Where do you work/what is your position? Aristocat Transportation, owner

How long have you been in the business? 22 years

What do you love about it? The people

How long have you been a NACE member? Since February but attending for over 5 years

How has NACE helped you along your journey? The synergy of this group is what attracted me to join. Everyone I have met is so helpful and knowledgeable about business and I have gotten some great advise that has helped my business tremendously-especially Sue Keels, Janet Engelhardt and the entire Royal Park Hotel staff along with Kurt Cologne from Mike Staff -they have been extremely accomodating and helpful. I have also received some new business and referrals already!

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do? Get references, do an onsite visit to check out their operation and vehicles, make sure they are insured, go with a bigger company that can accommodate you with another vehicle if there is a problem, shop rates, ask the year of the vehciles, ask how long the chaeuffeurs have been employeed with them, get a signed contract when you agree on the service, make sure they are fully licensed and insured and comfirm the service a few days before.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We offer worldwide transportation
2. I was elected to a 4 year term on the board of directors for the National Limousine Association-it is a lot of work and very rewarding
3. I love boating
4. We offer a fleet of over 70 vehicles
5. We offer our clients a wide range of referrals to our business partners we have developed over the years
6. I’ve written 4 national published articles this year
7. I’m a firm believer of the law of attraction-like attracts like
8. I don’t like peas
9. I love animals
10. I am a Detroit certified woman owned business

Here’s the audio from Cindy’s talk she shared with the Detroit Chapter courtesy of Epic Motion. Feel free to download it to your iPod or listen to it online.

Cindy Novotny {Motivational Speaker} Presentation for Detroit NACE

Kelly and her parents

Kelly and her sister

How long have you been in the business?
I have been with Imago since it opened in September 2006, but have been in the wedding/events industry for about 8 years now.

What do you love about it?
I love being able to help a bride achieve her perfect day. From the salon standpoint, that means making sure the bride and her bridal party look perfect with their hair and makeup, but also making sure they have a wonderful experience on the wedding day. Knowing that I helped reduce some of the stress that comes along with planning a wedding makes me very happy as well!

How long have you been a NACE member?
I am a new member to NACE! I just joined in December 2008 and am also the Hospitality co-chair for 2009!

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
NACE has already helped me by introducing me to so many great people in the catering and events industry. So many of our salon/spa clients ask us for referrals for either their weddings or special events. NACE has provided me the opportunity to meet these great people and given me the confidence to refer one of our clients to another great vendor who happens to be a NACE member too!

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
We are a full service salon and spa catering to weddings and special events. Not all salons/spas cater to the bridal industry like we do. Meet with one of our service providers, talk to them about their work and experience, check out our facility, and you will realize that we are one of the best in the area!

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We are a full service salon and spa in Shelby Township.
2. We offer airbrush makeup and our senior makeup artist is one of the first makeup artists in Michigan to offer airbrush makeup!
3. We have over 4000 square feet of space for our salon and spa.
4. We offer couples massages, pedicures and facials – great for the bride and groom to relax and de-stress before the big day!
5. We had over 100 brides become Imago Brides last year!
6. We have a private bridal suite in our facility equipped with a lounge area, wet bar and mini fridge – great for hosting Bridal Parties, Spa Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Girls Night Out, and even Birthday parties!
7. Our salon won Best Overall Hair and Makeup at “The Really Big Hairball” show in October 2008
8. We were voted in the Top 5 in WDIV Vote for the Best in 2008.
9. In my previous life, I used to be a Project Manager for an IT consulting firm, so I am very organized and detailed oriented!
10. You can find our salon on Facebook and soon to be on Twitter!

Where do you work/what is your position?
All Things Creative Wedding Coordination and Event Design and I am the owner

How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade now. I started ATC last year.

What do you love about it?
OH MY GOSH… WHERE DO I START!!! I love everything about what I do. The fact that each bride is so different and has her own vision, is the best part. I get to be creative on so many different levels. Where one bride may want a small intimate garden wedding, another bride may want a huge wedding with all the works, lighting, linens, floral arrangements with crystals, etc. I love to see a good plan come together. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when a bride thanks me and says I have lifted a weight. That is what I am here for, that is what makes my day!

How long have you been a NACE member?
I have been coming to the meetings for years, but just joined this year. I love it.

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
In my business referrals and quality vendors are HUGE! When I refer a vendor to a bride, that puts my reputation on the line. If I refer someone and they don’t perform as they should, I would feel awful.. NACE has given me the opportunity to meet quality vendors in the industry and be picky about who I refer to my brides.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
That is a great question. Make sure you feel comfortable with them and you like them. Other than the photographer, your coordinator is the only other vendor you will spend the entire day with. Trust your instincts.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade.
2. One of my favorite meals is a combination of mashed potatoes, tomato soup, turkey meat, and corn… mmmm!
3. I have the best daughter in the world, I am addicted to her!
4. We do northern Michigan weddings and have a northern Michigan intern as well as a metro Detroit intern.
5. We have just introduced linen rental and floral design.
6. I used to work at Quicken Loans, that’s where I met my husband!
7. I started riding horses at age 2.
8. I cry at most acceptance speeches for the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, etc.
9. I used to be a karaoke queen.
10. My dream car is a 73 Corvette.

If you would like to be highlighted in our NACE Member Spotlight, please contact Ryan Koral - our NACE Communications Chair - at ryan@epicmotion.com for more info.

Janet Engelhardt

Where do you work/what is your position?
Royal Park Hotel / Social Catering Manager

How long have you been in the business?
5 years at the Royal Park – but in Catering all my life!  My family owned/operated a restaurant.   I was in my baby swing in the middle of the dining room!  When I could walk, I would go table to table begging for French fries!

What do you love about it?
Every person and every event is different.  Each day we learn something new about people.   Despite all the differences in the world, everyone comes together around the table.

How long have you been a NACE member?
Going on my 3rd year

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
The people I have met and their dedication to their craft is the most amazing inspiration!  Willingness to share ideas and work together toward the successful outcome of each event is unparalleled.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
Please let your Catering Manager know what your “dream” is so that she/he can do everything possible to make it come true!  I truly appreciate guests who “tell it like it is” and are not afraid to tell me what they want.  This takes the guessing out of the equation and allows us to put all our efforts into making each aspect of the event EXACTLY what the guest would like.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. the Royal Park Hotel works with EVERY budget to offer all our guests a “Luxurious Experience”!
2. the Royal Park Hotel believes that Vendors are our Guests
3. the Conservatory was made in Belgium and shipped over to be rebuilt on our grounds
4. all the chandeliers in the Hotel are Murano crystal
5. the Royal Park Hotel is located along the Paint Creek Trail
6. I have two wonderful sons
7. My husband is an Executive Chef
8. we have had a Bride and her Bridesmaids jump in the Creek at the end of her reception!  The Groom soon followed!
9. we experienced our first-ever wedding fireworks this November, 2008, with the help of Laura Davis Events, fellow NACE member
10. every menu is custom designed for each wedding to make it exactly perfect