Would you say your personality is typical to that sign?
Interestingly no - I've never felt like a Scorpio - and after reading about the Libra personality traits today I definitely feel more aligned with those. I have no idea if there's any truth in this sign shifting news, but very interesting all the same!
Can you offer 3 pieces of advice for those of us who want to live more consciously and support small business?
- Buy less, but more thoughtfully. I would much rather buy something that's been really considered, than buy loads of stuff for less. It feels so much more satisfying, and I always tend to love those things more, because I feel more connected to them.
- Look for regular swaps in your life where you can buy from a small business, for example at the moment I'm focusing on swapping to Black owned businesses wherever I can.
- Find organisations that you believe in, and find ways to support them regularly. I've started setting a percentage of my income aside so that regular donations are a part of my routine.
If you want to find out more about Rachel Emma’s Wedding services:
www.instagram.com/rachelemmastudio
If you want to find out more about content coaching:
