Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Singleton
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have spent 30 years as a cosmetologist, starting my journey as a licensed hair stylist right after high school in 1990. My initial passion for hairstyling eventually led me down a different path as a Wedding Officiant. By the age of 26, I had ticked off all my aspirations, including owning my own salon and purchasing my first home.
In 2000, I set my sights on my ultimate dream: becoming a celebrity hair stylist in New York City. However, fate had other plans, and I found myself relocating to Petersburg, Virginia, in 2001. This unexpected move turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career.
Shortly after arriving in Virginia, I volunteered as a production assistant at New Millennium Studios, founded by the iconic Tim and Daphne Reid. My hard work paid off, and I soon became their personal assistant, which opened doors to invaluable experiences in the film industry while still nurturing my hairstyling dreams.
By 2004, a life-changing opportunity arose when I was hired for a video shoot featuring several recognizable names from Hollywood that prompted me to shift my focus from New York to Los Angeles, California. It wasn’t long before I landed my first major TV show as a celebrity hair stylist.
Over the next 15 years in Los Angeles, I achieved more than I ever imagined, but in the process, I began to lose sight of my passion and purpose. The emotional rollercoaster of the hair and entertainment industries took a toll on my identity and self-worth. I found myself questioning my desires, feeling disconnected from my role as a stylist, and uncertain about my future.
The pressures of life in LA left me feeling drained—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. I yearned to rediscover my “why” because I knew that true happiness was out there waiting for me.
In 2019, I made the decision to move to Las Vegas, embracing a fresh dream, a renewed purpose, and a different perspective on life.
During that period, I became a licensed wedding officiant in Nevada, seizing the opportunity to thrive in my new profession just months before I had to head back to Akron, Ohio.
On January 4, 2020, I returned to Akron, not just with my belongings, but also with an innovative idea that would transform the wedding experience for engaged couples in the state of Ohio!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Entrepreneurship is definitely not a walk in the park. Kicking off a fresh idea and bringing something new to an audience that’s not familiar with it can be tough.
As someone who’s been in the game for a while, I’ve seen the perks of offering budget-friendly wedding services. I had faith in the idea and in my skills to win over my audience.
The hardest parts for me, and still sometimes are, the financial sacrifices and the emotional ups and downs that come with launching a new business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Hello! I’m Stephanie Singleton, an Ohio state licensed wedding officiant and notary based in Akron, Ohio. I’m also the founder and CEO of Akron’s very first Micro-Weddings and Drive-Thru Wedding services.
These wedding ideas were inspired by my time in Las Vegas, where I worked as an ordained officiant at various hotels and chapels along the iconic Vegas Strip and downtown Fremont Experience back in 2019.
Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 played a significant role in shaping these concepts, as it pushed us to rethink traditional wedding norms.
So, what exactly is a micro-wedding?
A micro-wedding includes all the key elements of a big wedding but is on a smaller scale and much more budget-friendly. Couples can have a lovely bridal walk with a small party of two to three people at most. They can also invite up to 15 guests. Our package includes a wedding officiant, a Bluetooth speaker for their favorite music, a bouquet, and a beautifully decorated small venue.
Similar to Las Vegas elopement weddings, our micro-wedding venue is located in downtown Akron, specifically on the lower level of the Blu-Tique hotel..
What Exactly Is a Drive-Thru Wedding?
Drive-thru weddings offer a unique blend of legality, romance, and convenience for couples looking to say “I do.” This option allows them to plan a more elaborate celebration for later while still making their commitment official.
Couples simply drive to our designated spot, where they can choose to stay in their vehicle or step out if they prefer. At that moment, I will lead them through their marital vows, and they will exchange their heartfelt “I DOs.”
After the ceremony, many couples opt for a keepsake photo, while others may choose to skip it and quickly return to their daily lives.
Conveniently, my drive-thru wedding ceremonies take place in a private area just two blocks from the Blu-Tique hotel Micro Wedding venue! Much like Las Vegas weddings, both locations are only a short distance from our downtown Akron courthouse.
This setup is especially appreciated by engaged couples traveling to Akron from various counties in Ohio, as it eliminates the hassle of searching for a venue or an officiant after obtaining their marriage license.
Why Are Couples Choosing Our Non-Traditional Ceremonies?
I proudly officiate “Equal Right” marriages, which means I celebrate love stories from all backgrounds and walks of life! This includes individuals of all nationalities, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations, including same-sex couples.
Anyone of legal age who can register for a marriage license in Ohio is welcome, and I am honored to officiate their love story without any discrimination.
Thanks to social media promotions, city billboards, metro bus ads, news coverage, vendor opportunities at local festivals, and, of course, word of mouth, I have officiated over 800 weddings since July 2020, when the world began to reopen during the peak of COVID-19. Couples from various counties in Ohio have either traveled to Akron or hired me to come to them to celebrate their love!
To learn more about our Drive-Thru Weddings visit; www.drivethruweddings.info.
Or, you can check out our over 100 five-star reviews on Google.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Business mentorship or coaching programs can often be costly,
particularly for new entrepreneurs.
To find a mentor, look for someone you respect and observe their methods. This could be a family member, someone from your church, a colleague, or even a social media influencer.
You can always benefit from a FREE mentor on YouTube, often referred to as “YouTube University.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DriveThruWeddings.info
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficiantNotarySDS?mibextid=kFxxJD
