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

Hi Ally, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I went to college, and didn’t pursue a career in what I studied. Thought I wanted to make a career in retail, and was an assistant manager at a popular fashion jewelry store for a few years. I loved my job, but holidays and weekends are always hard in retail and I value time with my friends and family. Having recently getting married to my high school sweetheart, and being at the age where all our friends are getting married, I realized I love weddings. There is so much tradition, personalization, creativity, beauty, and fun that makes every wedding unique. I wanted to be a part of others’ beautiful day. It wasn’t until I was at my cousin’s wedding in May of 2022, my mom leaned over to me and said, “I can see you doing something like this. Planning weddings, having a small venue. If very you” I finally had that light bulb moment of “Duh Ally. This is what you need to be doing.” I went home, looked up what I needed to do to start a business, and obtained my LLC a month later!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love the opportunity to bring a couple’s vision to life! No part of creating is easy. It is hard coming up with new ideas, or putting your personal spin on a tried and true idea. However, the end result is always so worth it! The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome is keeping confidence in myself. I never thought I would be a small business owner creating a 5 to 10 year business plan for myself. Serving as an extension of the couple on such a momentous day in their relationship, it’s hard not to get in my own head and question myself about what the heck I am doing. The biggest brand identifier I strive for with Sassafras Events is show casing that I am a real person. My social media content isn’t overly edited, there are some mistakes here and there, my couples will probably hear me say the phrase “I’m not sure, but I will figure it” out a lot. This isn’t meant to be a turn off for future bookings, but rather show case my determination to make Sassafras relatable. I can promise that all my work is done with honesty and integrity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth, so I get the best of both worlds. Which makes this question hard! For me it depends on the friend, time of year, and what they are interested in. Friends that want a good glimpse of Western culture, I always have to suggest a Tex-Mex staple like Chuy’s or Joe T. Garcia’s. Hopefully, there is a good concert happening at Billy Bob’s or some reason to make it to the Stockyards. Hopefully, it is rodeo season while they are visiting and they are able to explore the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. If the weather is nice during the fall, get to a TCU Football game (GO FROGS!). For my friends that are wanting a big city experience, I would suggest all the different museums in Dallas. Spend a day hanging out at the Trinity Grove Art Park, and then we can go dancing at Red River in the evening. DFW has so much to explore!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first person I have to recognize is my husband, Jeremiah. He has been an unwavering foundation of support from the very beginning. For those of us who have started a business, we know there is a lot of effort, thought, and money that goes into all the initial work without the promise of anything working. Jeremiah has been there for me when it comes to figuring out my taxes, setting up and sitting at an expo all day with me, brainstorming design or content ideas. Everything! There hasn’t been a task or need for the business that he hasn’t helped me with yet. My sister, Lauren, has also been a huge component to any success I have had. From going to Hobby Lobby with me to brainstorm and think of designs (I know she hates going, but will go for the business), to helping me find leads and networking opportunities. Of course I have to mention my mom and dad, Joi and Chris, for helping me with all my start up costs and researching business related items. Lastly, my Wedding Coordinator Kristana. I am very new to the wedding industry still, but I don’t want that to be an excuse. Any question I have had about running a business or coordinating a wedding, Kristana has been a plethora of knowledge and does not hesitate to provide me with tips, tricks, personal experiences, and insider information. Thank you to everyone who has gotten, Sassafras up and running!

Website: Sassafrasevents22.com

Instagram: @sassafras_events22

Facebook: Sassafras Events, LLC

Other: TikTok: @sassafras_events22

Image Credits
Sassafras Events

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