✨ Episode Overview:

In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse Gen Z planner herself—Kara Galvan—who’s making waves in the Seattle luxury wedding scene. At just 26 years old, Kara has climbed the ranks from part-time planner to Seattle Regional Manager at Your Perfect Bridesmaid, with features in PEOPLE, Over the Moon, and Washington Wedding Day under her belt. We talk about what’s out in weddings, what’s next, and how to show up fully as yourself in this fast-paced industry.

🔥 Hot Takes Kara Drops in This Episode:

 1. Formal Cake Cuttings? Overrated! Kara shares why this outdated tradition might be better as a private couple's moment or just for the photo opp.
 2. Sparkler Sendoffs Are Dying: Save yourself the stress and go out with a bang on the dance floor instead.
 3. Ditch the Basic Arch: Floral pillars or a bold floral arch elevate your ceremony AND your wedding gallery.

💡 Listener Takeaways:

 * Trust your gut—your instincts are usually right.
 * Let go of what you can’t control and focus on being authentically YOU.
 * You don’t have to wait to be older or more experienced to lead—you can shine right now.

🌟 The Woo Factor:

Kara’s youth is her superpower. At just 26, she’s built a thriving career, trusted by high-end clients to bring their dream weddings to life with a fresh and bold perspective.

📣 Want More from Kara?

Follow her journey and get wedding inspo, BTS tips, and all her Gen Z fire on Instagram:
@yourperfectbridesmaid [https://instagram.com/yourperfectbridesmaid] | @seattleweddingplanners [https://instagram.com/seattleweddingplanners] | @kuurraa [https://instagram.com/kuurraa]

Follow Carissa Woo

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 175 - Breaking Wedding Traditions & Standing Out as a Gen Z Wedding Pro with Kara Galvan

Olesya’s work reaches deep into your soul, leaving an indescribable impact that sticks with you. She’s got this knack for capturing not only moments but also the true essence of our family and the love that holds us together.

https://olesyaphotography.com/

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 174 - How to turn your photos into art - Olesya Alferenko

🌟 Episode Summary:

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rose Groves, a destination wedding and elopement photographer who believes adventure doesn’t have to mean a 4-mile hike! She shares how couples can craft luxurious, intimate wedding experiences in stunning locations—think private beaches in Santorini, glass cabins under the Northern Lights, or secluded sunrise moments in Italy. Rose also gives her best sales techniques for getting a HECK YES from dream clients and talks about how she stands out in the wedding industry with her Woo Factor.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

✨ How to redefine adventure weddings beyond the typical hiking elopement
✨ The importance of making your wedding a reflection of your love story
✨ Rose’s top sales technique for attracting and booking dream clients
✨ What makes Rose more than "just" a photographer—her expertise in logistics, food, and unique experiences

🔗 Join us for an inspiring conversation and get ready to say HECK YES to your dream wedding experience!Website: www.matlaiphotography.com [http://www.matlaiphotography.com/]
Social Media: @matlai_photography [https://www.instagram.com/matlai_photography]Connect with Carissa https://instagram.com/carissawoo

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

Ep. 173 - Adventure Without the 4-Mile Hike – Crafting Unique Weddings with Rose Groves

💖 Episode Description:
In this episode of Get a "HECK YES"! with Carissa Woo, we're diving deep into how wedding planning can be more than just organizing a big party—it can lay the foundation for a strong, equal partnership in marriage. Carissa sits down with Felicia Kashevaroff, the founder of Tend Task and creator of I Do Differently, to explore how couples can transform wedding planning stress into opportunities for connection. Felicia shares her unique blend of wedding officiant expertise and relationship coaching, offering practical tips on how to establish shared decision-making systems, create meaningful rituals, and challenge traditional gender roles to build a marriage that lasts.

Felicia also reveals how wedding pros can strengthen their client relationships by suggesting relationship coaching and why it’s not just good karma—it’s good business. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways for both engaged couples and wedding professionals!

✨ What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to turn wedding planning stress into opportunities for connection
✅ The power of designing ceremony elements that reflect your partnership
✅ Why challenging traditional gender roles leads to stronger marriages
✅ How wedding pros can benefit from suggesting relationship coaching

💡 Felicia’s Woo Factor:
Felicia’s unique combination of wedding officiant expertise and relationship coaching creates a service that no one else offers—helping couples create ceremonies that authentically reflect their partnership while building the skills to make their marriage last.

🔥 Felicia’s “HECK YES” Strategy:
Felicia’s secret to landing her dream clients is through strategic partnerships with trusted wedding professionals. By positioning relationship coaching as a solution during the stressful planning process, Felicia connects with couples at exactly the right time—ensuring both the wedding day and the marriage are built on solid ground.

🎁 Freebie for Listeners:
Felicia invites wedding professionals to apply for the exclusive Wedding Vendor Partnership Program! This free program helps wedding pros connect their clients with professional relationship coaching while earning significant referral bonuses. ➡️ Apply here [https://2gojs9jggge.typeform.com/idodifferently]

📲 Connect with Felicia:
👉 Website: https://tendtask.com [https://tendtask.com/]
👉 Instagram & Facebook: @tendtask [https://www.instagram.com/tendtask]

Connect with Carissa Woo https://instagram.com/carissawoo

🎧 Tune in and learn how to help couples create both the wedding and the marriage of their dreams!

Ep. 172 - Building Equal Partnerships Through Wedding Planning with Felicia Kashevaroff

💖 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Get a "Heck Yes!" with Carissa Woo, I'm chatting with the amazing Lizzie Johnson, owner of Lizzie’s Bakery! Lizzie is a talented baker and creative entrepreneur specializing in custom cakes and desserts for any occasion. As a mom to two crazy and fun boys, Lizzie has mastered the art of combining business and motherhood while staying true to her passion.

Lizzie dives into her exciting journey of expanding her bakery business with mobile retail units — including a bakery horse trailer and bakery shed! She shares her best tips for creating themed treat drops, developing seasonal cake flavors, and engaging with her local community to build strong customer relationships.

Lizzie’s story is all about taking charge of your own path — and she’s here to show you how to do the same!

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Lizzie built a thriving bakery business with mobile retail units
✅ The power of themed treat drops and seasonal cake flavors
✅ Why community engagement is key to customer loyalty
✅ How to use a la carte options to close more sales

💡 Lizzie's "Woo Factor":
Lizzie’s motto is "Community over competition." Her goal is to be a light in the world by working hard and being kind — and it’s helped her business grow in incredible ways!

🎁 Special Offer:
Lizzie is offering 10% off on her monthly cake tasting boxes (yes, they ship too!). Promo code coming soon!

👉 Connect with Lizzie:
🌐 Website: www.lizziesbakery.com [https://www.lizziesbakery.com/]
📸 Instagram: @lizzies_bakery [https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_bakery]
📘 Facebook: @lizzies_bakery [https://www.facebook.com/lizzies_bakery]

Connect with Carissa https://instagram.com/carissawoo

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Let’s get that HECK YES! 🙌

Ep. 171 - How to Build a Thriving Mobile Bakery Business with Lizzie Johnson

Episode Description:
In this episode of Get a “Heck Yes”! with Carissa Woo, I sit down with Becky Durigan, the powerhouse behind Denver Photo Collective. Becky is a Chicago native balancing her thriving photography studio rental business in Denver, mentoring creatives, and full-time motherhood—all with grace and passion.

We dive deep into the importance of memberships in your creative business and why they can be a game-changer for building sustainable income. Becky shares her insights on curating membership programs that benefit both you and your clients, budgeting with your bottom line in mind, and how community creates balance in business. Plus, she breaks down why finding 20 loyal members a year is way easier than chasing 30 new clients every month!

Main Takeaway:
Community-driven programs and memberships are a win-win for creatives—helping to establish dependable income while fostering meaningful connections.

Becky’s Top Tips:
✔ Curate a membership program that benefits both you and your clients.
✔ Budget smartly while keeping your financial goals in check.
✔ Leverage community for balance and long-term success.
✔ Focus on retention—20 loyal members can be more valuable than constantly finding new clients.

Becky’s Sales Secret to a ‘Heck Yes!’:
She keeps it simple: providing real solutions, maintaining client interest, and asking the right questions to guide them toward saying YES.

The Woo Factor – What Makes Becky Stand Out?
Becky is a master connector. She creates the space for creatives to thrive, network, and grow, making Denver Photo Collective a hub of inspiration and success.

Special Offer for Listeners!
Get $200 off Studio Prep School with code STUDIO200
👉 Check it out here!

Connect with Becky:
📷 Instagram: @denverphotocollective [https://www.instagram.com/denverphotocollective]
🌐 Website: www.denverphotocollective.com [http://www.denverphotocollective.com/]

Connect with Carissa Woo https://instagram.com/carissawoo

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to create a membership model that brings stability, connection, and long-term growth to your creative business!

Episode 170 - The Power of Memberships in Your Creative Business with Becky Durigan

Episode Description:


In this episode of Get a "HECK YES"! with Carissa Woo, we chat with Lauren Tetef, the creative mind behind Flourish Locally [https://www.flourishlocally.com/]. Join us as we dive into the world of [her industry/niche], uncovering the secrets behind her success and how she consistently gets a “Heck Yes!” from her dream clients.

Lauren shares her journey, insights into her unique “Woo Factor,” and her favorite sales techniques that keep her clients coming back for more. Tune in to learn actionable tips and get inspired to elevate your own business!

Main Takeaways:

 * How Lauren built Flourish Locally into a go-to brand for [specific service or product].
 * 3-4 actionable tips to help you [achieve a relevant goal].
 * The secret behind Lauren's "Woo Factor" and how she stands out in a crowded market.
 * Proven sales techniques to help you get that “Heck Yes!” from your ideal clients.

Connect with Lauren Tetef:

 * Website: Flourish Locally [https://www.flourishlocally.com/]
 * Instagram: @flourishlocally [https://www.instagram.com/flourishlocally]

Tune In & Subscribe:
Don’t miss out on more inspiring interviews and business tips! Subscribe to Get a "HECK YES"! with Carissa Woo on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Connect with Carissa https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Episode 169 - Create a lasting community with Lauren Tetef Flourish Locally

Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Kim, the founder and designer behind HandmadeBySaraKim. What started as a love for crafting has transformed into a full-time creative career—from designing bridal accessories to specializing in handmade paper flowers. Sara has partnered with brands like Michaels, Cricut, and the Getty Museum, and she’s passionate about inspiring fellow artists through workshops, tutorials, and creative content.

Sara shares how she grew her business as an artist while navigating different life transitions, including running a small business as a stay-at-home mom. She dives into the power of passion, how self-motivation fuels her work, and key tips for turning creativity into a thriving brand.

✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✔ How Sara built her business from passion and self-motivation
✔ The transitions she made as an artist and entrepreneur
✔ Tips for running a small business as a stay-at-home mom
✔ The secret to getting a “HECK YES” from dream clients
✔ How mastering multiple skills helped her stand out

💡 Freebie from Sara:
Get access to free template designs to jumpstart your creativity! Grab them here: https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/free

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube! [Insert YouTube Link]

👉 Connect with Sara:
Website [https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/] | https://www.instagram.com/handmadebysarakim

Connect with Carissa Woo

https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you loved this episode! 🎙️💛

Ep. 168 - Turning Passion into Profit: The Art of Handmade Business with Sara Kim

Tips:

Music is More Than Background Noise – A well-curated playlist enhances every moment, from the ceremony’s emotional highs to the dance floor’s peak energy.
The Power of Personalization – Incorporating a couple’s love story, cultural traditions, and guest preferences makes the experience uniquely memorable.
Energy & Flow Matter – A great DJ understands when to build momentum, slow it down for special moments, and bring it back up for an epic celebration.
Collaboration is Key – Working closely with planners, photographers, and couples ensures a smooth event with no awkward transitions or dead air.


Thank you https://www.17hats.com/ for sponsoring this podcast. Use code heckyes to get 50% off the entire year!

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

djnatemurray.com [http://djnatemurray.com/]

Episode 167 - Nathan Murray - How to Create a Wedding or Event Atmosphere That Guests Will Talk About Forever

Episode Description:In this episode, we sit down with Joe Marx, a luxury event musician and singer-songwriter renowned for his captivating performances at weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Joe shares how he customizes each performance to match the unique atmosphere of every event, blending soulful vocals with masterful guitar skills to create an unforgettable experience.

Guest Bio:Joe Marx is a luxury event musician and singer-songwriter known for delivering captivating performances tailored to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Combining soulful vocals with masterful guitar playing, Joe creates an unforgettable atmosphere, whether performing solo or with talented duo and trio ensembles.

Hot Topic: How I Tailor Each Performance to Match the Unique Atmosphere of Every Event

Key Takeaways:

 * Joe’s process for creating custom setlists that resonate with each event’s vibe.
 * The importance of collaborating with clients on song choices to ensure a personalized experience.
 * How Joe seamlessly transitions between solo, duo, and trio setups to suit the energy and flow of different occasions.

Main Takeaway for Listeners:Discover how Joe Marx’s versatile, client-focused approach elevates events with custom-tailored performances, delivering a seamless and unforgettable musical experience.

Favorite Sales Technique:Joe’s "Experience First" approach—selling the destination, not the cost of the flight—ensuring clients envision the value and impact of his performances.

Woo Factor:Joe’s ability to create an immersive, tailor-made experience that feels both intimate and luxurious, blending world-class musicianship with a personal touch clients can’t get anywhere else.

Exclusive Offer:Joe is offering a limited-time discount for listeners who mention this episode when booking their event. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to elevate your next event with a custom-tailored musical performance!

Connect with Joe Marx: https://www.instagram.com/thejoemarx

Connect with Carissa Woo https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Episode 167 - Crafting Unforgettable Musical Experiences with Joe Marx

Welcome to "Get a Heck Yes" with Carissa Woo. Carissa has been a Los Angeles
wedding photographer for over a decade. She's traveled the world, built her
team, and seen it all! Carissa Woo Photography won best wedding photographer by
California Wedding Day 2 years in a row. She now coaches wedding photographers
hit 10K a month and builds a thriving business. In this podcast, Carissa will
deep dive into how top wedding creatives get that heck yes from their dream
clients. She is not holding back on the struggles of the business and how to
push through the noise. Some healthy hustle, mindset shifts, up-leveling your
money story, time hacks because she's a mom of 2, a little bit of woo woo, and
most important, self-love and confidence are just a few of the many things we
will talk about. See you all soon Connect with Carissa Coaching IG: @Carissawoo
Photography IG: @carissawoophotography Download a free guide on how to become a
lead generating machine HERE

Get a "Heck Yes" with Carissa Woo Wedding Photographer and Coach

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