Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Shi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into wedding planning started back in college, where my love for advertisements led me to major in marketing. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I landed a job as an event manager in Beijing, organizing corporate events for two years. Though I enjoyed seeing my projects come to life, I felt something was missing. This led me to pursue an MBA in the USA, where I met my husband.
Our wedding—a milestone I approached with the enthusiasm of a seasoned planner. On my wedding day, I was shocked to find the blush linens I ordered from the florist were replaced with standard white ones from the hotel. The florist disappeared, not answering my calls. This experience upset me deeply, and I decided no one else should go through that. That’s why I became a wedding planner.
I enrolled in a wedding planning academy, learning from Sherrien Shui, a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience. Learning from her and working on real weddings as her assistant gave me invaluable experience. When I became pregnant, I left to start my own business, AMORMAGIC, with a classmate from the academy because I believed that a successful wedding requires a team, not just one person.
The initial years of AMORMAGIC were slow, with just a few weddings per year, but I was deeply satisfied. Seeing my designs come to life and knowing I was making couples’ dreams come true confirmed I had found my calling. This joy and fulfillment kept me motivated, even in the face of challenges.
Today, AMORMAGIC has 30 weddings a year with a dedicated team of six. Our work has not only satisfied our clients but has also been recognized in magazines.
My goal is to keep growing, aiming to become the best wedding planner and designer in LA and, eventually, the world. I believe that doing what you love means you’ll never tire of it, so I continue to work hard, learn, and never give up on making each wedding perfect.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey with AMORMAGIC has been rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. One of the initial struggles was building a client base. In the beginning, we had only a few weddings per year. This slow start was challenging, both financially and emotionally, as we worked to establish our reputation in a competitive industry.
Another significant challenge was balancing the demands of a growing business with personal life, especially after becoming a mother of two kids. Ensuring that I could give my best to both my family and my clients required careful time management and, sometimes, tough sacrifices.
A particularly testing time was when a key member of our company decided to leave. This experience was difficult, but it taught me a crucial lesson about self-reliance and leadership. It led to me taking on more responsibilities and ensuring that the company could always rely on my leadership.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle has been an opportunity to learn and improve. Overcoming these hurdles has taught me resilience and adaptability. These lessons have not only strengthened my business but have also enriched my personal development, making me more empathetic and resourceful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the heart of my work lies a deep passion for creative design, tailored specifically to embody the unique desires of each bride and groom. My specialization is in crafting personalized wedding designs that not only reflect the couple’s vision but also enhance the beauty of the chosen venue. This approach ensures that every wedding is a harmonious blend of personal touches and the venue’s inherent charm.
What sets my work apart is my meticulous attention to detail and my ability to envision and execute designs that transform spaces. I consider the venue’s layout, color scheme, and atmosphere, ensuring that my designs complement its features and elevate the overall aesthetic. This holistic approach guarantees that the final setup is not just beautiful but also cohesive and immersive.
What truly distinguishes me in the field of wedding planning is this commitment to creative excellence and personalized service. I believe that every wedding should tell a story, and my role is to craft that narrative through design, making each event unforgettable and distinctly reflective of the couple’s personality and journey
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories is watching advertisements on TV. I was captivated by the stories they told in just a few seconds, the creativity behind each ad, and how they connected with viewers on an emotional level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amormagic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amormagicwedding/
Image Credits
Tommy Lu
Senya Zhang
