In honor of Women’s History Month, I would like to highlight entrepreneurs who are making changes in their communities as well as the small business world.
This week I selected to interview Tiffany Cook, celebrity/NFL wedding & event planner. She transforms ordinary ideas into fabulous multi-dimensional events.
Tiffany Cook is the CEO, owner and driving creative force behind Tiffany Cook Events, a full service planning, design, and production company specializing in the luxury wedding & event market. She is the planner of choice for NFL professional athletes’ and celebrities, with many of her brides appearing on reality shows such as Hard Knocks, Jack of All Tastes, and a popular Housewife franchise. Tiffany’s name and brand have become synonymous with artistic vision, elegant style, and luxury lifestyle. Tiffany sets the platinum standard for weddings and events.
Q: What/who inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
A: My father who raised me was an entrepreneur. I was exposed to his business from a young age. Seeing him put together deals and watching them come to fruition was intriguing. I realized at a young age that with my own business anything was possible. There were no salary caps or any ceilings to break through. I could call my own shots. I liked being in control of my own destiny. My nothing is impossible approach I often referred to as "Planet Tiffany" as I am the master of my universe.
Q: What drove you to focus on the wedding industry?
A: My first business was based in New York in the music and celebrity event arena doing production for large scale events and concerts in Europe and Asia while my children were young enough to travel the world with me. When they became school age they could no longer globe trot with me. I gave up my very successful business to take a few years off to be a Mommy after relocating to Florida. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next. I was chatting with a friend over coffee about what my next business would be that would allow me not to travel as much so I could be home and raise my children while using my production design and event background. I wanted to create the income I was accustom to and continue to do something that I love. My friend suggested wedding planning which I giggled at and didn't even consider at the time as a viable option. My friend wouldn't let it rest thank goodness reminding me that weddings were event productions. Her persistence prompted some research on part that peaked my interest. Days later I created my company and the rest is history, 17 years of amazing history!
Q: What is your purpose?
A: To be a creative force in my industry, inspire people with my work, and hopefully along the way enrich some peoples lives by sharing the life and business lessons I have learned.
Q: Fall or Summer?
A: Fall hands down.