River North Design District 6th Annual Gallery Walk

Join us Friday, September 10, 5PM-9PM and experience a vignette designed by Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, inspired by the intriguing and emotional work of Bobbi Meier of salonb. at eggersmann.

Click here to RSVP for the free showroom events
and to purchase tickets for the kickoff and after parties!

Our Design Process: Vignette at Artists Frame Service

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Ready to start your next project? Schedule a Design Discovery Call with us today!

Colorful Creatives: Events by JVB

Happy Friday and Happy International Women’s Day!

This weeks Colorful Creatives feature is Jordan Vanden Bos of Events by JVB. This girlboss has found the perfect marriage between her business background and creative edge. Jordan’s love of the wedding industry started with planning her own wedding and has flourished over the years into an amazing business! Her passion for people and combined attention to detail make her just what you need to execute a flawless wedding!

All soon to be brides take note, hiring a wedding planner is one of the best things you can do for your wedding day! My biggest regret was not hiring my wedding planner sooner. From personal experience, my realization that I needed a wedding planner was when I was scheduling the cake delivery. It was set to be delivered at the same time I needed to be on the rooftop getting married. It only took a few minutes for me to realize that wasn’t going to happen and I needed help. Hiring a wedding planner takes away all that stress and they handle all the little details that are important to you. They give you assurance that you and your spouse, plus all of your guests will have the most perfect day, one that you always dreamed of.

What I love about Jordan is her understanding of what brides really need throughout the planning process and on the day of! She sees your vision and handles all the details so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding. I hope you enjoy learning more about Jordan and be sure to follow her!

One of my favorite quotes from Jordan on starting a business:

“Learning what things to spend my time on was definitely a big challenge. When you first start your business you want to say yes to everything, but that isn’t always best for your business.”

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Jordan Vanden Bos | Events by JVB

IG @eventsbyjvb

FB Events by JVB

Pinterest: Events by JVB

www.eventsbyjvb.com

1. How did you get started as a wedding planner?

I planned my wedding and a few miscellaneous events for friends and fell in love with the industry. It sounds cliche I know, but that is truly how it all started. I then began listening to a Podcast called She Creates Business and that’s what really motivated me to begin my journey. I have an educational background in business, which transferred into owning a business.

2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I think I have always liked the idea of doing something completely on my own, but never knew for certain that I would do it. At first it was scary to think about all of the legalities behind operating a busines, but once I understood them thoroughly it was a lot of fun to start Events by JVB.

3. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?

Learning what things to spend my time on was definitely a big challenge. When you first start your business you want to say yes to everything, but that isn’t always best for your business. After trial and error with a few projects I have gotten to a place where I feel very good about the progress that my business is making.

4. How did you reach your potential clients when first starting your business?

At first there was a lot of word of mouth. My first client was actually someone that I reached out to via Facebook message. Now most of my clients find me on Google. I’ve learned that it’s hard at first, but once you build a foundation then the clients come to you.   

5. Do you feel you need to educate people on what you do?

Sometimes I do have to help people understand what I do. When couples have a tight budget one of the vendors they typically eliminate first is a planner. That isn’t always the best for the couples though so I have to explain how much stress I can alleviate not only on the wedding day, but throughout the planning process.  

6. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?

I love the organizational part of planning. Putting together timelines, schedules, and setting up to bring a beautiful vision together. My least favorite hat is probably running the social media. I always feel like there is a certain pressure to post enough valuable content.

7. How do you stay motivated?

My husband! He has encouraged me from before this dream even began. I can’t thank him enough for everything that he helps me with, for his positive attitude, and for his consistent support through this adventure.  

8. Where do you look for inspiration?

I look to other vendors who I admire and at different trends that are changing all of the time (a lot of pinning!)

9. What are you working on right now?

A styled shoot for the end of March. Styled shoots are one of my favorite things because I get to meet and work with amazing vendors and put my own twist on the style of the shoot.  

10. Where is your favorite place to work?

I love to work in my home office where my dog is usually snuggling at my feet and where there is a large glass door that lets the sunlight in.

11. How do you start your Monday?

After a wedding weekend, Monday is usually my day off. I start my Monday (and every day) with a cup of coffee.

12. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?

Slate blue...my sister-in-law chose it for her wedding in August and I cannot wait to wear the dress!

13. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?

Lately I have been loving a touch of velvet.

14. What is something you could not live without?

I could not live without my pup. She always brings so much joy into every situation.

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?

I would love to go to Italy. I went to Italy for my honeymoon but we missed Tuscany and I would love to go through the vineyards.

16. What’s your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is definitely fall. I love crisp leaves, fires, and sweater weather.

17. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

Walk along Lake Michigan with my husband and the pup on a nice breezy day.

18. As a busy business owner, how do you avoid burn out?

I take breaks to have a little time to myself. Whether it is a long walk with the family or a couple of episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, I always make sure not to forget to give myself a little break.

19. What are you looking forward to in 2019?

My sister-in-law’s wedding!

20. Any inspirational books you recommend?

The Business Boutique by Christy Wright.

21. What is a piece of advice you would tell your past self on the first day you started your business?

Don’t ever compare yourself to others. Just be you and work your hardest.  

22. Anything I missed that you want to share?

Take your business seriously but don’t forget to have fun with it!  

Exploring EXPO Chicago

This year I was fortunate enough to attend EXPO Chicago, thanks to Brizo and Delta Chicago’s Young Designers Night. EXPO is the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art at Navy Pier. Every time I attend one of these large shows at Navy Pier, I’m always astounded at how large the facility is and how many artist’s work is on display. There are hundreds of international contemporary art galleries featured and something for everyone’s taste! It was amazing seeing all of the original contemporary art. Nights like this leave me feeling inspired! Here are some highlights from the evening.