Listening is one of the most powerful tools you have as a new business owner. This blog shares practical, heart-centered ways to improve your listening skills, build stronger client relationships, and grow your business with more empathy and confidence.

Brandi Swanson, founder of Next Chapter Weddings, shares the personal story behind her leap from dance studio owner to wedding planner. From heartbreak to healing, she built a business rooted in love, purpose, and courage—while raising a family as a single mom. This blog is an open letter to every woman chasing big dreams, reminding you that your purpose is valid, your vision is powerful, and your next chapter starts with one bold step.

Being a wedding planner means learning on the job... and yes, that includes making mistakes. From undercharging to overworking, I’ve made my fair share. But each one taught me something invaluable. In this post, I’m sharing the 9 biggest lessons I’ve learned so you can plan smarter, grow stronger, and sidestep the stress.

At first, coffee helped me power through wedding days and endless to-do lists. But soon it became a crutch — one that left me anxious, burnt out, and disconnected from what mattered most. This is the story of how I gave up caffeine and found clarity, calm, and freedom on the other side.

I didn’t wait to feel ready to start my wedding planning journey. With passion, organization, and a willingness to learn, I grew from my first wedding into a thriving business — proving you don’t need perfection to begin, just the courage to take the first step.

Being a wedding planner is more than timelines and checklists... It’s a journey full of lessons, wins, and heart. In this post, I’m opening up about the 5 things I’m most proud of, from creating intentional weddings to building a supportive community. Whether you’re a fellow planner, a vendor, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, these reflections offer a real look at the purpose and pride that fuel this work.

Starting a wedding planning business as a newly single mom wasn’t easy but it was Brandi’s way of rebuilding. From working late nights in a tiny apartment to booking her first wedding, this is the honest story of how grit, motherhood, and purpose built something beautiful from scratch.