491 CECI JOHNSON: The Art of Constant Evolution and Elevating Brands

The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

Andy is so thrilled to welcome Ceci Johnson back to the podcast! The founder of Ceci New York, a globally renowned luxury invitation design agency, Ceci is recognized by Tory Burch and also Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine, as well as numerous others, and is here to share insights into the constant evolution of her business over the past three years. As a creative force, Ceci discusses the importance of staying ahead of the curve and exploring new possibilities, especially post-pandemic.

The conversation delves into Ceci's expansion into more attainable luxury with semi-custom collection invitations, making luxury accessible to a broader audience. Beyond invitations, she has ventured into corporate and branding work, launching brand makeovers during the pandemic. Ceci emphasizes the significance of ensuring that a brand works for the business, not against it.

Ceci also explores strategic partnerships and collaborations, highlighting the magic that happens when creatives join forces. She shares insights into Instagram's collaborator post feature, enhancing visibility and engagement. Her foray into lifestyle products, including collaborations with Ladurée and Bandolier, showcases her commitment to innovation, and she even provides tips on successful partnerships, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the right fit and being strategic in choices.

The conversation touches upon personalized design trends, the challenges of staying unique in a saturated market, and the evolving landscape of the wedding and events industry. Ceci opens up about balancing creativity with running a successful business, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a work-life balance. Ceci also shares her dreams, including the desire to find contentment and relaxation amid the constant pursuit of success.

Andy is grateful for Ceci’s time and for coming back on the show, and he hopes that you enjoy this conversation with her! If you do, then please don’t keep it to yourself! Be sure to share the episode with a few good friends who might also enjoy it, and be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to the show, as that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

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Time Stamps

[0:27] - Andy announces that today’s guest is returning guest Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York!

[1:53] - Constantly evolving, Ceci embraces change and collaborates for accessible luxury and brand makeovers.

[4:15] - Ceci argues that the whole brand makeover is pivotal and emphasizes creating a cohesive brand, from logo to symbols and guidelines.

[6:01] - What is Ceci’s view on partnerships and collaborations?

[8:29] - Ceci is excited about expanding into lifestyle products, including scarves, phone cases, and more.

[10:36] - Ceci emphasizes a strategic approach to partnerships, prioritizing alignment with her luxury brand and audience.

[12:24] - Acknowledging evolving challenges, Ceci reflects on the enduring demand for personalized couture design over her 20-year journey.

[15:17] - Ceci acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and boundaries.

[18:48] - The key is managing priorities, saying no to non-essential tasks, and eliminating toxic influences for balance.

[20:10] - Ceci feels that success is ongoing, that there's no point of relaxation.

[23:39] - From where does Ceci find inspiration?

[26:10] - Ceci emphasizes the importance of granting individual "me time" to her kids, promoting independence and boundaries.

[27:05] - Ceci shares her dreams of future collaborations and expresses a desire to find contentment in her current achievements.

[30:24] - Andy reveals where Ceci can be found online.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Ceci's Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

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Ceci’s Website

Ceci’s Instagram Page

Ceci’s Facebook Page

Ceci’s Pinterest Page

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.