Persephone Says

Everyone's doing the same thing — and it's costing you the right clients.Copycat culture in the wedding industry isn't new, but it's getting worse — and most people don't want to talk about why. In this episode, we're getting into the algorithm trap, the brand strategy void, and what it actually costs you when your content starts looking like everyone else's.Spoiler: it's not just bookings. It's the right bookings.We break down why copying is rooted in fear, how to audit what makes you genuinely different, and the content moves that are actually cutting through the noise in 2026. This is a Media Socialites Production

I dare you not to fall in love with Manda of Mae + Co Creative. Manda Worthington - Founder + Owner of Mae&Co Creative and Mae&Co Monthly is the opposite of a gatekeeper. In this episode, we dig into:- How she built a destination-based wedding planning business and building her own industry playbook.- We talk about the viral moment that nearly took her business down and how she managed through it- Why growing too fast is more dangerous than growing too slow- Her unfiltered take on publications, "best of" lists, and the photographer networking energy that needs to stop.- Plus: the launch of the first-ever Mae&Co Monthly retreat and why her education community has become one of the most trusted in the wedding space.I am so excited for you to meet my new friend, Manda. This is a Media Socialites Productionthemediasocialites.com

Have you ever booked the client, landed the opportunity, got the yes — and your very first reaction was panic? Not excitement. Panic. Today we are talking about imposter syndrome and most importantly how we are going to talk through and work through it, together. Okay? I share the moments it's hit me personally, why some of the most successful people I know behind closed doors are fighting the same battle, and the actual tools I use to push through it. If you've ever shrunk yourself in a room, given away credit that was yours to keep, or convinced yourself your success was just good timing — this one's for you.This is a Media Socialites Production.

Big Note Here: We work with a ton of hotels and venues - I'm not talking about you all. Okay - let's think about it. Hotels have the budget, the property, and the brand name — so why does the content feel like no one's ever loved on it? Today we are getting into the global generic problem taking over luxury hospitality, the TikTok avoidance that's killing bookings, and what the brands actually getting it right are doing differently.This is a Media Socialites Production.

Guard your loins for this episode. The unfiltered truth about what explosive growth actually looks like:- Clients walking- Employees stealing- Margins disappearing and what it took to rebuild smarter.Share this with someone who needs to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a Media Socialites production.

Most agencies won't say this out loud — but I will. Today we are pulling back the curtain on what it's like to work with a marketing agency, what it is and isn't and setting your expectations. We chat about: if your customer experience is broken, your sales process is weak, or your website isn't converting, no marketing agency on earth can save you. This episode is the reality check that every brand needs before signing a contract.This is a Media Socialites Production.

Shaking it up this week with a rewind featuring my husband and Chief Data Officer of The Media Socialites - Eduardo. How do luxury brands turn clicks into real revenue? In this episode, Eddie breaks down how to connect paid media, website behavior, and CRM data to finally see what’s driving qualified leads, bookings, and attributed revenue. From UTMs and funnel tracking to conversion strategy and smarter forecasting, this is a practical look at how modern brands can stop guessing and start scaling with clarity.Get your phones ready for screenshotting..

This episode is my love letter to working parents. I share the mindset shift that helped me release the guilt of loving both my work and my children deeply—and how we’ve intentionally shaped the narrative around work in our home since my twins were two years old. We talk about:- The ways we share what working is and isn't to our kids- The rituals and conversations we have around work- The nonnegotiable I have around time and my family This episode is about embracing ambition and parenthood unapologetically. Because the truth is: you can hold both.This is a Media Socialites Production.

Sales may just be my favorite subject. A candid, no-BS episode on refreshing your sales strategy when things feel slow, inconsistent, or stuck. In this episode, I break down the real reasons deals stall—from weak follow-up and outdated proposals to fear around asking for the business—and share practical ways to tighten your sales process, nurture relationships, and close with more confidence.This episode is perfect for founders, creatives, and sales teams and more. This is a Media Socialites Production.

If you have had the pleasure of meeting Malike Adigun - CEO of Curate Entertainment - you have probably seen him as the best dressed, best energy and rocking it out on the dancefloor - this is the side you may know. On this episode, we of course discuss his earliest musical influences, but then Malike and I go deeper and he shares the sides you probably don't know. The loss of his mother and father, how he manages his mental health and more.This episode is not what you will expect and I'm so happy that you will get to see the many layers of someone I call my dear friend. If you like this episode, please follow and share this with someone who would appreciate it. This is a Media Socialites Production.

It's officially here! In my mind, this is the TRUE new Year and I am planning on moving differently. Here's what I'm doing differently:- Giving grace on a stringent routine- Building in more creative opportunities and outlets - Being intentional about making moments of fun (sounds silly, but it's key!)In 2026, let's give ourselves the space to move with precision and grace... and least that's the goal, right? If this resonated with you, please share this with a friend and follow along. This is a Media Socialites production.

She doesn’t follow trends... she starts them. I sat down with Laura Ritchie, founder of Grit + Grace, the DC-based luxury planner behind some of the boldest, most original weddings in the industry. On this episode we cover:- Copying in the wedding industry- How she changed her brand name - What's up with planners calling themselves designers?- Destination wedding myths- How to show your real personality... and make money doing soAnd so much more. Give this episode a follow and share it with someone who needs a refreshing outlook. This is a Media Socialites production.

Welcome to what is surely to be a multipart episode. AI for the wedding industry and hospitality industry 101. On this episode we will:-Debunk fear-mongering around AI replacing creativity or humans, positioning it instead as creative protection and operational leverage-Shows how AI absorbs invisible work (admin, follow-ups, forecasting, decision fatigue), allowing owners and teams to operate more proactively- I share real, industry-specific applications across sales, CRM, automation, operations, timelines, finance, forecasting, inventory, staffing, and client experience tailored to venues, planners, production, floral, and rental companies- How to apply AI best when paired with human judgment, taste, and leadership, not copy-paste shortcutsThis is a The Media Socialites Production

In 2026 we are retiring *as best as we can* the word 'luxury'. In this episode, we cover how to speak to rich people - and by that - I mean an affluent audience. I walk you through:- How to sell to an affluent audience- Specific examples of luxury vs affluence - What to avoid and moreThis one is a barn burner and if you like it - please share it with a friend and subscribe.A The Media Socialites Production

On this episode of Persephone Says, I sit down with Emily Clarke, the artist and CEO behind House of CLRK—the audacious production powerhouse known for purposeful design, floral fabrication, planning, stationery, and the kind of viral events you instantly recognize as hers. We talk about her unlikely path from social work and the railroad to building a multi-arm creative business, plus the real conversations we don’t have enough in this industry: money, ambition, leadership, and what it takes to grow without losing yourself. Emily gives honest takes, unapologetic energy and how to build a brand that lasts. This episode is sponsored by The Media Socialites.

It's the first episode of 2026 and as always, we are back stronger than ever. We dispel some false narratives and discuss the reality of the wedding industry in 2026. Today's episode is sponsored by The Media Socialites. On today's episode, we are talking about:- the disappearance of the middle tier-rising client expectations- why operational excellence has become part of the luxury experience.This episode will challenge you to rethink how you run your business and if it's benefited you in any way, please take a moment to subscribe, follow and share it with someone who would needs some truth.

We had to share part two right in time for the holidays. This episode picks up the giggles right where we left off. We cover off on:- Stocking stuffers- Mixed up holiday lights- Stanley cups- Holiday parties - Hair extensions and moreIf you liked this episode, I'd love for you to follow and share this episode who would appreciate the levity!

PSA - if you are easily offended, skip this one. This is such a good one - we had to split it into two! We cover off on - Passive-aggressive text message responses- PJs in public- Crocs, Louboutins and Birkenstocks- Weird Signage - Influencer culture and moreStay tuned for part 2!

Get your notebooks out, because in this special episode, CEO of The Media Socialites, shares the full recording of our most-requested webinar: The Luxury Growth Blueprint.Luxury brands often approach paid media, web design, and CRM in silos—but the true magic happens when these channels work in harmony. In just 45 minutes, you’ll learn how to build a seamless digital ecosystem that elevates your brand, drives qualified leads, and turns browsers into loyal guests.What you’ll take away:A performance-driven funnel built for the luxury marketHow to design websites that convert without sacrificing eleganceWays to use CRM data to improve ad targeting, retention, and ROIWhat KPIs actually matter when connecting visibility to revenueReal-world examples & strategies that have work!This conversation is for business and brand leaders who are ready to unify strategy, storytelling, and systems—and make 2026 their most powerful year yet.🎧 Press play, take notes, and then visit themediasocialites.com to book your complimentary digital ecosystem audit.

He's backkkk --- My husband, Chief Data Officer and co-founder of The Media Socialites - Eddie Maglaya is back to get nerdy with me. This is our first biz podcast together and we cover all the mistakes we see everyday happening among brands and businesses. On this episode we talk about:- What happens if you have a shitty website- The significance of tracking results can make or break a business- The role of AI in marketing- The necessity of authentic brand storytelling, and the need for consistent content investment, especially in industries like hospitality and law- The critical nature of knowing your audience and data to build effective strategies and achieve business growth.And so much more...

This conversation is a bag of chex mix - we are going to go left, right, up and down. I am so happy for you to finally meet my other twin son, Laurent. He's such a goofball and does not hold back. This episode is choppier than others, because you try to get an 8 year old to focus for an hour and see what happens. This one is guaranteed to make you crack up. If you like the episode, share it with someone and subscribe - we appreciate the support!

We talk about the L-word... luxury. We cover how to build a brand that feels expensive—without saying the word luxury. Buckle up, because this one is jam packed. We cover:- Define some key brands that have refined their luxury brands- Demystifying some myths around luxury - Identifying pillars of luxury brands and how you can apply them to me - How to avoid mistakes that cheapen a brand on social and digitalAnd more.. Share with me how you feel about this episode and what we should cover next!

I had the tremendous pleasure of sitting down with three very respected wedding industry professionals to discuss some hot topics that are constantly being discussed offline or - of course - on reddit and tiktok. I wanted to bring together three completely different perspectives - from venues to catering to planning - and have a candid - no-holds-bar discussion and I am so excited for you to hear this discussion. I sat down with Gianluca Sardo - President of Glasshouses , Carly Katz-Hackman - Chief Sales Officer of Pinch Food Design and Xin Huang - Founder of Le Petite Prive. On this episode we discuss:- Is 2026 going to be a good year?- How to set your business up for success- Do people care about the lists?- What is and isn't considered luxury in a market like NYC- Hot takes on influencers, reddit and more If you like this episode, please follow and share it with someone who would appreciate it.

To ask how many of you have experienced burnout over the past few years feels superfluous. For many years, I was doing all of the following 12-14 hours a day:Sales Producing shoots 8-10 hours a day Moodboard and storyboarding Capture content at events Writing and sharing postsRunning business and ops Proposal writing Photoshoot for myself Training Managing team Managing my social Spot checking content Internal meetings External meetings In person meetings Travel every week I didn't even understand how bad this was and I want to share how you can recognize what's happening and most importantly how to fix it.

Hi - I am Persephone and I am a recovering people pleaser. I had no idea that this was something I had become. Here's what we cover:- How the hell did I get to this place?- How do you quantify people pleasing in a business?- What does it mean and what does it not mean too?- What's the difference between intentional bending vs. being overrun? - What are the negative implications to your business? - What to do next! I thought that if I was fearless with confrontation - how could I be a people pleaser? Let me know what you

The illusive wedding industry lists... This has become one of the most discussed topics among wedding industry professionals and we really need to take an honest look at what is actually going on here. We discuss the lists from ALL sides: the wedding industry, the editors and the couples as well. This episode is filled with truths on the level of importance of these lists to your bottom line or is this just a popularity contest? What do you think? Share within the comments!

PSA - if you are easily offended, skip this one. He's back! My bestie Richard is back and we are giggling over random gripes that we have. This is a light and hilarious episode that covers off on random things that piss us off. We never discussed this beforehand, so enjoy .

In case you missed it, this is a recap of The Media Socialites present webinar series. This is a very high-level insight into AI, how to lean and maximize it, how to use it to your advantage. You will learn about the following and how to apply it to your business:- Generative AI- How to personalize your content, so it converts - How to structure your digital media strategy like a media company- How sharing the brand's story through the lens of your founder and team helps build connection- What to measure and why- How to maximize efficiencies on LinkedIn- Why you need to leverage paid Pinterest We cover a lot of ground here. Drop in the comments, what pillar we should dive deeper into below.

Let's pretend I'm looking at the right camera, sounds good?I figured we would take a look into what I'm currently working on in therapy, which is analyzing why I seem to be so off in female relationships. I cover off on:- 3 massive friend breakups from last year and how it impacted me- Analyzing how I behave in female friendships- A reflection on why I have put myself in positions of friendship disorientation or being taken advantage of- An acceptance of how some friendships are not meant to be forever and giving myself grace around thatThough this doesn't have an end at this time, but it is my hope that through my healing, it may help you heal a similar circumstance.

Is the wedding industry in its villain era? We go there. Joining me today is  Reagan, Founder and Creative Director of Reagan Events and host of the Wine and Dine Me Podcast. With over a decade of experience producing luxury events across the U.S. and internationally, she’s known for creating celebrations that have the perfect edit and standing firm in the belief that “no vision is too bold, no detail too small”. This is one of the richest episodes to-date, so you will want to take notes. We cover off on:- Why is the wedding industry in its villain era ?- The phantom work in luxury weddings- Setting expectations for Gen Z and shifting communication style- The reality of working with influencers and the hidden costs- What to expect when working with influencers and so much more...

I manifested this conversation! Miss Hayley Paige- bridal fashion designer, change-maker - the list goes on. We sit down to discuss a plot twist to her sparkly career when she found herself in the middle of a legal battle over her name. We cover so much on this episode from:- The journey to reclaim it- Her relationship with the industry - Dish about her own wedding- How she's looking to shape the experience for her brides- Rapid fire questions that have nothing to do with wedding dresses and so much more. Hayley Paige is back — wiser, wilder, and unapologetically bolder than ever and I am so excited for you to hear this episode.

The good, the bad and the ghosted featuring my work husband , Richard Rivas 👻If you are in sales, business development or relationship building. We talk about cringy moments by us, laughing through those awkward interactions, the fabulous relationships when things just click and everything in between.#digitalmarketingtips #entrepreneurpodcast #entrepreneurlife #saleslife #businessdevelopment #corporategirl sales life sales team business development working with friends entrepreneur life Work husband #workhusband

IG vs Reality is a very real thing. Let me be clear - we had the most incredible trip to Portugal - the memories were made and transparently I want to go back like now. Having said that - every single day something weird would happen that made it feel like we were in a sitcom that we never signed up for. Eddie's back on to giggle all the way through it with me and share his version of our reality.

We are demystifying talking about money and more specifically - we are talking about how to create a positive relationship with money. We talk about:- Understanding what your relationship is and where does your mindset come from- Establishing your goals that are both micro and macro by utilizing chatgpt - Manifesting and holding yourself accountable - How to make more money on the side - Why hiring a money manager is a game changer And so much more. Drop into the comments if you want more money chats, tips and tricks.

My first Q&A - I answered all your questions from my IG stories below including:- Would I sell my company?- How do we generate leads?- How do Eddie and I ensure that we don't bring work into our relationship?- What's my skincare regiment ?- Who are my dream guests short-term and long-term ?And so much more.. Do we like these episodes? Tell me your thoughts below!

We need to have the conversation. This is a safe space and not a fear mongering episode, but looking to fully make sense of Gen Z, why are they not getting married? What is the apprehension ? Most importantly, I share what you can do. On this episode we discuss:- The wedding industry decline yoy - Dispelling some BS narratives- The rise of the female influencer and female business-owner- The influence on pop-culture as a reflection of what's happening- Pricing transparency (or lack there of in many cases)- The desire for deeper community within the wedding industry- What to do now?What do you think is really happening?

Raise your hand if you feel like all-of-a-sudden you can feel the generational gap between you and your parents, particularly with your communication or overcoming conflict *raises hand high*. I am so excited to welcome my guest - Chris Efessiou - aka my Dad and the man who raised me solo. This episode is not what you'd expect at all. We cover:- His coming to America story - How therapy shaped my communication - Overcoming generational divides and trauma - Addressing communication gaps among parents and kidsIf you like this episode, drop a comment and follow the show to show your support!

This one is for business owners, senior leadership and executives - this is a professional playbook on step-by-step to get yourself out of a marketing rut, are you ready?This episode is a blueprint for action to results - and as always - unfiltered. Are you feeling stuck? Let's discuss it more in the comments and let me help you.This episode is sponsored by my natural curls that got a test run this episode.

Finally - the one, the only, Julian Leaver of Julian Leaver Events. Julian Leaver is the creative force behind some of the world’s most captivating wedding celebrations. With nearly three decades of luxury hospitality and event planning experience, Julian is celebrated for his bespoke designs and intuitive, guest-focused approach orchestrating events globally. We cover everything from:- His unique approach to business that more small and medium businesses need to pay attention to- Therapy and it's positive impact on his business and personal life- Celebrating 9 years of sobriety - How he analyzes and tinkers on his business by doing.... math! And so much more. Be prepared to giggle for this one and learn a whole lot.

I found Jordan Bosstick Becerra - The Founder of Influencer SEO years ago when she was on her brother and sister-in-law's podcast - The Skinny Confidential - 'Him& Her Show' Podcast hosted by Michael + Lauryn Bosstick. We have stayed connected for years through launching our businesses, growing our families and working with our spouses. On this episode, we cover so much ground:- Why SEO is the most important long-term marketing tool for your brand/business- The power of blogs aka your own organic content- SEO within social media and how to utilize It - The power of Pinterest- How SEO is evolving within AIJordan and I could talk for hours as she's a wealth of knowledge and makes you think differently about how you are - or aren't - thinking about your digital marketing.

Part 2 sounds like a movie. If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen. This is the story of how years of abuse ended in a cinematic ending right around my wedding. This one will have you audibly gasped... I hate that it's real, but hope it provides a window for others to feel seen.

Think of your darkest secret. The thing that maybe you felt shame around - or even trauma around - and that's this story. This is a piece of my life that I have never publicly disclosed, but I think is important to share as we all experience variations of trauma throughout our lives - in business and in our personal lives - that critically impact how we move, forever. For me it's this one... Part 1 of Surviving Munchausen by Proxy.

The first podcast with one of my twin son's - Roman. He's an old soul, confident, witty and frankly roasted me for a lot of this podcast. We talk about:- Finding out his Dad smoked cigs in his early adulthood- Blank stares when asking what I do well as a mother- Teaching him how to be brave against adversity at school and otherwise- How nerf wars are cathartic for parentsFor being 7 years old, he nailed it. He also shared with me that he will be back - glad to hear it.

Based on a true story - this was such an 'aha' moment I had after 17 years with my partner and nearly 13 years married - this is the thing that I realized keeps our marriage, happy.

Hold the judgement... this is for the ozempy curious and my journey with weighing over 200lbs as a teen, PCOS and more. I am not a doctor - this is just my experience and being honest.

Because you asked....We hit several seemingly controversial topics in digital and social behavior IRL and otherwise including:- Acting like an influencer - Things to say vs things to avoid- The use of chatgpt - Not over-communicating or adhering to timelines - The use of dogs in content....and more I think this one is a wake up call for some.

Mixing it up with a snappy short and sweet aperitif of 7 things to stop doing right.this.instance. on social media and digital marketing.I think some of these will surprise you.

Grab your tissues - Eddie gets very candid about how we managed grief together with tragedy that impacted him and subsequently us and our family.We discuss how therapy has positively impacted our ability to communicate through and how our communication has changed over the past 17 years. If you haven't listened to part 1, go back 1 episode - it's worth it.

Back like he never left - Eddie - my husband - is here and we share more details of something we have never shared with most of our family and friends. 2024 was shit, but when loss hits you - it's on another level. We talk through how we lived through it in spite and despite all that was swirling around us. Part 1.

This is the first marketing episode - officially. It only took 6 episodes, so you are welcome. 'Luxury' is one of the most over-used terms in the world of weddings, events, travel + hospitality. But what is it and what is it not? In this episode I breakdown:- Words that should not be shared nor said - How to show an ultra luxury space as a hotel or venue- What to focus on 'selling' visually- The importance of hiring top top talent for photography and videographyCalling BS on some of the things I see and most importantly sharing what and how you need to position yourself if that is truly your market and your audience. This is part 1.