Chitter Chatter is a series I’m running all about inspirational women in the wedding industry whom I greatly admire. These women successfully combine running their own business with married life and, in a lot of cases, raising a young family. The ‘Chitter Chatter’ twist is is they have to answer my questions in just 140 characters or less….
Today I’m chitter chattering to Marina Licht who I had the pleasure of meeting last October at the Wedding Blog Awards. Marina is the founder and editor of fashion bridal blog, Style & The Bride, and hostess of this week’s snazziest wedding industry do at her Style & The Bride new site launch party that took place on Tuesday.
She tells me all about attending Victoria and David Beckham’s wedding (yes really!), editing Cosmopolitan Bride for five years (quite the background for a wedding blogger, huh?) and her secret talent for tongue twisters…
What was your first job?
My first job was as an editorial assistant on OK! Magazine. I used to spend my days photocopying, and was constantly thinking of ideas to get my name into print.
Tell me more about your career before launching Style & The Bride
I started my career on OK! Magazine and got my first taste for weddings when I attended the wedding of Victoria and David Beckham. I went on to become the Editor of Cosmopolitan Bride for five years (and was Natmags, now Hearst’s) youngest Editor at the time.
What made you start Style & The Bride?
I believed there was a gap in the market for an upscale bridal blog aimed at the fashionable/stylish bride.
What inspires you to keep growing and developing your business?
The innovative industry I am in! I never cease to be amazed by the creativity of the people in the bridal industry and this spurs me on to keep growing and developing Style & the Bride.
What obstacles have you overcome along the way?
I have always worked for big companies and magazines, so I suppose it was having the confidence to make blogging my full time career.
What is the best opportunity that Style & The Bride has brought you?
To write about what I am passionate about and to be able to witness the creativity of the bridal industry.
What’s your best tip for a work / life balance?
I am still trying to work that one out! Come back to me in a year and hopefully I have come up with the answer.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Why work for other people when you can work for yourself?
97% of Britain’s small creative businesses are run by women. Why do you think this is?
After having children, women have to decide whether they want to resume their career and work incredibly long hours, or take a more junior position to have more of a life/work balance. Neither option is ideal which is why women often start their own businesses.
How did you meet your husband?
At a charity event.
What was the highlight of your wedding day?
Walking into my reception room and seeing all the incredible pink flowers by John Carter.
Was there anything standout about what you wore?
I wouldn’t say there was one thing that was standout, the whole look just worked.
Looking back, is there anything you would change about your wedding?
Yes! Although I loved my dress, I would love to have worn lace.
What are your tip tops for brides-to-be when planning their wedding?
Don’t be pressurised into choosing a dress or venue etc. because your mother or best friend thinks you should. Remember it’s your day and you should have confidence in making your own decisions.
Secret to a happy marriage?
I should say ‘compromise’, but that word is very difficult for me. I think trying to have a ‘date night’ when it is just the two of you. Ideally once a week.
Favourite film?
Sabrina Fair
Love is…
Being your partner’s number one supporter.
Favourite quote?
‘Be yourself, everybody else is already taken ‘Oscar Wilde.
Favourite gadget?
My iPhone.
Last holiday?
Miami
Currently reading?
I am reading books that I didn’t read whilst studying English Literature at University and starting with Dickens’s David Copperfield
If you could be trapped in a lift with any living person who would it be and why?
For years, I would have said Ethan Hawke, but I have changed my mind. It would now have to be Bradley Cooper. If I had someone nice to look at, it would hopefully take my mind off being stuck!
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know… preferably non work-related
I am fantastic at tongue twisters.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Nespresso dark chocolate
What’s next?
Building on the success we’ve had after the recent launch of our newly designed site.
Thank you Marina! Enjoy more of Style & The Bride on:
@Twitter
@Instagram
@Facebook
@Pinterest
