“At the Table” is a series of interviews and spotlight conversations with people I admire from within and outside of the wedding industry. These conversations focus on topics related to building an intentional, relationship-first business alongside a present, connected, values-driven personal life.
Introduction:
I truly do not remember when I first met Persephone. We are both from the Washington, DC area, and while neither of us live there anymore, our knowledge of each other (and our resulting friendship) began in that orbit. We see each other once or twice a year at networking events, and it’s always an explosion of deep connection. She is the yin to my yang—we truly could not be more opposite in personality, taste, marketing methods, and clothing style (she is Schiaparelli & Jacquemes, I’m a British grandma in the Cotswolds), but share so many of the same core values. Excited to share her words with you!
Follow Persephone on IG here. Follow her podcast, “Persephone Says” here and on IG. Follow her company, The Media Socialites via their website and IG.
THE INTERVIEW
→ First of all, tell me in your own words what you do for work, and why you do it?
I help businesses looking to reach an affluent audience do so through digital strategy, websites, social media, AI, and content. I own The Media Socialites, the only 360° marketing agency dedicated exclusively to luxury weddings and events, and we work with the best of the best.
I’m also the host of a podcast, Persephone Says, which explores the wedding and events industry, mental health, and—of course—a healthy dose of marketing.
→ What does a typical day look like for you?
5:00 AM – Wake up; immediately matcha, creatine, and supplements
5:30 AM – Meditate and journal
6:00–6:45 AM – Workout
7:00–7:45 AM – Prepare breakfast and get my twins dressed and out the door
8:00–8:15 AM – Drive to the podcast studio
8:30–9:00 AM – Record an episode of Persephone Says
9:30 AM–3:30 PM – A mix of internal meetings, client meetings, prospect calls, and proposal writing. Every day looks a little different.
3:30–5:00 PM – The twins get home. I make sure they have a snack and an activity, and I try to be as present as possible—taking minimal calls during this time.
5:00–5:45 PM – Cook dinner for the family
6:00–6:30 PM – Dinner
6:30–7:45 PM – Family games (we’re very into Mahjong right now, plus Uno or Monopoly)
7:45 PM – Bedtime for the twins, usually with a family meditation. I know how that sounds—and I’d probably roll my eyes too—but it really helps them.
8:00–8:30 PM – Edit the podcast and submit it to my producer
8:30–10:30 PM – Eddie and Persephone time
10:30 PM – Lights out
→ In her book Dare to Lead, Brené Brown says that every person has just two core values that shape everything else that they do or believe. Do you agree with that idea? If you could boil your values down to just two, what would they be? How do those influence how you do your work & live your life?
I do agree. My two values—the ones I live by personally and professionally—are leading with love and operating from a place of truth, no matter what.
These values allow me to stay true to myself and give my honest professional opinion when asked, even when it’s uncomfortable.
→ The British author Alain de Botton has this famous quote: “There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” I tend to agree with this idea, that work-life balance is an unhelpful goal, and we should instead think about aligned values and healthy rhythms in all spheres of life. What do you think about the phrase “work-life balance?” How do keep healthy rhythms & momentum going in both work and personal spheres?
I don’t believe in work-life balance. My dad is an entrepreneur who raised me, and he always said: when you’re present, be present—wherever you are.
As a woman and a CEO, there’s simply more on our plates—even with the best, most involved partners, which thankfully I have. My husband comes first. We constantly check in with each other—sometimes daily—to make sure we’re aligned or to course-correct if one of us is feeling off. It’s not perfect, but over-communication has been the single most important factor in our happy household and healthy working dynamic.
We prioritize our marriage with trips or getaways—even if they’re work-related—to reconnect.
Travel is essential in our industry, but I’ve placed far more boundaries around work travel now that my babies are eight. If a trip truly requires the CEO and can’t be accomplished another way, I go. If it materially moves the business forward and no one else can achieve the same result, I go. And sometimes—I’ll be honest—I go because I want to have fun with my friends. Otherwise, I’m fortunate to have an incredibly capable team who can knock it out of the park without me.
Since the twins were one year old—when they couldn’t fully understand—I’ve always explained why I was traveling and how it positively impacts our lives. As they’ve grown, I’ve doubled down on that, showing them what we do whenever they’re interested.
We removed the TV from our house five years ago, and it’s been incredible. It forces conversation, music, and intentional time together—especially on weekends, when we snuggle in bed as a family. With identical twins, I also make it a priority to spend one-on-one time with each of them. Solo dates and yearly individual trips have created some of the most meaningful memories we share.
→ Some people argue that a focus on people and a focus on profit are competing priorities, but I love talking about the ways that running a relationship-first business aids in building more profitable, sustainable businesses. What do you think about this idea? Are they competing ideas? Why or why not?
They are not—and I learned this the hard way.
My business grew too fast, and I was overly focused on profit instead of people. It doesn’t work. It will bite you in the ass. Last year, I hit pause and focused on systems, AI efficiencies, streamlined internal and external communication, and—most importantly—reconnecting with my team.
The result? Profit increased, employee churn decreased, morale improved, and we’re producing the best work we ever have. People first, always.
→ What are some ways that running a people-first business has benefited you? How has it benefited others?
Another cautionary tale: there was a period when I over-prioritized my employees’ opinions over my own. That’s also destructive. Somewhere along the way, I developed people-pleasing tendencies I didn’t even realize I had.
The magic is in the balance—clear expectations, clear swim lanes, confidence in your role, and creating space for people to feel heard and appreciated. That combination has changed everything for me.
→ Our culture and our industry is fast—trends come and go in the blink of an eye, and there’s just so much noise, especially on social media. It can be tempting to believe that the only way to stand out is to add to the noise, to follow trends, to make a bigger flash than our competitors. But what if you’re a quiet brand? I have written about the difference between Fireworks and Fireplace brands here. Would you say that your business is more of a fireworks display or a fireplace? How does that influence how you market?
This may shock you, but I no longer believe in trends—especially try-hard, flippant ones. I believe in brand purity, no matter the size.
We’re stuck in a vortex of copying and comparing, and it’s destroying mental health. Marketing is uncomfortable for most people, so my advice is this: show your real personality in a way that feels natural to you and resonates with your ideal audience.
That doesn’t mean showing everything—there’s always an edit. But find the format that feels authentic. If you hate talking to the camera, show yourself working and layer audio over it. If writing is your love language (hi, Sarah Bradshaw), lean into long-form or Substack. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.
The Media Socialites is very much a fireworks brand—because, well, marketing—but we’re also deeply business-minded, revenue-focused, and conversion-driven. In many ways, my team leans more fireplace… and perhaps I’m the firework.
→ How do you stay authentic when it often feels that “fake it ‘til you make it” energy is rewarded?
Oof—this one’s tough.
There’s a balance. Fake it for the challenge, but then do the work to make it your best. Learn, seek mentorship, and take action. But—and this is a big but—if you’re not the right partner, planner, or fit, be honest.
In short: fake it for the challenge you can conquer. If you can’t support it with knowledge or resources, be transparent and make a referral.
→ What is bringing you joy in your work right now?
I’ve never been happier in my business—seven years solo and seventeen years into my career. I feel renewed energy, deep alignment, and genuine pride in the work we’re doing. Our partners are incredible, and my team is stellar.
My podcast—and producing podcasts for others—has created a deeper connection with people than I ever expected. Every week, I’m surprised by the response, and I’m really proud of myself for finally following through on something I dreamed about for years.
→ If we were to meet here a year from now, what do you hope we would be celebrating?
This same feeling—alignment, confidence, and peace—times one hundred.
→ Final question: what is the number one book you recommend to every creative entrepreneur?
This will surprise no one: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. It’s served me very well.