Name: Brittany Loomis-Konarowski

Title: Owner

Oranisation: Bash Boutique by bloom

With a passion for creating memorable experiences and a keen eye for detail, Brittany has built a remarkable career spanning 15 years in the realms of event planning and customer experience.

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Brittany has successfully transitioned into the entrepreneurial realm, now proudly owning a thriving special events company.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Brittany's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Striking the right balance between allowing team members autonomy and fostering collaboration is a delicate task. Leaders must find the optimal level of involvement to ensure productivity and innovation but without stifling creativity has been a bit of a challenge.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Over the course of 15 years immersed in the dynamic realms of customer service and event planning, I've honed my skills and evolved into a seasoned leader within the events industry. From suggesting and implementing improvements to volunteering for challenging projects, my proactive approach has been a defining factor in setting me apart. I possess a natural ability to communicate effectively, making me a compelling leader who can articulate ideas and inspire those around me. Whether fostering a positive team culture, motivating colleagues, or thinking on my feet during critical moments, I've consistently demonstrated my capacity for leadership. Drawing inspiration from mentors and role models along the way, I've been guided by their insights and wisdom. My journey is not merely about personal success; it's a commitment to making a difference in the events industry, driven by a passion to innovate and elevate the experiences I create.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My day is a well-orchestrated balance of personal and professional responsibilities, showcasing my dedication and multitasking skills. It all begins with an early start, perhaps fueled by a cup of coffee (or two) that serves as my morning ritual. The quiet hours of the morning is my time for personal reflection, planning, or catching up on industry news to stay ahead.

As a parent, my day kicks into full gear with getting my toddler ready for the day, embodying the delicate art of balancing family life with professional commitments. With my little one taken care of, I seamlessly transition into my work-from-home routine. Meetings with clients form a significant part of my schedule, as I meticulously design each event detail, ensuring that every client's vision is not just met but exceeded.

Simultaneously, I juggle the responsibilities of managing special giftware orders and coordinating event rentals. My attention to detail shines as I navigate the intricacies of custom orders and logistics. The dynamic nature of work requires me to be adaptable, thinking on my feet to address the myriad challenges that may arise during the day.

Despite the demands of my professional life, I prioritize my family's well-being, ensuring that their needs are met throughout the day. My commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance is evident as I seamlessly transition between roles as a business owner, event designer, and mother. As the day progresses, I invest time and effort into marketing projects aimed at enhancing my business's visibility and driving sales.

Late-night hours become a valuable opportunity for strategic thinking and planning, reflecting dedication to continuously improving and growing my business. My day is a testament to a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and ability to manage a diverse set of responsibilities. By integrating family, work, and personal development seamlessly, I exemplify the multifaceted nature of a successful entrepreneur and leader. Each aspect of my day contributes to the overarching goal of making a difference in the industry and leaving a lasting impact on both clients and family.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

To be more resilient. Resilience is a key attribute that empowers you to keep inspiring your team to make effective decisions, and maintain their well-being. It is an essential quality for fostering a positive work culture, embracing change and achieving long-term success.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You by Lydia Fenet. The book reminded me that I have a voice that needs to be heard and it taught me how to hone in on the energy required to be heard. You can be whatever you want to be and you can do whatever you what to do, but you are the only person that can learn how to use the voice inside your head to sell yourself into the life you want. It encouraged a shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of a positive and growth-oriented outlook. It changed the way I approached problems, the way I viewed the current opportunities, and how interact with my team and clients

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Never stop learning, Seek out opportunities for professional development, attend workshops, read books, and stay informed about industry trends. A curious and open mind is a powerful asset for a leader.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

During my time as a leader, one particularly impactful experience unfolded during our annual awards gala night, where a diverse group of new students volunteered to support a fundraising initiative for student scholarships. Tasked with selling raffle tickets, the team faced the dual challenge of both raising funds and integrating into a cohesive unit. Recognizing the wide range of backgrounds and skills among the new volunteers, I focused on cultivating an inclusive and motivating environment. Individual strengths were acknowledged and harnessed, allowing each member to contribute uniquely to the collective effort. Implementing effective communication strategies, I emphasized the importance of the shared goal—supporting student scholarships. By fostering a sense of unity and purpose, we not only exceeded our fundraising targets but also created a collaborative and uplifting atmosphere that left a lasting impression on both the volunteers and the beneficiaries of the scholarships. This experience underscored the significance of managing and motivating diverse teams to achieve collective success while nurturing the personal growth of each team member.