CWGirl with Jeannie Ward "More than Just Linens"

Designer Specialty Linens I started my journey to their Orange County Showroom room in Irvine not knowing really how I was going to Break the Ice. I knew what I wanted to talk about and who I wanted to talk to in depth in a subject that touches me dearly. I also of course being in the Wedding Event Industry was looking for information to help and support other Wedding Professionals as well. From the moment I walked in the doors Veronica Taylor very Pregnant and Glowing CWGirl greeted me with big hugs and glowing baby happiness! I met Veronica when she had a little showroom in the Downtown Orange area next to Jen K Floral Design. So seeing her again and seeing how much she has grown again...this is baby number 2 and YES It's a Girl! Just moments after walks in Jeannie Ward carrying in a Stunning Silver Sparkly Linen and for those who know this CWGirl I was in LOVE! Jeannie and I never officially met until this moment but you would have thought we were long time friends. When you are part of the California Working Girl network that is how you feel when you finally meet!
First let me tell you a bit more about Jeannie Ward! Jeannie Ward is a loving mother of 2, ages 22 and 23 in college and is so proud of her children.  She has a beautiful marriage of 23 years. Her philosophy on raising a healthy family is Consistency and Family Dinners! She has done such a great job instilling this into her homelife that when at work her daughter will prepare dinner and have the table set to enjoy this most treasured time.
Jeannie's background will amaze you and your professional respect for her will astound you! So here is some Jeannie "Dish" Jeannie started her career in the Wedding Event Industry in the late 90's as a Floral Designer working out of her home with a full size walk-in cooler on her property. She specialized in Weddings and would make sure that at each and every wedding or event she would and I say this in her own words "Make friends and build Relationships with her Vendors" upon arriving to be sure that everyone had everything they needed from her end to ensure a successful Wedding. Her Clients loved her attention to details as well as the hotels and venues that she came to know and before long her clients, friends, and wedding professionals, venues were reaching out to Jeannie for advice in planning their next event. The "Wedding Jeannie" was Born! Jeannie's first official wedding was in 2000 in the city of Temecula, by a client that insisted she plan her wedding since she had already suggested all her vendors that she loved and booked. Now fast forward hundreds of Weddings and Events later with numerous publications of her work, this self taught marketing genius who could manage her own websites, blogs, and social media campaigning meets CEO and Owner, Dahlia of Designer Specialty Linens. Jeannie a long time client at the time loved ordering linens from DSL for years. One of Jeannie's best kept secrets in the Linen World!
She loved the business relationship and respect for the owner and company. After many years in the industry as a Wedding Planner she could not have guessed but her relationship with Dahlia
and her Company were about to change. Take the Super Creative Talented Designer of Specialty Linens (thus the name) who was juggling all sides of her business and Jeannie Ward with her amazing marketing skills who had a clear vision of  where Designer Specialty Linens could be in the marketplace having a far superior product at competitive pricing! Jeannie could clearly see the opportunity of tremendous  growth beyond expectations with hard work in place! Then something magical was born! So with the wave of Jeannie's Magical Wand it happened! Jeannie accepted the move to her new career and has loved every minute. Working along side Veronica Taylor and the Fabulous DSL TEAM Jeannie was honored and a Support System to the LA and Orange County Showroom. I asked Jeannie how difficult it was to begin her career change and she was like, it was easy! Jeannie was not looking for the opportunity came to her and she was excited!
To the Wedding Industry however it was a real shocker of course, but to her close friends the support was huge. It takes guts and courage to make a career change in today's market and I truly believe that Jeannie's was inspired by pure fate or as Jeannie says"A Perfect Wedding".
Jeannie also shared her views and opinions about today's wedding industry verses yesterdays and there was a lot to be said. Will leave this subject to another days topic that I will be touching on within the next couple weeks titled "The DIY Bride" How Much did that Wedding Really Cost?" with Interviews by the Industry's Top professionals and some New Comers!
Jeannie's best advise to Brides coming to shop at Designer Specialty Linens is to let them know that they have something for every budget in mind. She also made a point to mention that the Sweetheart Table, Sign-In Table and your Cake Table will be the Three Top most photographed moments at your wedding reception, so including a Beautiful Accent Linen can totally be fitted in any budget. Brides who are planning their own wedding and wedding planners who may or may not know, this is a great way to showcase a Wedding on a Budget! There are also many other creative options as Jeannie mentioned such as incorporating Linens from Venue with a Beautiful overlay or a Beautiful Satin Lamour Napkin perhaps. So many creative options to have fun with! So girls the Trip is worth the VISIT (: There is no pressure and you are always welcome to ask away! The staff is experienced and caring and with the Wedding Jeannie and her Team there to help you! It's a Win Win! Take the time when planning your wedding or event to visit prospective Vendors. You may find out that you may be able to WOW your guest after all!
Okay now time for a Little Jeannie Ward and Veronica Taylor Facts!!!!
JEANNIE'S FAVS
Color: Red
Movie: Amadeus and The Color Purple
Favorite Actor: Gregory Peck
Drink: Manhattan
Restaurant: Second Story at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA. She loves the Chef! Jeannie says the Spring Rolls are to die for!!! Might have to take her up on that!

VERONICA'S FAVS
Color: RED
Movie: Away We Go
Favorite Actor: My Husband LOL! Justine Timberlake
Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory loves Sushi too!

I do hope you enjoyed our visit with Jeannie Ward! Be sure to stop by one of their showrooms and tell them Kimmy from California Working Girl sent you! Visit www.designerspecialtylinens.com  Like them on Facebook and Watch Designer Specialty Linens blossom! Our next Visit with DSL will be at their San Pedro Showroom! Stay Tuned!


Kim Turcotte
California Working Girl
www.facebook.com/californiaworkinggirl
www.wgusashop.com