Pursuit 365 Day 90: Suzanne Durnan

Rachel Frustaci is a certified wedding and events planner and the owner and principal planner for Jewel & Rose Weddings and Events. Rachel prides herself on being a mother of three, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. Most importantly, she is a dreamer who is working hard toward pursuing her dreams. A lover of learning, exploring and challenging herself. With a background in business, culinary arts & interior design, Rachel will work with you to create an event that will be unforgettable.

Q. If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?

Everyone tells you doors will open and close in life, but no one ever tells you to make your own door. If I could talk to my past self I would say, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Listen to the little voice in the back of your head telling you when things are right and when things are wrong. We too often ignore that voice, but it is important to listen and let it guide us on our path through life. Not everyone will like you or support your journey, but that is okay, life is about lessons being learnt. You need to wake up every day and be okay with who you are. It is okay to pursue your career and it is okay to be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Q. What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?

My number one business goal this year is to network, and build my clientele and my reputation. I am excited to work with couples/clients to create the wedding of their dreams and I am looking forward to working with other vendors and businesses in the wedding and events industry.

Q. What do you have going on that you’d like to share?

I have just opened a new business, Jewel & Rose Weddings and Events. I also have a small travel agent business and I work part-time at a local flower shop, just to do something with my hands and to clear my mind. My most important job though is being a mother to my three amazing kids. They teach me so much everyday about what is important and keep me level-headed.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?

When I envision the next five years and future, I think about the fine art of balancing clients, my business in events and my family. I would love to be established in my business and to grow a team of event planners.

I really want to promote local businesses and work with them. I would love to do wedding/event trade shows (small intimate ones) in smaller communities throughout Vancouver, like the community I live in Ladner. There are so many small businesses and talented people out there.

To have purpose in what I do is essential. Not only do I want to create moments that last a lifetime for my clients, I want to be in a place where I help wedding and event planners new to the industry. I found when I was trying to begin that it was hard. There were a few people in the industry that took the time to speak with me and talk about the industry and I am so thankful to those few who were kind and were willing to give me some knowledge. A lot of planning companies are looking for experienced planners, so it is hard for newcomers to get their foot in the door and get the experience they need. I would love to be a mentor and a teacher to those wanting to get started. Perhaps an apprenticeship program or work with local schools to help students get jobs and experience.