Today we’d like to introduce you to MK Andersen.
MK, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In college, I would joke and say that if my degree/studies didn’t work out, I would just become a wedding planner. Junior year, it was no longer a joke, but part of the larger plan: get a “real” job and then open my wedding planning firm on the side. Senior year, I decided I was all in. When else would I have the chance to start something like this all on my own? I graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in political science and my fair share of skeptical looks when I told my peers and professors my post-college plan. I spent the end of my senior year brainstorming names, building logos and trying to learn the business world.
I graduated and hit the ground running. With a hint of luck and fate, I landed my first wedding the day I officially launched… the catch was it was 2 weeks later. That wedding day, I showed up 2 hours earlier than I had originally planned and was immediately hooked. From there, I just knew this was the thing for me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
HA HA, NO. But that’s half the fun right? I majored in political science and worked in corporate events. Weddings are nothing like anything you can imagine. Every couple is different and has their own celebrations and stressors. Plus, no one has formally taught me a thing about marketing, accounting or PR. I’m learning while I go and from those who have been in the business a tad longer than me.
Going straight from school to self-employment comes with a lot of outside judgment. Many people believe I have wasted my college education, have all the free time in the world or don’t actually work. Flexible time is very different than free time and that’s been hard to explain to some people.
Some days, I feel on top of the world like I’m really making it and doing it. Other days, I feel lost and immediately grab the ice cream from my freezer at 7 am. There’s no checklist in this industry to tell you the next step or if you’re really making it. The abyss is frightening but also amazing because it means we all have our own journeys.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Your Day by MK – what should we know?
Your Day by MK is a wedding planning firm in Chicago obsessed with empowering couples to be who they are at all times, especially during the wedding planning process. We love to specialize in Month of Coordination because we know so many couples and families like to go all in on the planning portion, but do not want the stressors of executing the plan. We’ve created a multitude of resources and a top-notch experience for our Month-Of couples that are unlike anything other. They deserve the same amount of attention and love as our full-service couples.
We’re extremely proud of our continued support of women’s empowerment. We maintain a #WomanWednesday series on our Instagram and blog showcasing all walks of women in and out of the wedding industry. It is important to continue to live our ideals and values through our public platform.
What sets us apart is our dedication to our genuine selves. I still play competitive ultimate frisbee and go make-up free 95% of the time, two things that are uncommon to the wedding industry. It’s so easy to get caught up in a persona you think people expect you to have, but more people appreciate a true version of yourself.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My ability to think on my toes. I love having to think a million thoughts a minute and problem solve with a smile. When you have 15 people asking you what’s next and where to go and now OH NO you can’t find the flowers, you have to be quick to think. How can I keep everyone happy while also dealing with a mini-crisis? Not everyone has that ability.
Also, my laugh… or maybe just the fact that I do laugh. Weddings are to be joyous, and yes, we as vendors have a job to do. BUT, let’s not forget that life is voluntary. We can either make the most of it or live sullen.
Pricing:
- Month Of Coordination starts at $2,000
- Full Service starts at $6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourdaybymk.com
- Email: info@yourdaybymk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdaybymk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourdaybymk/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/your-day-by-mk-chicago-il-1062158
Image Credit:
Ashley Dahl Photography, Gabrielle Daylor Photography, Michelle Lytle Photography, Furla Photography, Sarah Crost Photography, Laurel & Prairie Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
