Company: Lore & Lois Wedding Ceremonies
Founder: Marlene Strohmayer
Date of establishment: December 22, 2021
Industry and company: Weddings

What drives you? What is your motto?

"Every beginning has its own magic" – Hermann Hesse

What is your start-up about and what makes it special?

Lore & Lois Trauungen is all about celebrating love. Individuality and the couple's unique story are at the forefront of my ceremonies. I get to know the couple or family well in a detailed conversation and then write a speech that reflects their life in the smallest detail – so that the celebration remains a very special memory.

What are your first successes?

One big success was a very spontaneous wedding request—the wedding was to take place the following month. Getting to know the couple and writing the speech had to be done quickly. Today, the bride is the event manager of the venue where she got married and recommends me to all her couples as a freelance wedding speaker.

What is your professional background?

I am "at home" in human resources and management development. In addition to my permanent position, I have always looked for what brings me joy in life. I was a dance teacher for a long time, am now a yoga teacher, and am currently in the process of establishing another self-employed business in the field of executive coaching.

What prompted you to start your own business?

I originally come from a corporate background. The focus of my work was mainly on meeting deadlines and coordinating all stakeholders involved—in my role, I missed the love and appreciation for beauty. So I looked for something I enjoyed and became a freelance wedding speaker.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?

My best friend advised me—he knows me well, questioned me critically, and put me in touch with a freelance wedding speaker. She then provided me with significant support in my first steps. I also attended a coaching session on "career paths for women."

How did you experience your first days as a founder?

The biggest hurdle at the beginning was mustering the courage to get started. I had fears: What would others think? If it didn't work out, I would feel uncomfortable... Until I understood that it was about me, about allowing myself to try something that I enjoy. And suddenly, everything fell into place.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

My own thoughts, which held me back from pursuing my passion. I talked a lot with people I trust about my concerns and what was making me feel insecure. This helped me understand that it's okay to make mistakes and that personal growth can only happen through them.

How do you promote your business? What is your best marketing idea?

I started with recommendations. My mentor was fully booked and passed her inquiries on to me. This allowed me to expand my network and make initial contact with wedding venues. I use flyers, social media, and articles in wedding magazines.

How did you finance your start-up?

I was able to finance the start-up with my own funds. I examined carefully: What is really important, what can I do myself at the beginning to save costs? And I purchased what was necessary piece by piece.

What dream would you still like to realize?

I would like to start my own coaching business and take people out into nature so they can experience themselves in a different way than in their familiar everyday lives.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would...

Spend time with my loved ones.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?

What helps me is that I really enjoy what I do. My customers notice that, and I am convinced that this is the key to success.