Tropical Weddings, www.TropicalWeddingsPR.com, Palmer, Puerto, RicoEmpoyees: 1 full-time, 1 part-time, 3 as neededRevenue Breakdown: 100% consultingContact: 787-671-1690, tropicalweddings@yahoo.com, Facebook at Tropical-Weddings, Twitter @TropicalW, LinkedIn, Pinterest at Tropical Weddings Puerto RicoFamily: I have been married to John R. Skalnik, PBC™, for 14 years. We have two, four-legged children: Baby Girl and Bristol, our Rottweilers.Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from InterAmerican University, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.On the business: In 2000, John and I began Tropical Weddings. My stepmother was the original destination wedding planner in Puerto Rico. When she moved to Florida, we decided to take over what she had started. Having only worked part-time with her, I decided to take the Penn Foster wedding planner class to gain better insight. Having grown up in the hospitality industry, John and I had a lot of contacts, so we began to market our services to hotels. We have been growing ever since.On growth: We have been experiencing an increase in business, mostly due to the tough winter in the United States. Many couples had vacations planned and opted to have their weddings while here on the island. We are already seeing an increase in business for 2015.On being an MBC™: I never thought about becoming a Master Bridal Consultant™ but several friends from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) suggested I go for it. Family and friends kept telling me that the things I had done for our couples and being able to plan weddings without meeting them prior to their arrival in Puerto Rico showed true master skills. So, after discussing it with my husband, I got to work on my portfolio (she received MBC™ status in 2013).Memberships: I have been a member of the ABC since 2006. It offers the best opportunities for Education and Networking in the industry. I also belong to Asociación de Coordinadores Sociales Profesionales de Puerto Rico, Inc., Biltmore’s Who’s Who, and the Better Business Association.Inspiration: Life inspires me.Marketing strategy: We continue to follow social media outlets as a way to further grow the business.On staying fresh: After each wedding, we discuss the good, bad, and ugly, and we use that knowledge to make the necessary changes to our company. As for me personally, the ABC annual conference keeps me refreshed. I always return really excited to begin a new year.Resources: I am always reading, listening to webinars, and attending local industry-related events.Ideal client: My ideal client is a college-educated, working professional.On her bookshelf: The Vujá dé Moment: Shift from Average to Brilliant by Simon T. Bailey.Most inspiring book: The one book that I read over and over is The Wedding Godfather: Advice You Can’t Refuse, by John Goolsby, MEI, CPV, MPV, of Godfather Films.In her free time: What? There’s free time? Nobody mentioned that! I enjoy spending time with my husband doing anything not wedding-related because we both work together in the business. I also enjoy boating, hanging with my friends, and seeing family.Advice: Always be yourself. And remember that not all clients are the right client for you. It’s okay to say, "No."On giving back: I love mentoring up-and-coming wedding professionals. I am also currently working on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s.