Meet Brittany Shulla, a wedding officiant and the founder of Officiating by Brittany, a company that provides custom ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals and elopements.
Brittany builds a relationship with couples to understand their love story and create a one-of-a-kind experience by blending professionalism with personalization to craft a thoughtful and meaningful ceremony.
“Whether it’s an elopement on a mountain with smudging, a Catholic/Christian blend, or a non-religious ceremony that speaks about their story, I make it about them and their lives.”
AZF: What is your “life motto?”
BS: This constantly changes for me. The one that is pretty consistent was something my mom told me when I was 18 and I asked her what the meaning of life was. She said, “To love and be loved.” I have this tattooed in her handwriting on my left arm. It’s very fitting now that my work is literally about love and love stories.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
BS: I always knew I wanted to have unique work opportunities that brought me fulfillment and to create a life of freedom with my time. No matter what LLCs I’ve started or creative projects and workshops I’ve executed or collaborated on, each of them was something that I either felt I needed to do to serve a purpose or because I was curious and excited about it. I have never understood doing a job that you hate, so I never let myself do that.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
BS: By reaching out to others! Resources are endless when you stay open to them. My fellow entrepreneur friends bring humor and lightness when we can relate through conversations and funny memes. Attending workshops and seminars with communities like Foundress brings great motivation. And my spiritual and business coaches always remind me that I’m doing a good job and help me pivot so I stay true to myself.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
BS: Remembering that there is no finish line. No matter what offerings and scale my business transforms into, when I stay present and appreciate the unfolding of it all, that’s what makes it oh-so-fun! It’s also good to remember none of us really know what we are doing. We all just keep going and figure it out along the way until the next steps present themselves. Then we rinse and repeat after some trial and error. Keep going, take pauses when necessary and enjoy the ride. There will always be something to change or implement in your business, so why rush it?
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
BS: I’m an early riser so sleeping in for me is never a thing but I love when I can soften into the day. Starting with a yummy cup of coffee or tea and walking my dog Nali is always my favorite. I love to take my time. Then something that grounds into my body through movement; a yoga class, a hike, or a group fitness class. Then, of course… food! Cooking something healthy and delicious for me and Matt or going out to eat a nice brunch.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
BS: Let go of it having to be a certain way. Over time and with experience you will find what business practices apply to you and your business. Also, remember your business has seasons and cycles just like any other aspect of your life. Where you focus, how you want to expand, when you need to slow down… it will all be necessary to sustain yourself for many years. Chill out, trust yourself and trust divine guidance.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
BS: The blessing of each client I get to work with and serve. Each couple brings a new experience and story and creative opportunity to execute their vision. It’s so amazing to hear about the next unique relationship journey. It’s pretty mind-blowing no matter how many weddings, elopements or vow renewals I officiate, my work is never boring or monotonous.
One of my favorite parts of working for myself is the freedom of my time and schedule. I love the ability to choose and be flexible in my life. This was one of the major factors in my becoming an entrepreneur. I knew I wanted to create a lifestyle that was fluid for when I eventually built my future family, and also so I could travel and take time off for different priorities.
Follow Officiating By Brittany on Instagram or visit the website.
About the Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co
