Cindy Novotny

Cindy is a business leader that celebrates women and has launched many careers, Cindy is not only a mentor but a role model for women in business. Cindy founded Master Connection Associates (MCA) an international training and development company specializing in sales, leadership and service excellence over 25 years ago. Cindy has been recognized by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), formally the American Society of Training and Development as one of the most powerful, innovative and passionate speakers in the industry. She has been branded the “Radical Mentor” by thousands of executives around the world for her straight forward, no nonsense approach to leadership. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Training Magazine, Successful Meetings, and broadcast live on the BBC. Cindy spans the globe speaking to vast audiences that range from line employees to top executives. She has also shared the stage with global leaders such as former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Cindy as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing. The Award is given for the most innovation, vision and achievement in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. 

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ANGELA DESVEAUX 

Angela Desveaux is the founder and editor in chief of WedLuxe, one of the world’s leading wedding media brands with print magazines, digital, social, and live event platforms that reach over two million people worldwide annually. In 2021, @WedLuxe social media platforms achieved over half a billion impressions with the USA accounting for over 50% of viewership, followed by Canada, UK, and Italy as key user markets.    In 2018, The WedLuxe Show, an annual consumer event produced for ten years under Angela’s creative direction in Toronto, Canada, was named as a finalist for “Best Consumer Tradeshow,” by Bizbash. In June 2018, Angela served as the guest creative director of Engage! Banff in her native country of Canada. She is now a resident of Winter Park, Florida after immigrating to the USA in 2016. As a thought leader and influencer within the luxury events and design community, Angela has been a keynote speaker at various events around the world. Her topics of expertise include global luxury and design trends, entrepreneurship, business strategy, risk and reward, new-generation multi-platform marketing, and social media for entrepreneurs.

ADRIENNE DORISON

Adrienne Dorison, the co-Founder of Run Like Clockwork and operational efficiency expert, will share a straightforward step-by-step path to designing a business that can run itself. Do you worry that your business will collapse without your constant presence? Are you sacrificing your family, friendships, and freedom to keep your business alive? What if instead your business could run itself, freeing you to do what you love when you want, while it continues to grow and turn a profit?  It’s possible. And it's easier than you think. If you're like most entrepreneurs, you started your business so you could be your own boss, make the money you deserve, and live life on your own terms. In reality, you're bogged down in the daily grind, constantly putting out fires, answering an endless stream of questions, and continually hunting for cash. In this session, Adrienne will show you a simple and proven system you can use to start delegating things off your plate, and making sure they don't ever bounce back! Adrienne has helped thousands of small business owners to successfully remove themselves from "the weeds" of their business so that they can focus on what's most important. 

EMILIE SMITH

As the manager of education and content at The Knot Worldwide, Emilie combines her passion for small business with the power of education to help arm small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the wedding industry. She loves building connections and traveling around the country to spend time with the wedding pros that make this industry the best one out there.

When she’s not on the go, you can find her at home working in her garden or spending time with her husband, Tanner and bird dog, Hank.

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Kirsten Palladino

Kirsten Palladino is an award-winning writer and editor, and one of the world’s most notable experts on LGBTQ+ weddings. Kirsten Palladino is the editorial director and cofounder of Equally Wed, the world's leading LGBTQ+ wedding website. She is the author of Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding (Seal Press), and the creator and lead educator of Equally Wed Pro, the LGBTQ+ inclusive certification course. 

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SHAFONNE MYERS

Shafonne Myers is a media mogul who created the world’s only site for plus size brides, Pretty Pear Bride, is the CEO of a top wedding media company, Aisle Society, with over 30 wedding blogs where she owns 10 of the publications.  She realized that her true zone of genius is educating, empowering and inspiring brides all over the world of the importance of confidence and self discovery so they can step into their true selves on their wedding day and beyond. Her mission is to redefine the way the wedding industry sees beauty. It’s not just a one size fits all industry anymore, everyBODY deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day.

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CHRISTINA MCDANNELL

Christine McDannell is the Founder & Principal at The Magnolia Firm, a boutique brokerage consultancy helping female business owners achieve the perfect exit.

Beth Chapman

BETH LINDSAY CHAPMAN is a veteran of the fashion industry and is known for her work as a bridal boutique owner, stylist, educator, author, and wedding fashion consultant. After her tenure as a Vice President of Merchandising for Ann Taylor, her love of bridal fashion, and sincere desire to create a memorable shopping experience for brides, compelled her to launch The White Dress by the shore, a Connecticut based luxury bridal boutique, in 2004. Beth is also the founder of Beth Chapman Styling + Consulting. After running a bridal store herself for over 15 years, she recognized the need for support and education for bridal store owners. Her passion for teaching and education and her desire to empower independent bridal retailers, has led her to mentor other bridal store owners on elevating their brand and increasing their sales and business profitability. Beth is a firm believer that once you master the art of selling that you can sell anything! To that end, she also trains Wedding Pros on changing their approach to selling and increasing their closing rate. Beth’s styling work and voice can be found in numerous publications, including the 2 books that she co-authored, The White Dress in Color, and The White Dress Destinations.

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liz cox + ty mcbrayer

You may recognize Liz + Ty from Twirl Bridal Boutique and Liz from being on the TWDS team, but they are also the founders of Refined Business Collective.

With well over a decade of experience in the world of small business, we know full well what it feels like to be burnt out and overwhelmed from spinning your wheels in ways that no longer serve you. We also know from personal experience that sometimes it takes someone else coming in to help lift the fog for you to see that there are ways to work smarter not harder. There is so much hope and freedom, friend, we promise! 

Here at the Refined Business Collective, we empower small business owners like yourself to refine your work rhythms. We help you refine those rhythms through frameworks that are both attainable and life-giving. We offer group coaching, one-on-one coaching, and one-on-one personalized brand management to help our clients feel equipped and supported in their callings. We’d love to help lift you from the fog of burnt out so you can experience the freedom that comes from stewarding your calling well.

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Lauren Bercier

Lauren Bercier is the co-founder and CEO of Something Borrowed Blooms. Something Borrowed Blooms was founded in 2015 with a mission to revolutionize the wedding flower industry. Recently married, we knew how expensive and complicated the fresh flower market could be. Since then, we’ve been dedicated to providing the highest quality and on-trend floral designs and decor to couples from coast to coast . With our rent-and-return system, you’re guaranteed to have the flowers you love without the high price tag of traditional wedding flowers. Our constantly expanding rental options include bouquets, boutonnieres, garlands, flower combs and crowns, centerpieces, aisle markers, and so much more for your special day.

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MIKE EBRAHIMI

Mike Ebrahimi, founder/CEO of SYVO, helps hundreds of bridal retailers drive appointments through proven online methods. Based out of Austin, TX, SYVO’s team of 20 people develop solutions that help bridal shops target and engage generation Z brides. SYVO’s website platform, built specifically for bridal shops, allows stores to showcase their collection imagery and information to drive appointments and inquiries.

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Myrna Daramy

Myrna Plaisir Daramy is a tech-savvy Digital Media Optimization Specialist, oftentimes referred to as the “Tech Whisperer” by her clients. Over the last 15 years, she’s transformed countless small business brands and wedding industry professionals by combining her expertise in digital analytics, technology management, and SEO with a deep understanding of all things creative. Myrna's superpower is that she can easily translate “tech talk” into concepts that make sense to even the most non-technical of business owners. She takes pride in helping her clients peel back the layers of their brand, utilize the latest and greatest technology tools, and return to them an optimized digital footprint that converts better than ever before.

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JULIANNE SMITH

JULIANNE SMITH is a nationally recognized wedding accessory designer, digital media strategist and small business educator. Julianne is the owner of The Garter Girl, a stylish wedding garter design company she started in 2004, after she couldn’t find a wedding heirloom worthy of her best friend. The Garter Girl is known for stylish and meticulously handmade wedding heirlooms that are too pretty to toss. The Garter Girl and Julianne have been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Lifetime, The Knot, Martha Stewart, Brides, and Glamour as well as many top wedding magazines and blogs.

Tim mckee + lindsey phillips

Tim McKee is the President of BridalLive and is responsible for assisting prospective clients in determining if BridalLive is the right solution for their needs. He assists with the information gathering process, provides customized demos and support throughout the free trial period.

Shawne Jacobs

Shawne Jacobs serves as Creative Director of Anne Barge and President of its parent company, S. Jacobs, Inc. Her duties include leading the design, marketing, and business development of the bridal lines Anne Barge, Blue Willow Bride by Anne Barge, and Curve Couture as well as its evening wear line, Anne Barge Black Label. Shawne began her career at Anne Barge in 2002, learning every aspect of the bridal business and honing her design skills under the tutelage of the company’s namesake, Anne Barge. Since assuming her role as Creative Director in 2014, Shawne continues to evolve the Anne Barge aesthetic of “modern classical” with new fabrics, details, and silhouettes. “Anne Barge designs are timeless and memorable,” noted Shawne. “Each gown is created to make a woman feel confident and beautiful.”

Originally from Kentucky, Shawne currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Steven Jacobs, and their three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family, exploring Atlanta’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes, and going to yoga. Shawne also supports charities dedicated to improving the environment, fighting hunger, empowering women, and helping children. Two organizations particularly close to her heart are CARE and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

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sara gabriel

Sara began her company on the floor of her tiny Denver apartment in July of 2000. A lifelong obsession with Swarovski crystals, soft tulles, and intricate French laces quickly became the foundation for something bigger: one satisfied bride turned into 200 retail accounts with raving reviews. Sara is a top industry designer because of her blend of classic and spirited designs. But, moreover, she is known for her dedication to growth through authenticity, problem-solving, and partnerships with small businesses. The Sara Gabriel collection is thoughtfully designed to help women see themselves as brides, and to aid stylists in bringing unique bridal visions to life. Sara’s focus on preserving the bespoke process means every handmade piece enables stylists to say “yes” to their bride so she can say “YES” to her dress.

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shafonne myers

Shafonne Myers is a media mogul who created the world’s only site for plus size brides, Pretty Pear Bride, is the CEO of a top wedding media company, Aisle Society, with over 30 wedding blogs where she owns 10 of the publications.  She realized that her true zone of genius is educating, empowering and inspiring brides all over the world of the importance of confidence and self discovery so they can step into their true selves on their wedding day and beyond. Her mission is to redefine the way the wedding industry sees beauty. It’s not just a one size fits all industry anymore, everyBODY deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day. 

justin warshaw

Justin Alexander Warshaw is the CEO and Creative Director of Justin Alexander, a world leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing bridal fashion. This multi-generational wedding dress design house includes the all-inclusive brands: Justin Alexander, Justin Alexander Signature, Adore by Justin Alexander, Lillian West, Sincerity Bridal, Viktor&Rolf Mariage and Savannah Miller. Justin Alexander is a private, family-owned company with offices in New York City, New Jersey, London, Rotterdam and Hong Kong, and its collections are sold by more than 1,500 authorized retailers worldwide.

Melissa oddo

Melissa Lynn Oddo attended the Fashion Institute of Technology from 2003-2007 where she earned her AAS with a specialization in Tailoring and a BFA with a specialization in Ready-to-Wear. She also studied overseas at Polimoda in Florence, Italy from 2005-2006.  Upon graduating, she took a position as Assistant Designer for Dennis Basso. She went on to become a Visual Merchandising Manager for NYC flagships such as White House Black Market and DKNY. Eventually she moved back to Connecticut to start a family and became a consultant for a bridal boutique, where she met a seamstress who was seeking help. Because of Melissa’s sewing background, she was recruited to train and work for her, and that's where she discovered her love for the industry. She founded her own alterations business, deMelis Atelier in 2018 out of her home. It quickly grew into a commercial studio space offering alterations, creative direction and styling. She has coordinated product shoots with names such as Francine Collections and Jovani as well as styled various bridal themed shoots with local industry leaders. She also works closely with Beth Chapman Styling to help brides with Day-Of-Wedding Dressing Services and Concierge Alterations, working with top planners like Tracy Taylor Ward and Kathy Romero. In 2021 she became the first Alterations business to be invited to be a member of The Bridal Council. The rapid growth of her business, coupled with the challenges both she and her colleagues face made her realize that the sewing trades truly are a "lost art,” and inspired her to start Stitched Collective. 

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KERRIE HILEMANN

Kerrie Hileman is a Jacksonville, FL native. When she became engaged in 2010, she fell in love with bridal and the entire dress shopping process. She set out to open a bridal boutique that provided local brides with a unique and exceptional experience coupled with beautiful gown selection. Kerrie’s goal is to ensure that each bride who walks through their door feels the excitement and emotion that comes with choosing a gown. Kerrie spoke on leadership and entrepreneurship in 2017 at Kappa Delta’s National Convention and in 2016 as part of Florida State University’s 7 Under 30 leadership summit. Kerrie journals her entrepreneur journey at lifelovemagnolia.com. She lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and three boys.

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Mallory thoburn

Mallory Thorburn is a Georgia girl, born and raised in Atlanta. She attended Georgia Southern University for her undergraduate degree and Mercer University for her Master’s in Accounting. A CPA by trade, she chose to leave the corporate world after becoming engaged in February of 2014. She found her calling and fell in love with all things bridal and wanted to have a hand in making more bridal dreams come true. After a whirlwind few months, The White Magnolia in Atlanta opened in November of the same year and she hasn’t looked back! She currently resides in Marietta, GA with her husband, son, daughter and Golden Retriever.

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VANESSA + ANDREA DINEEN

As young girls, sisters Vanessa and Andrea shared a dream of working in fashion. In 2014, they became co-owners of Sash + Bustle, combining their passion for bridal with their business and design backgrounds.

We have always been so similar yet opposite. Vanessa is more left brain, Andrea is more right. Vanessa has always been a social butterfly with a knack for giving directions. Andrea was knee-deep in glitter by the time she could walk and has been creating ever since. Growing up together as young sisters we would dream of someday owning and operating our very own retail store. We’ve always been big-dreamers, cautious risk-takers, and huge believers in love. Yeah, you could call us hopeless romantics. Working for ourselves was always the obvious choice, and who wouldn’t want to work with their bestie?!

Sash + Bustle has some how married (pun intended) all of our skill sets and passions as individuals. One of our favourite work-perks is that S+B allows us to be a small part of a bride’s wedding day, which we couldn’t be more honoured for. Supporting other women has always been a driving force for us.

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KRYSTA YORK

A lifelong Oregonian, Krysta earned a degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Advertising from Portland State University. After an early stint in the corporate business world, Krysta soon realized she wanted a career that better suited her passions. Her attention to detail and knack for event planning led her to pursue a career in the bridal industry.  In December of 2005 she started working as a stylist for Charlotte's and quickly found she loved her job. "It's such an honor to be a part of this incredible journey with your bride. You really get to connect and get to know her while helping her find the wedding gown of her dreams. It's a special memory that we get to be a part of and that’s what makes this job so amazing."

In June of 2007, she pursued her passion even further by purchasing Charlotte’s and making it her own. Krysta has spent years working to improve the level of service Charlotte’s provides and enhance the look and feel of the store. She also coaches other bridal shops across the country in growing their business. She speaks on a national level and is a Pro Educator for The Knot.

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earleen garbe

Bringing something unique and different to Ottawa brides is important to us. Our fashion forward wedding gowns and bridal accessories are perfect for the free-spirited, romantic, feminine bride who isn’t afraid to stand out. Each gown and each accessory item that we bring to our boutique is selected with the Revelle bride in mind. The collection we carry is far from traditional and anything but basic. Think fresh, edgy, boho, and modern AF.

We are always on the lookout for up and coming bridal designers that fit with our aesthetic and meet our high standard of quality, workmanship and client service. After carefully reviewing a designer’s attention to style and quality, we’ve acquired a exceptionally curated collection of Wedding Gowns, Bridal Accessories, Wedding Jewellery and more. Our impressive designer roster is comprised of talented indie designers who are exclusive to Revelle in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

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