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

Hi Anna, why did you pursue a creative career?
When contemplating my career, I recognized my passion and attraction toward beautiful environments and objects. This source of joy and excitement motivated me to pursue a profession that aligned with my creative inclinations, enabling me to craft beautiful spaces for others and ultimately find fulfillment in my work.

I dove into wedding planning as it seemed to perfectly mingle my creative passions with my organized and driven personality. This career has taken me to some of the most stunning space and allowed me to collaborate with other creatives who have continued to inspire me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Anna Kay & Co. is a team of wedding planners and designers. We advocate for designs that narrate our couple’s unique stories. Our creative expression draws inspiration from both the individuality of our couples and the surrounding world. Among our cherished influences are intricate architecture, gentle textures, welcoming spaces, fine art, vintage furniture, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and the beauty of simple generosity. We invite those we work with to actively participate in the design journey with us, and we’re excited to learn about your inspirations along the way.

Acknowledging that orchestrating a wedding is a substantial undertaking, requiring the collaboration of various professionals and a discerning eye to transform a space into something truly personalized for a couple. This is why fostering a personal connection lies at the core of our work. We aim to craft a unique experience tailored to each client, assisting in the creation of beautiful and lasting memories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I was hosting guests in my current city, Wooster, Ohio, I would take them first to one of my favorite places nearby, Kingwood Center Gardens. We would stroll the gardens and take a stop at the greenhouse, enjoying the natural beauty that has been perfectly landscaped and maintained. I would follow up our time there with a cocktail at Grigio Wine and Cocktail Bar and dinner at Broken Rocks.

I would make sure to stop by SureHouse Coffee in the mornings, picking up a cretzel while we are there. We would wander through Blue Spruce boutique before heading off to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens for a tour of the mansion and another garden stroll. Dinner would take place at City Square Steakhouse.

I’d also love to take any visitors to Hartzler Dairy, bring them along for a stroll through the Wooster Farmers Market in the summer months and pop into Local Roots for some fresh produce. There’s a lot of other exciting places in Wooster that I haven’t had the chance to try- including the many wineries near by which would be a fun stop for both visitors and myself!

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?
It would be remiss of me not to express gratitude to Leda Anderson of Leda Anderson Events for the unwavering support she has provided me throughout the years. My journey in the wedding industry took root under Leda’s guidance. During our initial interview, I shared my aspiration to establish my own planning business, and instead of viewing me as a potential competitor, she invested in my growth. I spent four years working under Leda, starting as a day-of assistant within her company and eventually advancing to the role of Lead Planner on her team. Leda imparted invaluable knowledge, offering me a behind-the-scenes perspective on business operations, and our professional relationship evolved into a genuine friendship.

After life took me away from my hometown of Columbus, I told Leda I was ready to embark on my own and launch my own business. Although I’m sure it wasn’t always easy, she gave me unwavering support. She continues to be one of my biggest cheerleaders and I am profoundly grateful for her guidance and insights. Without Leda, Anna Kay & Co. would undoubtedly have a markedly different trajectory.

It’s also important for me to acknowledge my friends who have supported me since the launch of Anna Kay & Co. Those who have shared social media posts, checked in on me and recommended Anna Kay & Co. to their friends have made a impact in ways they probably don’t even realize.

Website: [email protected]

Instagram: @annakayandcompany

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-wise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaKayandCompany/

Image Credits
Marissa Belle Photography

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