[Vendor Feature #20] : The Joy Troopers

DELEGATE: Tell us more about yourself

Love stories fascinate me, no matter how simple, how dramatic, it’s the individuality of the people that makes us curious. “How did you meet?”, “What’s special about him?”, “She’s the one, isn’t it?” we often ask.

I love meeting couples, listening to their stories, sharing mine, and observing their little love gestures. I see my life as an experiment, and definitely an experience. We’ve just gotta try everything we love, even the small details that intrigue and interest us. Some lasted a little shorter than others, but we learn something new all the time.

D: How did you get the idea or concept for your business?

Wedding stylist never crossed my mind as a career, let alone a business. I was approached by friends years ago to decorate their weddings. Back then, I was more of an illustrator. It all started with a seed of faith; someone was more confident than me to believe I could make their wedding meaningful. I began to work on more friends’weddings and eventually, The Joy Troopers was born.

D: What is your vision/mission for your company?

Sifting out memorable moments and unique characteristics of a relationship, identifying what’s most meaningful to the couple and translating those thoughts into visuals for their guests, are goals I set to achieve.

Each wedding and party are like collaborations, we explore and experiment; we experience the joy and surprises. We really want our couples to remain friends with us for a long long time.

D: How did you start it? What were some adversities you faced when starting it?

It was a natural process for me, where opportunities came and I followed my heart and went for them. It started more like an interest, combining several skills that I’ve practiced and loved through the years; crafting, illustrating, photography, conceptualising and designing.

Being a one-man company means that I handle all aspects of the business myself from planning, execution, production, to social media, finance and trouble shooting. The hardest part will probably be to constantly remain motivated, to improve on myself to make better work.

D: What is something we might not know about the industry you’re in?

Many people talk about politics in every working industry and that competitiveness always kills passion. I find that in the wedding industry, vendors are always open to collaborations and helping each other out. We form little communities to share ideas and inspire one another, I feel that this is very encouraging and motivating environment that people may not know about.

D: What has been the most memorable experience for you so far in running your business?

The first wedding I did will always have a place in my heart. It was a close friend’s wedding, and he approached me to illustrate for his wedding venue. I had no experience, neither did I know what wedding styling was about but they placed their utmost trust in me. I remember we were really ambitious with our creations; larger than life hand-illustrated animal standees and a whimsical forest wedding setting.

D: How do you define success? Who do you see as successful?

I think it is important to be constantly improving, being happy and motivated with what we do. Success to me is being able to balance my family and career.

D: Which habits of yours have gotten you to where you are today?

I love to travel to meet people, I love to grow in that way. I’m always inspired and re-charged when I’m back from a trip, no matter how short it is. I will often look out for inspiring entrepreneurs and write them an email if I were to visit their country. If they can meet me, that will be such a great bonus for me.D: What is one thing you would like your customers to know about your company?

We love to create “reusable” decorations for any weddings or parties. It can be a backdrop that can be converted into a door curtain, or a customized small brooch that you can wear after your event as a daily accessory.

D: If you could give advice to fellow and budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Stay focused, easier said than done. Set priorities, and follow through plans. Wake up early, fresh and bright, be prepared to take on the day!