514 TARA GUERARD: Global Tastemaker with Southern Hospitality

The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

If you have been a longtime listener of the podcast, then today’s voice may sound familiar to you as it is her third appearance on the show! Andy is so thrilled to welcome back Tara Guerard, owner and creative director of Tara Guerard Soirée headquartered out of Charleston, South Carolina (and with an additional office in New York City). Tara is recognized as one of the nation's leading tastemakers globally, and she is here to share some exciting updates since she was last on the show.

Listen as she and Andy reflect on the profound changes brought about by the pandemic and how it has influenced their approach to client relationships. Tara shares her struggle with the shift to virtual meetings, highlighting why it's important to have in-person connections and how much she values reading a client's body language and energy, something that is unfortunately difficult to replicate over the phone or through a screen.

Tara shares some insights into maintaining energy and inspiration after decades in the business. She credits her success to her naturally high energy levels and an unrelenting desire to learn and grow, revealing her plans to pursue new creative endeavors when she turns 60.

Tara also discusses the challenges of working in diverse locations where the level of service may not meet her high standards, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and her commitment to ensuring that every event is executed as flawlessly as possible. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and business, and Andy had such a great time chatting with her again!

If you enjoy the show, then Andy urges you not to keep it to yourself! Share it with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and get something out of it, and he would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

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Time Stamps

[0:26] - We learn that today's guest is returning guest Tara Guerard of Tara Guerard Soirée.

[2:26] - Tara elaborates upon how meeting clients in person is more effective for connection than communicating electronically.

[5:11] - High energy and enthusiasm drive Tara's lifelong learning and future aspirations, even at 55.

[7:08] - Each wedding's uniqueness keeps Tara's work exciting, even when using her least favorite flowers!

[10:22] - Pleasing people has fueled Tara's success, although she does sometimes go to extreme lengths to make others happy.

[11:57] - The biggest challenge in wedding planning is working with vendors unfamiliar with high service standards.

[14:48] - Tara reveals how balancing creativity with business acumen has led to success, including never being in debt.

[18:04] - The book Unreasonable Hospitality inspires Tara to integrate exceptional service with effective business practices.

[19:09] - Speaking at conferences and sharing her experiences as a business owner and mother is rewarding for Tara.

[20:38] - Managing work and family life for Tara involves setting rules for herself and multitasking, with exercise as a mental and physical outlet.

[23:11] - What about the future excites Tara?

[24:57] - Andy reveals where Tara can be found online.

RESOURCES Tara’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

Book: Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality

Find Tara: Tara Guerard - WebsiteTara Guerard Soirée - WebsiteTara’s Instagram PageTara’s Twitter PageTara’s Pinterest Page

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.