We had the good fortune of connecting with MaKayla Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MaKayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I recently created my very own business in 2022. I’ve always had a passion and love for weddings. As a little girl I would watch shows like Bridezillas, and I found the process of creating a wedding interesting. During this past year, I found the motivation to create something of my own. I’ve always worked for a company and have been managed by others. I was ready to create something that I had a passion for, and something that I could dictate. Being my own boss has always been a goal of mine. I majored in Business-Entrepreneurship with a minor in Music at the University of North Texas. The drive and passion was there. I needed to actually do it this time. I watched some videos, read a lot of articles, and reached out to small business corporations and lenders. I decided I was going to create a wedding officiant business named, The Dazzling Wedding Officiant. I wanted a name that stood out, and represented me. If you knew me personally, then you would know that my demeanor is outgoing and it shines bright. I also wanted a name that would possibly turn heads. With my business, I specialize in officiating weddings, and helping couples with their vows and marriage licenses. I’m looking forward to expanding my business and reaching more couples!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Dazzling Wedding Officiant is a business located in the DFW area. This business is black-owned and it is still fairly new. To be a black woman owning my own business means the world to me, & I’m grateful to help all couples legalize their wedding. I recently read a Guidant report that went over some interesting statistics. The Guidant report stated, “There are more female African-American small business owners than the general population of business owners. In the American small business universe, 27% of small businesses are women, among African-American owned businesses, 35% are women.”I find this fact to be exceptional. I provide ceremonial, vow, elopement, marriage license services and more. My end goal is to make a positive difference in a couple’s marriage journey. Not only does the name stand out but the way I service the couple’s needs stands out as well. I am truly proud of myself. I also plan to promote my business at some local events this year. In February, I will be a vendor at the Mid-Cities Bridal Event located in Hurst, TX.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hey, friend! To show my friend a good time I would first meet up at a local dessert or coffee shop in the morning to get our day started. Spots like the Dusty Biscuit Beignet, Starbucks, or Avoca Coffee are some good go to spots. We would then visit the local Fort Worth or Dallas Zoo just to get a feel of mother nature. We could also always hit up the Fort Worth Stockyards. After the zoo or stockyards, lunch will be at a spot like Flying Fish or Boo Rays. The next spot is shopping boutiques of course! What’s a day without shopping? Last but not least, we would visit the downtown areas and go walking, looking at the bright night lights. Another option would be a night on west 7th or in Dallas dancing it up. For dinner, we could hit up a local taco spot or cook a healthy meal. I think that’s a productive day. I mostly enjoy trips that involve sight seeing and some fun interactions.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first love to recognize my parents, grandparents, family members, significant other, and friends. I also can’t forget to mention God. It takes a village to raise a child. My family and friends have helped me and supported me throughout my life and career. I am truly grateful for the continuous support.

 

Website: https://dazzlingofficiant.wixsite.com/wedding/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dazzlingweddingofficiant/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dazzlingweddingofficiant/?_se_imp=0KcJSRq9fgofKVzx4

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHe5URVYLOJpq8_VTOi7Wiw

Other: https://linktr.ee/itsmemakayla

Image Credits
Maiya Michelle and Trishia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.