Life and Work with Allison Celenza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Celenza.

Allison, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I launched Hand-Painted Weddings in May 2012 on my 30th birthday. With all of my friends getting married at the time, I felt a strong draw towards the personalized touches couples brought to their wedding day. Having always been a fine artist at heart and graphic designer by profession, I combined these passions and created Hand-Painted Weddings, specializing in fine art watercolor wedding invitations perfect for the couple looking to incorporate personal touches to their wedding.

Over the last seven years, I have been blessed to paint unique keepsakes and artistic, colorful wedding invitations for couples all over the world. I truly have the best couples coming to me for custom wedding invitation suites and I feel truly honored to be a part of each of their big days.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I love challenges and working on a diverse range of projects but one tip I would recommend other young women starting their journey is to figure out what the bread and butter of your business is, and don’t be afraid to focus on it. I have found that in such a busy online marketplace environment, it is helpful to have a niche so you stand out from the others. 

Also, connect with other people in the same industry. It is crazy fun to meet other people in your network and it’s a very smart business move to collaborate on projects. Sometimes, we are stronger together than separate—support one another!

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in watercolor wedding invitation suites and painted keepsakes. Many couples who are having destination weddings work with me because I paint a watercolor of their destination in the designs. I’ve also been specializing in invitations that feature the beauty of the couple’s wedding venue. After all, the venue is usually the first big aesthetic decision made for a wedding—why not feature its beauty in your invitation suite?

What sets me apart is my years of experience working one on one with customers. I work directly with the couple from start to finish creating an easy, fun experience that is collaborative and creative.

Who have you been inspired by?
Women like Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert inspire me to speak my truth and live a big life. I also am very inspired by Lacy Phillips, whose specialty is in manifestation at To Be Magnetic—she inspires me to live a life of high self-worth, manifesting the life of my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://handpaintedweddings.com
• Email: info@handpaintedweddings.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handpaintedweddings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HandPaintedWeddings/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HandPaintedWed
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandPaintedWeddings

Image Credit:
Hand-Painted Weddings

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