Hi y’all! Marissa here. I am so thrilled to introduce our new Making Things Happen mini series featuring some our of fabulous alum! Helping us kick it off is Latrice Cushenberry! This stylish MTH2010 Nashville alum is no stranger to making BIG things happen. She has just launched her newest venture Opulent Couturier Style. Join me as we take a little one-on-one time with Ms. Latrice!
Making Things Happen was: It’s hard to believe that I am coming upon my 2 year MTH-Anniversary. I was a part of the Nashville class in 2010. Our class was a smaller class but I’ve formed connections with several of my classmates that have been very influential to my growth. The experience, which started for me after I left that evening, was a series of reflection, goal setting but also soul searching. I was in a unique place when I attended because the previous day, I had just relaunched my wedding planning company under the new name of Opulent Couturier Event Styling & Planning. My goal in changing my company name was to enlarge my scope of services that I offered to clients by including event design and decor. Over the past 2 years, I have seen my business and also my reach expand to something far greater than I can explain at times. I know that I am operating in purpose because styling both personal style and event styling fuels me when I get up in the morning and keeps me up at night because the ideas are flowing. MTH 2010 taught me that it is OK to be free and transparent. Sometimes as women, we feel like we have to hold it down or hold it together. Especially when you are a woman in business. For me, it was also a challenge to let go because I am single. If it’s going to be done, it starts with me first. So, that was added pressure. Now I know it’s OK to say “No” because I’ve put myself first. Don’t get me wrong, there are still opportunities in that area but everyday it’s a new notch in my belt when I make the choice not to over-work or over-extend myself.
What I’m working hard on now: Right now, I am working on adding personal styling services for professionals. I took away from MTH 2010 that “I am my brand”. Latrice Cushenberry was Opulent Couturier. I’ve always been into fashion and style from as early as elementary school, my Mama made sure I was always put together. Having worked in Merchandising and Retail Management for over 15+ years this will be a great step for me. I want to educate professionals on the importance of looking the part at all times and dressing right for their body type. Success in the wedding industry and so many other professions is affected by how you present yourself. Whether we want to admit it or not, image makes a difference! It’s my hope to launch Opulent Couturier Style by April of 2012! http://www.opulentcouturierstyle.com/
Best advice to others on how to make things happen: Believe in yourself. You are worth the life you want and the career that fulfills you.
Before MTH, I never thought I’d: Before MTH, I never thought that I would be so transparent to a group of people that were strangers. I was very guarded, but the MTH experience it taught me that its OK to open up to people. You never know when your story will be a blessing to someone else.
What’s ahead for me: I plan to continue to build upon the Opulent Couturier brand and and would like to serve as a Style Expert/Correspondent for a bridal or style publication and/or blog.
