From dreams to reality: How Maureen McDermott started a thriving business in Georgina
Georgina, Ontario is not just a beautiful lakeside town; it's also a place where dreams of entrepreneurship come true. Maureen McDermott, the creative mind behind Maureen McDermott the Officiant, is a living testament to the success that can be achieved when you start a business in Georgina. With her business flourishing after participating in the YSpace Business Incubator/Accelerator program, Maureen's journey is truly inspiring.
Crafting love stories and capturing moments
Maureen's business is a fusion of her passions – bespoke wedding officiating and photography. With 25 years of professional photography experience, she not only conducts personalized wedding ceremonies but also captures candid moments before and after the ceremony, providing couples with cherished photos. Maureen is a Reiki master who infuses positive energy into every ceremony, creating a unique and heartfelt experience. Moreover, her business is inclusive, welcoming all couples, and she meticulously rehearses each ceremony to ensure a flawless and meaningful event.
Photo credit to Jamie Doyle for this photo and the cover photo.
A range of services for every love story
Maureen offers a variety of services to cater to couples' unique needs:
Custom bespoke wedding ceremonies: Crafting personalized wedding ceremonies that tell each couple's unique love story, including special rituals like smudging, handfasting, or candle unity ceremonies. Maureen takes the time to learn about every couple and write ceremonies that are a beautiful representation of their story.
Custom elegant elopements: Stress-free and affordable elopements designed for up to 10 guests provide an intimate and beautiful celebration. These elopements offer a unique and custom alternative that allows you to experience the celebration of the wedding without the traditional costs.
Paperwork-only services: A straightforward option for elopements or destination weddings, ensuring legal requirements are met.
One year of remarkable growth
Maureen McDermott, Officiant, has been serving the Georgina community for just one year, and the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Maureen's success story is a testament to her dedication and the invaluable support of the YSpace programs.
YSpace programs and support: fueling entrepreneurial success
Maureen enthusiastically participated in various YSpace programs, including Business Foundations, Business Plan Bootcamp, Idea Consultation, Peer-to-Peer sessions, and co-working space utilization. Her favourite experiences included the in-person peer-to-peer sessions and the Digital Skills for Business program, which sharpened her marketing skills for her business in this digital world.
Collaborations and community engagement
Maureen's commitment to the Georgina community shines through her collaborations and community involvement. She initiated 'Close Up for the Holidays,' a community-focused event offering professional headshot photography services to support local small businesses. The proceeds from this event went to the Georgina Food Pantry.
Maureen also actively collaborates with other businesses, capturing their essence through her photography to boost their marketing efforts. She's an active member of the Georgina Chamber of Commerce and enjoys attending the local networking and lunch and learn events.
Notable achievements
Maureen's business achievements this year include:
- Setting-up her first vendor booth at the Georgina Pride Festival to support inclusivity and love.
- An official ribbon-cutting ceremony at her wedding cabin, marking a significant milestone.
- A feature on Rogers Georgina TV's 'Georgina Life,' expanding her reach in the community.
- Booking more than 20 weddings in her inaugural official wedding season.
- Conducting her first elegant elopement, offering couples a stress-free way to tie the knot.
Maureen's journey has been filled with pride and determination, and she looks forward to building on her success in the years to come.
Gratitude for YSpace
In her own words, Maureen expressed her deep gratitude for YSpace, calling it a lifeline for her business. She emphasized the incredible support, guidance, and camaraderie she found within the YSpace community, stating that it has been a game-changer for her. Maureen encourages every entrepreneur in the Georgina community to explore the wealth of opportunities YSpace provides.
In conclusion
Maureen McDermott's success story exemplifies the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Georgina. Starting a business in Georgina has not only allowed her to pursue her passions but has also provided her with the support and resources necessary for growth.
Maureen McDermott's remarkable journey is just one shining example of the incredible support and opportunities that YSpace offers to entrepreneurs in Georgina. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to take your venture to new heights, YSpace provides a vibrant community, invaluable resources and tailored programs to help you succeed. To discover how YSpace can fuel your entrepreneurial dreams, explore the website, join the programs and connect with a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about turning ideas into thriving businesses. Your success story could be the next one they celebrate right here in the heart of Georgina