Having a calm demeanor is part and parcel of the wonderful success story of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants. Whether it’s a high-profile celebration or a low-key wedding, Mindy Weiss stays graceful under pressure, with a hands-on approach that makes her a favorite amongst her clients.
Mindy, tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in West Los Angeles, not far from where I live today. I raised my kids around the corner from where I grew up!
I went to San Diego State University when I joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. I became the social chairwoman of the chapter, which was certainly a good experience for what was to come.
What sparked your interest in event planning?
I grew up in a home where my parents gave the most fantastic and creative parties. They were always so unique, funny, or over-the-top. And all the parties were themed. My mother was the ultimate hostess. I suppose it was in my blood from the start. But I didn’t plan on becoming a party planner.
I got into event planning when I was in the custom stationery business. One of my clients asked me if I would also plan their party. I originally said no. I didn’t think I wanted to be an event planner, but the client wouldn’t give up and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So ultimately, I planned a very large 75th birthday party as my first event. From that one party, I got my next ten events and the rest was history.
When did you start your own business, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants?
I started my business in 1992.
I assume you must be super organized when it comes to high-profile events. How hands-on are you or do you believe in a fair amount of delegating?
I’m way too hands-on. I work all the time. When it comes to things, I love to do like plan décor, unique details, and design, I’m all in. But then I try to delegate the rest. I have an incredible team of support around me so that helps a lot.
I suppose you have to work according to a budget, even for high-profile events. Has that ever become difficult?
The budget is always a bit of a challenge because the client goes into this process not knowing how much things cost. Especially if it’s the first wedding, they don’t have the experience to know what their budget should be. So often they’ll give me what they think is a more than generous budget. But then they’ll ask for a lot more than that budget will allow for. It’s always a hard conversation to have. A good day in my office is when the budget gets approved!
Have you ever declined a project and if yes, why?
I have declined projects when I’m fully booked. I don’t want to promise something I can’t deliver 100% on, so I’ll pass on a job if I don’t have the time to do it right.
I read you have a calm demeanor. How do you maintain it while under pressure?
Staying calm is a part of my job. I know that if I were to get ruffled, everyone surrounding me would be too. That energy catches like wildfire. Instead, I find there’s typically a solution. I look for it. I’m aiming for that solution to whatever the problem is, and I don’t let anything get in my way. If I’m calm, then the client has faith in me, and it all works out. Nervous energy lasts in a room, even though you can’t see it, you know it’s there, so I don’t bring it in. No-one wants uncomfortable guests and that starts with me.
What are the challenges of running your own business?
I miss out on some family memories. That is certainly the biggest challenge and sacrifice I make. Then, besides trying to give your clients 100% all of the time, I have to manage employees, infrastructure, and continuously try to make everyone happy to be successful. That in itself can feel like a full-time job. I want everyone from the client, to the guest, to the companies I’m working with and my team, to all be happy. That leads to our success, but it’s not always a small task.
Your events look super stylish and incredibly glamorous, from weddings to kiddie birthday parties. How often do you attend these functions and what is your go-to outfit for looking like a million bucks?
I’m at almost all events – 90% of them. Most of the events I produce have a dress-code, so I just try to follow it. I want to blend in. I try to be high fashion, but never take anything away from the guests or hosts, so nothing too flashy.
Do you have any style tips?
My best fashion advice is to invest in your clothing. But my favorite look is mixing Gucci with Zara.
We all love life’s little luxuries. What can’t you be without in the creature comforts department?
I can’t live without seeing my grandchildren regularly. Family is everything to me. Other than people, I can’t live without my cell phone.
Exciting projects on the horizon?
I try to keep all my clients, celebrities or not, private and confidential. All I can say is I have a very exciting 2020.
