The Wedding Biz &#8211; Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

288 ZAINAB ALSALIH/Carousel Events: One of Dubai's Leading Women Entrepreneurs Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

"I try always to make sure I design a wedding with the couple in mind and personalize it as much as possible." Listen as Andy and his guest, Zainab Alsalih, discuss how she designs a wedding, why she transitioned from corporate events into weddings, her process when doing events, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Zainab is the Founder and Creative Director of Carousel Events out of Dubai, one of the region's best-known companies for event design. Zainab is also considered one of the

most respected authorities on weddings in the middle east. She has been covered and quoted in countless regional and international programs and publications in various languages on radio, televisions, print, and online, including Harpers Bazaar, Martha Stewart, and Vogue.

Listen as Zainab shares how she got started in event planning and the transition to weddings. She speaks about how young couples today are leaning toward less traditional weddings and more towards western influences. Zainab also discusses her process from the first time she meets the client until the actual wedding.

"It's not about how a wedding looks; it's about how a wedding feels." Zainab shares why this is the way she views weddings, why less is more is her main mantra, and what the definition of luxury means to her. She shares many details of major weddings she has designed and tells it with color and passion so you can visualize it as if you were there. You don't want to miss this conversation.

We are all experiencing quite a bit of stress and other issues during this pandemic. Andy has put together a list of the top ten tips for dealing with stress, which he has compiled from interviews with icons of the wedding and event industry. If you would like a copy, go to www.theweddingbiz.com/toptips.

Are you a creative who wants to turn your craft into a business or take it further? Head to the Wedding Biz Network and listen to The Business of Being Creative podcast with Sean Low. Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:44] Welcome to the show, Zainab!

[02:15] Zainab shares about the many places she lived as a child.

[05:29] Zainab speaks about her passions and interests as she grew up.

[06:41] She discusses going to business school because her father wanted her to be a banker.

[09:03] Zainab shares that her husband's idea was that she transition into events because she didn't enjoy her job at the bank.

[10:42] She speaks about starting out with corporate events and describes the launch party she did for her husband's company.

[12:39] Listen as Zainab discusses how she transitioned from corporate events into weddings.

[15:05] Zainab speaks about being exposed to many cultures and languages as she grew up, which played well with planning her weddings.

[16:22] Young couples today are leaning toward less traditional weddings and more toward western weddings.

[17:33] What is your process from the first sit down with the client through the wedding itself?

[20:04] Zainab shares where she meets with couples and their families.

[22:07] Zainab describes her signature design, quality over quantity, less is more.

[24:46] "It's not about how a wedding looks; it's about how a wedding feels."

[25:45] Zainab describes a wedding that she planned and designed for a major Nigerian celebrity's sister.

[28:15] She speaks about the wedding she planned at the Dubai Opera.

[30:15] Zainab gives her definition of luxury when clients ask for a luxurious experience.

[32:20] Zainab discusses a wedding she planned from a client's picture of their grandparents' wedding.

[34:07] She shares her experience of being a woman entrepreneur in Dubai.

[35:43] Zainab speaks about why she also spends time in both Italy and Dallas.

[38:23] How has the pandemic affected your business and personal life?

[41:03] Zainab shares starting a new division of Carousel that focuses on interior styling and decorating.

[42:38] She now has time to work on the book she has been writing.

[43:17] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Zainab

Zainab Alsalih

Carousel Casa

Engage!20 Dubai

@carousel_wedding_events

Instagram | Facebook | Vimeo

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Elegant Occasions with JoAnn Gregoli

287 THE NEXT LEVEL: ROBERT SHERMAN discusses JOANN GREGOLI, The Godmother of Destination Weddings Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

Does giving back make you feel better? Listen as Andy and Robert Sherman, the President of Washington Talent Andy's partner at Kushner Entertainment, discuss JoAnn being the godmother of destination weddings, wanting to be an advocate for her clients, founding the Sewing Angles, and much more on this episode of The Next Level.

JoAnn is the owner of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli. She has been included in Modern Bride Magazine as one of their Top Trendsetters of the year, and she was recently recognized as one of the top twenty-five most influential wedding planners in the World.

Listen as Robert and Andy share how JoAnn was a wedding crasher in her twenties because she loved love, how JoAnn took classes in every aspect of an event so she could talk to her creative partners in their language, and her insights into getting to know every generation so she could market to them all in a way they would respond to.

They also discuss how JoAnn is giving back during the pandemic by sewing masks because her daughter was on the frontline with limited PPE. She got some women's groups involved and paid for the materials out of her pocket because she says giving back makes you feel better.

If you want to be inspired to help JoAnn with shipping the masks, please go to her Go Fund Me page at www.sewingangels.org and click on the Frontline Sewing Angles link.

Don't forget to listen to Andy's new podcast, The Music Makers. It's a podcast about behind-the-scenes stories from some of the most influential music industry pros around including artists, recording engineers, record producers, songwriters, managers, record industry executives, and more. You can find The Music Makers podcast by searching for it in your cell phone's podcast app or by going to www.themusicmakers.com.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:11] Welcome back to the show, Robert!
[03:10] They speak about JoAnn taking classes in everything her creative partners do so she can advocate for her clients.
[04:43] Robert and Andy discuss JoAnn's insight on knowing every generation so you can market to them.
[05:47] Robert talks about how now the millennials are paying for their weddings.
[08:22] Andy speaks about JoAnn and the Sewing Angels sewing masks and shipping them to people in need.
[09:50] To help JoAnn and all her helpers to keep making masks, please go www.sewingangels.org and click the go fund me link for frontline sewing angels.
[11:34] Robert, thank you for being on the show!

Find JoAnn

@joanngregoli

Instagram

@joann_gregoli

Twitter

@elegantoccasionsinc

Facebook

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Robert Sherman, owner of Washington Talent

Robert Sherman Episode 206 on The Wedding Biz

Washington Talent

Onyx|Washington Talent Agency

Kushner Entertainment

@washingtontalent

YouTube | Facebook

@wta_talent

Twitter

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Mentioned

Colin Cowie Episode 128 on The Wedding Biz

Colin Cowie Episode 135 on The Wedding Biz

Colin Cowie Episode 267 on The Wedding Biz

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Elegant Occasions with JoAnn Gregoli

286 JOANN GREGOLI: The Godmother of Destination Weddings Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

Andy and his guest, JoAnn Gregoli, discuss how she educated herself to speak the language of her vendor team, how she approaches destination weddings, how she approaches marketing for her services, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

JoAnn is the owner of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli. She has been included in Modern Bride Magazine as one of their Top Trendsetters of the year and was recently recognized as one of the top twenty-five most influential wedding planners in the World. Elegant Occasions creates events that tell the story about the couple.

Listen, as JoAnn shares how she was obsessed with weddings in her twenties, the wedding she did for Rupert Murdoch's daughter, and why she has been called the Godmother of destination weddings. JoAnn speaks about how she creates a team for destination weddings and her process for local and destination events.

JoAnn discusses her company's business side, how she determins how to price the events she plans, and her strategy for using social media. JoAnn says to stay relevant she goes to conferences, to continue her own learning, and isn't afraid to reinvent herself and her business.

JoAnn speaks of her grassroots effort to make sure anyone who needs a face mask has one. She started sewing masks, then reached out to some women's groups to help her, got some of her brides got involved, and now they have shipped out over 50,000 masks at no cost. Her main focus has been providing them to homeless shelters and to battered women. They have been sewing for over seventeen weeks with no plans to stop until the pandemic is over.

JoAnn is an amazing woman. She doesn't sit back when something needs to be done; she jumps in with both feet. She did it for brides that lost their venue during 9/11, and she is doing it now with the pandemic. This is an episode you don't want to miss.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[02:38] Welcome to the show, JoAnn!

[03:13] JoAnn shares how her childhood determined the path she would follow.

[05:05] JoAnn speaks about being obsessed with weddings in her twenties.

[08:11] She discusses the wedding she did for Rupert Murdoch's daughter.

[10:12] She is known as the Godmother of destination weddings.

[11:13] Listen, as JoAnn shares how she put a team together for her first destination weddings.

[13:05] JoAnn speaks about her process when she plans weddings.

[15:46] What other events do you do besides weddings?

[17:38] JoAnn discusses how she view's the business aspect of her company.

[19:56] JoAnn discusses her pricing philosophy.

[22:36] What is your strategy for using social media?

[24:18] Listen as JoAnn speaks about reinventing yourself constantly to stay relevant.

[26:10] JoAnn shares how to market to different generations from baby boomers to GenZ.

[29:04] JoAnn discusses how she decided to "re-prioritize," rather than "reinvent," and got started sewing face masks and the women's groups she got to help.

[32:16] To help JoAnn and all her helpers to keep making masks, please go www.sewingangels.org and click the go fund me link for frontline sewing angels.

[35:25] JoAnn believes that this pandemic makes people stop, slow down, appreciate what you have, and help the people who can't help themselves.

[37:36] JoAnn shares what she wants to do once the pandemic is over.

[39:06] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

JoAnn Gregoli:

@joanngregoli

@joann_gregoli

@elegantoccasionsinc

Video - Hightail

Arielle & Ian's Wedding Trailer

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

285 A Conversation With: CARRIE GOLDBERG Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

Andy is happy to have Carrie Goldberg back on the show to discuss how COVID-19 has affected her personally and professionally, what she is hearing from both brides and planners, and the challenges planners have with managing their clients' expectations, but also keeping them safe and socially distanced.

Carrie is the Digital Travel & Weddings Editor at Harper's Bazaar, where she oversees all things weddings and travel for HarpersBazaar.com. She is in charge of content, strategy, and visuals for Bazaar's digital travel and wedding verticals and editor of their membership subscription program called Bazaar Bride.

Listen, as Carrie discusses the different ways some brides are viewing their weddings and how planners are coping with wedding guests while trying to keep them safe. Carrie believes that this pandemic has made couples ask themselves what's really important and whether now is the right time to take a chance on a large wedding or wait until it's safe.

She also believes that some changes, she sees now, will continue in the future because people are realizing what is important and much of it is about getting back to basics. Carrie shares advice for planners and stylists around shopping and talks about where she will be for the next few months. Carrie has great insight into what is going on in the wedding and event business during this pandemic. You don't want to miss what she has to say.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:09] Welcome back to the show, Carrie!
[02:08] Carrie discusses how COVID-19 has affected her personally and professionally.
[05:00] Carrie speaks about how she feels like the pandemic is robbing her of time with her family and grandparents.
[06:07] Listen as Carrie shares what couples and brides have been sharing with her about how this has affected their weddings.
[08:25] Andy speaks about a wedding he has coming up in September and the COVID-19 rider his company has put in place.
[09:29] Carrie discusses the challenges the planners are having trying to manage expectations and social distancing.
[11:17] Carrie speaks about how the pandemic has affected styling for events.
[14:17] Carrie believes we will see permanent changes to how brides make decisions around dresses and planning their weddings.
[16:20] Listen, as Carrie describes how she believes we will define luxury for the future.
[17:54] Carrie shares advice for planners, stylists, and shopping while navigating weddings during this pandemic.
[19:43] She tells us where she will travel during the rest of the year.
[20:28] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Find Carrie

Carrie Goldberg

Carrie Goldberg Episode 186 on The Wedding Biz

@carrielauren

Instagram | Twitter

@harperbazaarus

Instagram

Harper's Bazaar

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Mentioned:

Rachel Birthistle Episode 202 on The Wedding Biz

284 A Conversation With: DAVID TUTERA Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

"You must reinvent yourself by expanding your vision and allowing yourself to do new things." Listen as Andy and his guest David Tutera discuss his last two jobs before the pandemic put a stop to everything, what he's doing both personally and business-wise during the shutdown, what he's doing to adjust his business and reinvent himself, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

David's uniquely creative talent and outstanding reputation have made him a tremendous success in the lifestyle arena, including multiple hit TV shows. His client list includes Elton John, Prince Charles, Jennifer Lopez, The Rolling Stones, Kenneth Cole, the Kennedy Center, the official post-Grammy parties, and so much more.

Listen, as David talks about the last event he did before the pandemic, how he is enjoying being home with his husband and kids and taking this downtime to reevaluate, reinvent and take the time to come up with new ideas. David shares what a typical day was like before COVID versus a typical day now and if he will keep some new routines once he can get back to work.

"Lead with personality and emotion" when speaking with potential clients, oversell yourself to impress potential clients. David believes that even though it is tempting, don't devalue your services by reducing your prices. Stay strong and keep them where they were before the pandemic, your value hasn't changed so why should your prices.

Andy has put together a list of the top ten tips for dealing with stress, which he has compiled from interviews with icons of the wedding and event industry. If you would like a copy, go to www.theweddingbiz.com/toptips.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[02:13] Welcome to the show, David!

[02:52] David speaks about the last events he did before the pandemic shutdown.

[03:48] David shares that he is enjoying being home with his children.

[04:44] He discusses taking this time to come up with new ideas.

[06:21] David believes that everyone should always reevaluate and reinvent themselves.

[07:19] He discusses launching an immersive mentorship program that allows people to learn in a group or one-on-one.

[09:30] David discusses what a typical day was like before the pandemic and how that's since changed.

[11:56] Listen, as David talks about where he sees his company going in 2021.

[14:38] David says he's realized that, after three or four months, he is so tired of talking about COVID.

[17:41] He believes that now is not the time to drop prices, stand strong with the prices you had before the pandemic.

[18:05] Let clients know why you charge what you do and the value they get for the price.

[19:00] David says to think of your client as a first date and over-sell yourself to impress potential clients.

[20:59] Listen as David shares how his routine has changed and if he will be able to maintain the changes or just jump right back into the fray once the pandemic is over.

[22:48] David speaks about some TV shows he's done and hopefully new projects to come.

[24:38] Thank you so much for being on the show again!

RESOURCES

Find David:

David Tutera

David Tutera Episode 53 on The Wedding Biz

Mentorship Program

@thedavidtutera

Facebook | Pinterest

@davidtutera

Instagram | Twitter

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Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Inner Conflict Documentary

283 THE NEXT LEVEL: ZAINAB ALSALIH discusses ABI MATESUN, Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

"Success is not about the destination, but rather the journey." Listen as Andy and his guest, Zainab Alsalih, Founder and Managing Director of Carousel Events, a bespoke event design and wedding planning company based in Dubai, discuss the way Abi sees and photographs a wedding, his need to find the love-story with his clients and the importance of good visuals plus much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Abi is the Founder and CEO of Malekfoto Films and Malekfoto Weddings. Abi is a two-time Emmy-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, public speaker, and two time Telly Award winner. His wedding visuals have attracted over 60 million viewers around the world.

Zainab shares how attuned to his couple's love story that Abi always is, the way he is involved through the whole process, and why knowing how the planners are designing the decor and lighting, for the event, helps give him the best visuals. They also speak about his use of storyboarding when preparing to shoot an event.

Listen, as Zainab and Andy speak about Abi's definition of success and how he believes that it's not just about the wedding day itself but also about the journey to the event that's important. Abi is very dedicated to telling each couple's love story through photographs and film. He thinks of each event like a cinematographer, with the couples as the stars and the guests as the supporting cast.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:06] Welcome to the show, Zainab!

[02:04] Zainab discusses how Abi views a wedding when he is filming.

[03:14] Zainab shares that Abi is quite attuned to the love story between his couples.

[04:25] She likes how Abi gets to know his couples, how it will be designed, decorated, and the lighting, so he knows how he will portray the event.

[06:07] Abi likes to storyboard a wedding, which is something neither Andy nor Abi has seen before.

[09:51] Visuals are extremely important in today's world, when people go to social media to find you.

[10:43] Zainab discusses Abi's definition of success.

[11:42] "It's really not about the wedding day itself as much as the journey to that day."

[12:46] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Find Abi:

Malekfoto Weddings

Malekfoto Films

@malekfotoweddings

Instagram | Facebook

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Zainab Al Salih, Founder and Managing Director of Carousel Events

Zainab Al Salih

Carousel Wedding Planner and Event Design

@carousel_weddings_events

Instagram | Pinterest

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Inner Conflict Documentary

282 ABI MATESUN: Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

"Everything you see in life that has impacted the world in any form or way started as a dream." Listen as Andy and his guest Abi Matesun discuss what Abi means by this statement, why he left Nigeria, how he started in photography and the transition into film, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Abi is the Founder and CEO of Malekfoto Films and Malekfoto Weddings. Abi is a two time Emmy-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, public speaker, and two time Telly Award winner. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Abi studied Management and Information Systems at the University of Texas.

"Catching all the moments between the moments." Listen as Abi tells the story of how he films weddings, and his process when he meets with the couple for the first time. He and his team then do a storyboard so they can make life easier for the wedding planner. He says they want to be like a special forces team. Their footprint is very small, but their impact is unforgettable.

Abi speaks about the story behind his documentary Inner Conflict, the love story Fire and Ice, that he filmed in Iceland, and how important the music is to his work. Abi also speaks about how he handles the business and artistic side of his business and how the pandemic is affecting him both personally and professionally.

"Success is doing better tomorrow than you did today." Abi is so insightful and passionate about his life and his work, and the way he views his art is so different from anyone else you will ever meet. Take the time to listen to the brilliance of Abi Matesun.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[02:39] Welcome to the show, Abi!

[04:14] Abi discusses the educational system in Nigeria and why he went to school for Quantity Surveying.

[05:40] Abi shares how he ended up moving to the United States.

[07:38] What was your impression of the United States when you arrived?

[09:30] Abi speaks about the photography company he started while in college.

[11:17] Abi discusses the transition from photography to cinematography.

[13:50] He shares a wedding for his friend that became the catalyst for Malekfoto Weddings.

[16:00] Abi explains the story behind how he shoots weddings.

[16:54] Listen as Abi speaks about his process when he first meets with a couple.

[18:32] Abi shares a story about one of his favorite weddings.

[20:46] Do you storyboard with your team for a wedding?

[22:47] Abi discusses his documentary, Inner Conflict.

[24:06] Listen as Abi shares the story behind his film, Fire and Ice.

[25:59] How much thought do you give to the music in your films?

[28:19] Abi speaks about how he views the difference between business and art.

[30:24] Abi shares what his topics are at his speaking engagements.

[31:38] How is the pandemic affecting you personally and professionally?

[33:51] Abi gives some advice for professional cinematographers or filmmakers that want to get to another level.

[35:18] Abi shares what success means for him.

[37:23] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Abi:

Malekfoto Weddings

Malekfoto Films

@malekfotoweddings

Instagram | Facebook

Alicia & Dan Vimeo

Danique & Henry Vimeo

Halima & Habeeb Vimeo

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

281 THE NEXT LEVEL: CARRIE GOLDBERG discusses ZAMEER KASSAM, Designing Fine Jewelry and Telling Love Stories Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

"Designing jewelry is all about family and connecting emotionally." Listen as Andy and his guest Carrie Goldberg, the Travel and Weddings Director at Harpers Bazaar, discuss Zameer's refugee family upbringing, his ability to create an experience when he designs jewelry, how he comes up with ideas for engagement rings and much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Zameer is the Founder and CEO of Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry. In 2018, Zameer designed the Times Up ring worn by Ashley Judd at the Oscars and, later that year, the cast of Crazy Rich Asians wore Zameer's designs at the global premiere in Singapore. Last year, he was commissioned to celebrate the groundbreaking movie, Black Panther, by designing the Wakanda Forever ring worn by its lead actress Lupita Nyong'o throughout the awards season.

Zameer's passion and enthusiasm for what he does are apparent in the time he puts into his designs. Carrie talks about Zameer's entrepreneurial spirit, how he can design an engagement ring that is so special between the two people in the relationship, and the jewelry he has designed for celebrities.

The demand for Zameer's designs has increased since the beginning of the pandemic. His way of telling a story, with a beautiful piece of jewelry, draws people to him and is what makes his designs the perfect way to capture memories that last a lifetime. Zameer's approach to design is unique, and the way he tells stories with those designs are one of a kind...you won't want to miss his story.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:10] Welcome back to the show, Carrie!
[02:03] Carrie believes that the fact that Zameer tried to sell Mickey Mouse watches to his classmates at age 11 or 12 showed an entrepreneurial spirit.
[04:12] Carrie speaks about Zameer's ability to make jewelry an experience.
[06:03] Carrie discusses how Zameer takes the idea of an engagement ring and makes it special between the two people in the relationship.
[08:24] They discuss the jewelry Zameer has designed for celebrities.
[09:27] Carrie speaks about Zameer's passion and enthusiasm for what he does.
[10:28] Carrie talks about the jewelry she has worn that Zameer designed.
[12:52] They talk about how Zameer's business hasn't slowed down during the pandemic.
[14:17] Carrie, thank you for being on the show!

Find Zameer

Zameer Kassam

@ZameerKassam

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Carrie Goldberg, Travel and Wedding Director at Harper's Bazaar

@carrielauren

@harperbazaarus

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PartySlate - the first website designed specifically for event professionals and venues!

280 ZAMEER KASSAM: Designing Fine Jewelry And Telling Love Stories Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

Zameer Kassam is known for Infusing storytelling with personal history when designing jewelry. Listen as Andy and Zameer discuss the rings he designed for Hasan Minhaj, Ashley Judd, and Lupita Nyong'o. Zameer also talks about his background working in his immigrant family's jewelry business, why talking to people about their love stories was his favorite part, the passion that led him to design jewelry plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Zameer is the Founder and CEO of Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry. Zameer continues to be a member of the Rock 100, the 100 fastest growing startups founded by alums of the Harvard Business School. And, in 2015, De Beers group entered a strategic partnership with Zameer Kassam offering exclusive access to their most rare and precious diamonds.

Zameer is a storyteller, but instead of words, he uses jewelry to tell stories. Listening to the couple's love stories and designing a ring that encompasses their lives gives him joy. Working with De Beers and using diamonds from the Botswana diamond mines gives him a way to do what he loves but still benefit the country they came from and that is something he feels very passionate about.

"I just brought back thoughtfulness and meaningfulness to something that should be thoughtful and meaningful." As Zameer speaks about opening a design company, he hated that the jewelry industry was going into the generic mass consumption direction. He believes that when someone buys a ring for the person they love, it should be unique and not the same ring hundreds of others have been given from the same jewelry store.

Zameer shares his process of finding the sweet spot in diamonds where beauty and value are optimized, the thrill of working with celebrities to bring attention to their causes, and how the pandemic is affecting his business and the changes they made to keep production going. Zameer's story and approach to business is very moving. You don't want to miss the extraordinary conversation.

The Business of Being Creative is another great show on The Wedding Biz Network with host Sean Low. Sean has taken the creative business advice he shared with accomplished notables such as Preston Bailey, Vicente Wolf, Nate Berkus, Sylvia Weinstock, and many more. He is offering it to you on his new show, so tune in every Tuesday on The Wedding Biz Network.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[02:47] Welcome to the show, Zameer!

[03:30] Zameer speaks about a ring he designed for Hasan Minhaj.

[05:36] He shares his life, growing up around his family's jewelry business.

[08:27] Zameer discusses his first job at a consulting company.

[09:13] Listen, as Zameer speaks about his parents being refugees and how that shaped his life.

[12:18] Zameer speaks about telling people's stories because everyone has a story.

[14:21] Was there a moment where you decided you wanted to follow your passion?

[16:28] Zameer talks about his internship with the De Beers group.

[17:17] He discusses spending his second year, the second semester in Botswana, in the diamond mines.

[19:09] Zameer speaks about opening his own fine jewelry company.

[21:36] He tells a story about a friend asking him to design a ring for the love of his life.

[24:50] "I just brought back thoughtfulness and meaningfulness to something that should be thoughtful and meaningful."

[26:28] Listen as Zameer shares his process from the first meeting to the finished product.

[28:01] What are some major tradeoffs in the attributes of a diamond?

[30:48] Zameer shares another story of a couple that moved him.

[33:14] Zameer speaks about the high profile design he did for Ashley Judd that celebrated women directors in film.

[36:53] Zameer shares his perspective on the Botswana diamond industry.

[38:54] Are you working on a wedding show that will air on Netflix?

[40:27] Zameer speaks about how the pandemic is affecting his business.

[41:03] He describes all the changes they made to focus on getting the rings done.

[44:35] Zameer shares how everything has slowed down and people are focusing on the important things.

[45:32] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Zameer

Zameer Kassam

@ZameerKassam

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: