Monica Hui has YPs covered with everything wedding and event-related. The 33-year-old is the Founder of Wishahmon Inc, an umbrella company of Wishahmon Wedding Creations, Wishahmon Event Creations and, most recently, Wishahmon Glorious Gowns, a wedding gown consignment boutique
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
My pitch totally depends on whether or not I see an engagement ring on a finger!
To newly engaged brides: Wishahmon Wedding Creations designs custom weddings that reflect the merger of the bride and groom’s unique personalities. Wishahmon – Glorious Gowns is a wedding consignment boutique that assists brides in finding their dream wedding gown at a fraction of retail price. To corporate clients: Wishahmon – Event Creations produces memorable events that represents the company and will have guests talking for a really long time.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I started my wedding design business because I wanted to merge my love for interior design with my passion for weddings. (I cry at every wedding I attend or watch on TV.) I had volunteered for years to create weddings for my friends. My friend’s appreciation and comments from their guests inspired me to start this business. This was also an excellent way to create more weddings to continue this love and passion as I was quickly running out of engaged friends. My other two businesses grew naturally.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Creating custom pieces for my client’s weddings is the best part of what I do. It is an awesome feeling knowing that each piece I create will add to my client’s special day and memories. I get to make a small contribution in the biggest event of my client’s lives.
It is challenging when things go wrong the day of the wedding. I have had flowers not show up, centerpiece vases being broken by my crew, custom design pieces being broken, wedding designs not work out, vendors not showing up, and bride and grooms being late for their own wedding. When faced with these challenges, I use them as an opportunity to stretch my creativity, use my communication skills to ask for last minute help from my peeps in the industry, and to keep my cool in front of others. The most important part of my job is not to let my clients know about all the challenges that I had to encounter just minutes before they were going to walk down the aisle.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
In five years, I would love to offer additional wedding services to brides. I hope that Wishahmon will become a one-stop shop for brides planning their dream wedding.
What does success look like to you?
Success is being recognized for your achievements and having financial freedom to continue to do what you love.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Most memorable is being referred as a wedding expert by a radio host.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
There will always be negative people telling you that you can’t do what you love for a living. Politely listen to what they have to say but make your own decisions. Right or wrong in their eyes, it is the right decision to you.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region because cancer has touched several members of my family, including my mother. I also support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation because my close friend’s daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just before her third birthday.
What is Notable to you?
Making a positive contribution to society.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I keep active by running along the Bow River, energetic through positive interactions and relationships, and vibrant by having facials regularly.