i-do Weddings & Events, Inc., CincinnatiEmployees: 2 full-time, 10 part-time seasonalRevenue breakdown: 40% planning, 10% coordination, 10% rentals, 35% i-do Boutique, 3% bridal show, 2% speaking/teachingContact: 513.762.5550 and 513.871.6400, brigid@i-do-weddings.comwww.i-do-weddings.com, www.i-do-boutique.com, www.i-do-store.comTwitter and Facebook FAMILY: Husband, Terry Nestor; son Conor, 11; daughter Cara, 9. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in political science, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. PAST CAREER: Financial services/bond underwriter and Irish dancing instructor.ABC INVOLVEMENT: Speaker, 2004 ABC conference, Atlanta; 2004 Special Event, Miami; 2006 ABC conference, Colorado Springs; PBC™ 1999-2008; ABC™ 2008-2011.WHY ABC: The ABC is one of the big influencers in the wedding industry! It is the only professional association I participate in because it’s most relevant for my business goals. As a “momprenuer,” it’s important to eliminate commitments that don’t produce measurable value. Some of my most profitable business practices are ideas from fellow ABC members.ON BECOMING A MBC™: I felt a responsibility for setting a good example. If I truly believed in the mission of the ABC and wanted to advance the profession, it was time to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.THE BUSINESS: Wedding planning, consulting, coordination, and speaking/education. I also own i-do Boutique, a complimentary vendor-supported wedding/event resource library, through which we host an alternative “bridal show” three times annually, Unbridled @ Uncorked.GETTING STARTED: While planning my own wedding, I discovered I loved it and started coordinating weddings on the side. I followed my bliss full-time in 1999 when I started my company. My big break came when a reporter featured my business on a local news segment called “Smart Woman,” airing after Oprah. I booked 10 weddings from that interview!MENTOR: While many people inspired me, including Ohio’s state coordinator, Joyce Smith MBC™, it was Merry Beth Turpin, a consultant from Seattle who helped most. In 2001, Merry Beth was the featured planner in an issue of Dialogue. I was so inspired! We met at the ABC conference in Los Angeles that year and spent several hours talking. We exchanged information on marketing, teaching seminars, fees, and more. Meeting her was the single biggest contributor to the growth and early success of my business.GOALS: To eliminate ineffective business practices, delegate more, automate as much as possible, and personally, work less hours as a result. My dream is to work side-by-side with my daughter one day.INSPIRATION: I’m inspired by interior design, and the creative industries we work with daily like photographers, cinematographers, florists, and cake designers.MARKETING STRATEGY: I try to get as much free PR as possible by submitting ideas to my media contacts. When I pay for advertising, I always negotiate a better rate. I also ask prospective clients how they found me so I can use that information to make better advertising investments. Finally, I reevaluate my advertising every year. This is one area where being on “autopilot” can really hurt your bottom line.IDEAL CLIENT: A bride, groom, or parent who does not micromanage and trusts me to do the job I am being paid well to do.STAYING FRESH: I vacation with my family, attend annual conference, and always make time for the spa. My favorite indulgence is massage; it makes me a nicer person. I refresh my company by regularly making changes to my websites and marketing materials. I also try to incorporate at least one new business idea that scares me each year. My business grows more when I step outside my comfort zone.WORDS OF WISDOM: Diversify and increase your passive revenue streams so you can work in the business you love while avoiding burn out. Charge value-based fees. So many planners charge too little, and this hurts our industry.ON HER BOOKSHELF: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.IN HER FREE TIME: I work at the most important job I have—being a mom and a wife.GIVING BACK: I am a member of Wish Upon a Wedding and the Pink Initiative.