Master Wedding Planner™ Sandra M. Monahan, MWP™, Master Life Cycle Celebrant®, Weddings Without Worries, Wexford, Penn.Family: My husband of 43 years passed away unexpectedly in 2011. He was the love of my life and biggest supporter of my dreams. Together, we raised a wonderful daughter and son, now 45 and 42. Education: I earned certification in administration from Robert Morris College (now university) in Pittsburgh; floral design at the Emily Kaufman School of Floral Design, Greensburg, Penn.; wedding planning (Penn Foster); and fundamentals, weddings for couples, funerals, healings, ceremonies across the life cycle, and Master Life-Cycle Celebrant® from the Celebrant Foundation & Institute in New Jersey.Starting the business: In 1998, I was employed in a newspaper position that I knew wasn’t the one I wanted to retire from, and nothing would take the place of my interest in becoming an entrepreneur. I enrolled in the ICS (now Penn Foster Career School) and got a membership with the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) to get started.Evaluating success: Success is not always measured in dollar amounts; it is within the values of the successful person. My accomplishments have been based on kindness, sharing, caring, and giving, because that is who I am as a person. It was Joseph Campbell who wrote, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” I have that privilege in my life.One business mistake: Most likely, it was trying to develop and build the business while working at a high-stress-newspaper advertising job. I took baby steps, striving to become an entrepreneur and contributing to the family income, while being a mother. During all of this, my husband lost his job. Was it easy? Not at all, but it was worth every minute of the journey.On becoming a master: I achieved it in 2005. The process felt like it was taking forever and now, after several years in the industry, I know why it was designed that way. Gaining experience is essential.On the ABC: In the beginning, I had moments of feeling like I was alone on a deserted island. The ABC’s support, continuing education, and networking made it seamless.  In 2016, at ABC Annual Conference in Dallas, I received the Miss Dorothy Heart Award for Passion and Excellence in the wedding industry. What an honor! I still can’t find words to explain how much it meant to me.Mentors: When your childhood took place in a steel town like Aliquippa, Penn., and you witnessed everyone work so hard to provide for their families, you quickly became aware of what it takes to build strength and courage. They never complained and were happy to have jobs. The determination of those closest to me had great influence about never giving up.Inspiration: I seek inspiration from colleagues in the ABC and the Celebrant Foundation. Many have been my driving force (even though I never told them). My adult children are an inspiration, and believe it or not, even my 10½-year-old grandson can inspire me through the eyes and hearts of youth.Marketing strategy: My website, along with minimal print advertising and one paid listing, have been my marketing in the past few years. The best marketing tool is creating and developing my client’s requests with professionalism and having their days unfold successfully. Their families and guests view it and the referrals simply happen. It’s amazing!On staying fresh: I refresh myself by traveling when I can, spending quality time with special friends and relatives, attending business conferences, and being certain to include self-care, so I feel good. I love to walk and reflect on business and personal situations.IDEAL CLIENT: Ideal clients are those who value and appreciate a professional planner and an officiant trained and certified in the services they seek. It is important to know my clients are comfortable and trust me to develop their wedding day dreams.Reading: Etiquette books are favorites of mine, especially those written by credible etiquette authors. I have a huge collection dating from 1929 to the latest releases.Favorite show: Favorite movies from the past would be The Godfather trilogy and Les Misérables; current TV shows are "Shark Tank" and "Madame Secretary."Free time: When there is free time, I might create a new craft project, go shopping, chat with friends, and enjoy life.Words of wisdom: Always give clients the best. Listen, and offer undivided attention to what they say. Keep the lines of communication open. Be patient, understanding, and caring. Don’t make promises you know you can’t keep just so you can close the sale.Giving back: I want to see those succeed who have the same dream I did several years ago. Many colleagues helped me reach my goals, and if I can give back in any way, I do. The best reward is to know I had a little part in their success. Volunteer work in my church, community outreach programs, and educational organizations are important to me.Little known fact: I spent one week in Little Rock, Ark., receiving certification at the Candy Bouquet Franchise Headquarters for my position in a private, non-profit rehabilitation agency. WPM