I’m so excited for today’s episode because I get to sit down with my dear friend, Quendie from Quendie Joy. She’s not only a stunning makeup artist known for her signature soft glam style, but also one of the bubbliest, most magnetic people I know. For the past five years, I’ve been referring her because she brings so much beauty, talent, and joy to every client she touches.

But here’s the best part—you need to follow Quendie on social media. She’s hilarious, unfiltered, and always keeps it real. From silly stories about planning her own wedding, to navigating life on crutches or in a wheelchair, she shares it all with authenticity and humor.

In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What it’s like planning a wedding as both a wedding professional and a bride-to-be ✨ Her journey to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she’ll say “I do” later this year (and yes, I’ll be there!) ✨ Why joy, humor, and authenticity are her superpowers—on and off social media

You’re going to fall in love with Quendie’s energy, her honesty, and her laughter. Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and fun!

https://www.instagram.com/quendiejoy

https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 195 - Wedding Planning with Quendie Joy: Makeup Artist, Bride-to-Be, and All-Around Joy

Welcome to Get a Heck Yes!

Today’s guest is someone whose career has been as dynamic as it is inspiring: Jolene Purdy.

Jolene first captured attention with her breakout role in the cult classic Donnie Darko, and since then, she’s continued to impress audiences with memorable performances in Under the Dome, Orange Is the New Black, WandaVision, and The White Lotus. Most recently, she stars opposite Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman.

In this episode, Jolene shares her journey as a performer, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what it means to keep evolving in an ever-changing industry.

If you’re a fan of authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes insight, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we welcome the multitalented and endlessly inspiring Jolene Purdy!

https://www.instagram.com/jojopurdy

Connect with Carissa

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Sponsors: https://www.17hats.com/

Use code heckyes

Ep. 194 - Not checking any boxes with Jolene Purdy 

✨ Episode Description:

Weddings are magical—but let’s be real, they can also be overwhelming when it comes to managing the budget. Where do you save? Where do you splurge? And how do you make sure your money is going toward the things that actually matter to you?

In this episode, I sit down with Marcy, founder of MCM Entertainment, to unpack the art of budgeting for your big day. Raised by a singer and a magician, Marcy was literally destined to entertain. From DJ-ing weddings at just 15 to becoming a powerhouse MC, singer, attorney, and licensed officiant by 24, she brings a unique perspective on how to balance fun, flawless execution, and financial sanity.

Together, we’ll talk about:

 * ✅ Where most couples overspend (and how to avoid it)
 * ✅ The top 3 areas worth investing in for long-term memories
 * ✅ Budget-friendly ways to keep the entertainment alive all night
 * ✅ How having the right MC, DJ, or coordinator can actually save you money in the long run

Marcy also shares her mission at MCM Entertainment—helping couples enjoy stress-free celebrations with bilingual MCs, day-of coordination, and an energy-packed crew that keeps guests engaged from start to finish.

If you’re planning a wedding and feeling the budget squeeze, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for allocating your dollars in a way that feels aligned with your vision.

📌 Resources & Links:

 * Learn more about Marcy and her team: https://marcysk.com/



 * Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 193 - How to Allocate Your Wedding Budget with Marcy of MCM Entertainment

Happy Woo Wednesdays!

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Dare To Love Music — a married duo who have been creating unforgettable events through music for over a decade. From weddings and baby showers to intimate celebrations, they specialize in tailoring each performance so it resonates with your story and your guests.

With Derrick’s mesmerizing saxophone and Lovisa’s captivating vocals, they bring energy, emotion, and connection to every event. Whether it’s the soulful notes of a ceremony or the lively energy of a reception, they make sure the soundtrack to your special day feels like you.

🎷 Derrick Lightning has shared the stage with legends like Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, George Thorogood, and has performed at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Hit Factory. His passion for music is only matched by his love for connecting with people and making them smile.

🎤 Lovisa Lightning has performed for the King of Sweden and collaborated with icons like Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and jazz great Toots Thielemans. A versatile vocalist and instrumentalist, Lovisa shines across genres from jazz and soul to pop and rock, captivating audiences with the emotion and depth of her voice.

In this episode, we dive into how music tells your love story, the magic of crafting a personalized playlist, and why live performance adds an unforgettable layer to life’s biggest moments.

✨ If you want to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding or event, Dare To Love Music is here to make it extraordinary.

Connect with the duo

https://www.instagram.com/daretolovemusic

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 192 - Telling Your Love Story Through Your Playlist - Derrick + Lovisa _ Dare to Love

This week on Get a Heck Yes, I’m joined by Eden Strader — a wedding photographer turned seven-figure business coach who’s on a mission to help creatives build businesses that are both wildly profitable and deeply aligned with the life they want to live.

Eden knows what it’s like to start from scratch, hustle nonstop, and sacrifice weekends — only to realize there’s a better way. By age 28, she had transformed her passion into a thriving online business that supports her lifestyle, her creativity, and her sanity. Now, she helps other photographers and creatives do the same through a mix of soul-based brand building, data-driven marketing, clear workflows, and sustainable strategies.

In this conversation, Eden gets real about what she would tell business owners if she wasn’t worried about hurting their feelings — and trust me, these truth bombs are worth hearing. We dig into:

 * 🚫 Why cold-pitching strangers in the DMs without connection or personalization is the fastest way to burn bridges.
 * ❌ Why following your competitor’s followers isn’t an effective marketing plan (and what to do instead).
 * ✅ How the quickest path to growth is often staying in your own lane and doubling down on your unique strengths.

Beyond business strategy, Eden also opens up about her commitment to destigmatizing mental health, raising awareness about abuse, and empowering women to reclaim their power — making her work as heartfelt as it is strategic.

If you’ve been craving a business that doesn’t run you ragged, but instead fuels your creativity and freedom, this episode will feel like a deep breath.

Listen now and get ready to rethink the way you grow.

Connect with Eden https://edenstrader.com/

Connect with Carissa instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 191 - Business advice I'd give you if I wasn't afraid to hurt your feelings… Eden Strader

In this episode:
Today’s guest went from crunching numbers to crafting dream weddings—and she believes both skills are crucial for a thriving marriage. Meet Erika Bowers, founder of Erika’s Elegance Weddings & Event Planning. With a background in corporate accounting and over 20 years of event planning experience, Erika shares how knowing your numbers can help you get married and stay married.

We talk about:
✨ Why budgeting is a form of self-care (and relationship care)
✨ How Erika pivoted from a career in corporate finance to full-time wedding planning
✨ The overlooked connection between financial transparency and long-term marital happiness
✨ Practical tips for couples navigating money conversations while planning their wedding
✨ Her journey from St. Louis to Southern California and how her Southern charm influences her client experience

Erika’s story is full of heart, purpose, and passion. She brings the perfect mix of spreadsheets and sparkle to her work—and she’s on a mission to help couples create events (and marriages) that reflect their values.

Meet Erika:
Erika Bowers is a Certified Professional Bridal Consultant with a BS in Accountancy and an MBA. She’s the founder of Erika’s Elegance Weddings & Event Planning, a boutique planning company based in Southern California and St. Louis. She currently serves as Co-Director of the Association of Bridal Consultants Greater LA Chapter and is deeply committed to empowering couples through education, elegance, and intentional celebration.

Connect with Erika:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikaselegance
https://www.erikaselegance.com/

Resources Mentioned:
[Link to Erika’s planning services or any freebies]
[Your own link to passive income offers if you'd like to plug something here]

If you loved this episode, share it with a bride-to-be or tag us on Instagram @getaheckyespodcast and let us know your biggest takeaway!

Say hi to me https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 190 - From Accountant to Wedding Planner: The Secret to Getting Married and Staying Married with Erika Bowers

Episode Description:
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on Podcast Marketing Hub—your go-to growth partner for turning your podcast into a lead-generating, list-building machine. From SEO-optimized show notes to dynamic ad strategy and quiz funnels that actually convert, Podcast Marketing Hub is all about sustainable, measurable growth—so you can focus on the bigger vision for your brand.

👋 Meet Kylee:
With nearly a decade of experience in the podcasting world, Kylee has helped some of the biggest names in online business amplify their reach. While managing Amy Porterfield’s Online Marketing Made Easy podcast, she helped boost monthly downloads from 400K to over 1 million. As Chief Growth Officer for Cathy Heller, Kylee continued her mission of helping creators grow and scale.

The interactive quizzes she built for Amy and Cathy generated thousands of new email subscribers—and proved just how powerful the right funnel can be for podcasters.

💡 Inside this episode:

 * The mission behind Podcast Marketing Hub
 * How Kylee helped top-ranked shows scale to 1M+ downloads
 * The surprising power of quizzes for podcasters
 * Why podcasting is not dead—it’s evolving
 * Kylee’s life on the road with her family (yes, she’s a full-time traveler too!)

✨ If you're ready to grow your downloads, build your list, and finally treat your podcast like the growth engine it’s meant to be—this episode is for you.

—

Learn More:
🔗 Visit PodcastMarketingHub.com
📩 Reach out to Kylee for custom strategies that scale

Connnect with Carissa https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Join the challenge https://www.digitalwealthhypegirl.com/24-hr-ai-challenge

189 - Start a podcast with Kylee Chandler

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Brandon Wong — the CEO and Founder of Demystify AI, an innovative AI company based in Los Angeles. Brandon grew up in Southern California, graduated from UCLA with a degree in Data Science (specializing in Cybersecurity), and formerly worked as a Senior Software Engineer for the Oscars in Hollywood. 🎬💻

Now, Brandon is on a mission to educate and empower entrepreneurs and business owners to safely and responsibly integrate AI into their workflows. We talk about:

 * How to use AI as a tool (not a replacement)
 * Real-world ways AI is helping small businesses grow faster
 * Why cybersecurity and responsible use matter more than ever
 * What Demystify AI is doing to make AI more accessible and scalable

If you’re curious (or a little overwhelmed) about using AI in your biz, this episode will make it feel exciting, ethical, and totally doable.

Connect with Brandon Wong:
🌐 www.demystifyai.org
📍 Based in Los Angeles, CA

Connect with Me (Carissa):
📸 https://instagram.com/carissawoo
💻 Learn about my digital product journey: https://www.digitalwealthhypegirl.com/24-hr-ai-challenge


Ep. 188 - How to Safely & Powerfully Use AI in Your Business with Brandon Wong

🎧 Episode Description:
How do you make a wedding speech unforgettable—in a good way? 👀
Today’s guest is none other than Brian Franklin, dubbed “The Humorist” by The New York Times, and the Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches, a company on a mission to make wedding speeches (and vows!) actually enjoyable to listen to.

Brian has helped hundreds of people write vows, toasts, ceremonies, and even eulogies. In this episode, he shares how to tap into authenticity, avoid cliché, and craft words that feel deeply personal and powerful. Whether you’re a best man, maid of honor, officiant, or the one walking down the aisle—this episode will help you feel confident behind the mic.

We also dive into:

 * The #1 mistake most people make in wedding speeches
 * What not to say when you’re nervous
 * How to balance humor and heart in your vows
 * Why speeches drag—and how to fix them
 * Real stories from real weddings (yes, including the awkward ones!)
 * A sneak peek into Brian’s upcoming book Engaged (coming 2026)

This is a must-listen for engaged couples, wedding pros, and anyone who’s ever had to raise a glass in front of a crowd.

📝 Guest Bio:
Brian Franklin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vows & Speeches, where he’s helped hundreds of clients craft unforgettable words for life’s biggest moments. He’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Brides, Politico, Bridal Guide, The Miami Herald, and more. Before founding his company, Brian ran an award-winning political consulting firm and served for 10 years on the board of the American Association of Political Consultants. His upcoming book, Engaged: Things I Learned About Love and Partnership by Interviewing Engaged Couples, is set to release in early 2026.

📲 Connect with Brian:
Instagram: @vowsandspeeches [https://www.instagram.com/vowsandspeeches]
Website: vowsandspeeches.com [https://www.vowsandspeeches.com/]

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

Ep. 187 - From Cringe to Captivating: How to Nail Your Wedding Words - Brian Franklin

🎙️ Podcast Episode: Thriving Beyond the Hustle with Dr. Lani Jones

Description:

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, we’re joined by the incomparable Dr. Lani Jones—clinical psychologist, advisor, speaker, and founder of HBL Advisory Group. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty despite outward success, this conversation is for you.

Dr. Lani brings nearly two decades of experience guiding ambitious leaders who are ready to ditch burnout, make confident decisions, and create meaningful impact—without sacrificing their well-being. She’s not your typical therapist. With her no-nonsense approach, deep wisdom, and faith-forward mindset, she helps high-achievers navigate the chaos of life and leadership with clarity and conviction.

We Talk About:

 * Why work-life balance might be a myth—and what to focus on instead
 * How to overcome decision fatigue, burnout, and imposter syndrome
 * The power of aligning your personal and professional life for maximum impact
 * Building legacy instead of chasing perfection
 * How Dr. Lani blends clinical psychology with leadership strategy—no therapy couch required

This episode is your permission slip to stop surviving and start thriving.

✨ Bonus: Dr. Lani shares her 3-step strategy for regaining clarity and control (and it starts with a complimentary session!)

🔗 Resources & Links:

 * Connect with Dr. Lani Jones: www.hbladvisorygroup.com [https://www.hbladvisorygroup.com/]
 * Get the Final 1% Starter Kit – Free Download
 * Book a Complimentary Session: Click here
 * Follow along on Instagram: @dr.lanijones [https://www.instagram.com/dr.lanijones] (update with her real IG handle)

Let’s Redefine Success—Together.

Rate, review, and share this episode if it spoke to you! Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway.

#TheFinal1Percent #WomenInLeadership #FaithDrivenBusiness #FromBurnoutToBreakthrough #DrLaniJones #PodcastGuest

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

Ep, 186 - Thriving Beyond the Hustle with Dr. Lani Jones

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

Carissa Sato's Show

Wedding Photography, Photography, weddings, wedding pros

Carissa Sato

Shows