May 25, 2015

We celebrate her: Mati Gono, Founder of Just As Planned Wedding Consultants

Heralded as the maven of premium wedding planning amongst the noveau riche, Mati Gono is the mastermind behind the force, Just As Planned Wedding Consultants. Created in 2011, Just As Planned has fast become a major player within the wedding events industry, voted regional finalist for the 2015 Wedding Industry Awards, year on year the company has continued to produce more exclusive events in some of London’s most prestigious venues. The company has cemented a position as one of London’s top wedding events consultants. From planning her first event for friends in 2007, Mati’s reputation precedes her, as the majority of her bookings come from referrals or friends and family of past clients who are always astounded by the sense of professionalism and organisation that is the mark of a Just As Planned event.

What kind of woman are you?

I am hard working, bold, confident, beautiful inside & out and full of ideas woman.

How did you become a business woman?

I have been a busy woman since the age of 11. My mum used to give me £1.50 a day to go to school with and during break time I could only afford a pack of crisps and a drink. I started investing the £1.50 every morning into buying 15 10p pick & mix bags from my local sweet shop and would sell them for 20-30p, the last two bags would always sell for about 40-50p. I would end up with at least £3.60 on some days and then I started investing more money in my local sweet shop. That process taught me a lot, I couldn’t live on the £1.50 especially when my friends were being give £3 a day.

What drives you to run your business?

A passion and love for creating memorable occasions. I like things to be done properly and to a high standard. Being organised is like a second nature to me hence why organising events is what I love doing. Weddings can be so stressful and without the proper guidance couples put themselves under too much pressure doing things they have no idea how to do. I like being able to advise and give guidance, weddings are big business but marriage is for a life and it’s a blessing to be part of the process when it comes to weddings.

Who has been the biggest help to your career to date?

Wow, that question is easy to answer. My very good friend and talented photographer Mr Jide Alakija. We are both in the wedding industry but he is actually a photographer and with his business knowledge and guidance I was able to move in the right direction.

What person do you admire the most and why?

Another dear friend and brother to me Grammy award nominee Harmony David Samuels-I grew up with him and he is like an older brother as we used to attend the same church. When he was 4 he taught himself how to play the piano and bass while playing for his church. He always encouraged me to do my best no matter what I wanted to do. Seeing his journey and knowing some of his hardships along the way always enabled me to believe that anything is possible no matter where you are from. He is a great source of strength for me and a living example that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard enough for it.

What Kind of teenager were you?

I was very socially active, I worked very hard. There was a time I worked 2 jobs, 7days a week in my placement year at uni. I was always organising something, from raves, to live music events. I was very much a people person and still am.

What has been the lowest point in your career?

There have been low points but nothing that caused me to mark it as the lowest point.

What is your biggest regret?

I have none, everything that has ever happened to me in my life has bought me to this place and this time.

What has been the highlight of your career/business so far?

The many happy couples we have assisted with planning and coordinating their wedding day. Being featured in Forbes Woman Africa and being able to mentor ladies who want to step out in business.

Can you complete this sentence ‘What I know is….

‘Everyday is a gift from God, I would be doing a great disservice to myself and my family not being the best version of me God created me to be. Happiness is when what I think, what I say and what I do are in harmony .I am blessed to be able to identify what my gift/talent is and I am also wise enough to seek knowledge and gain a better understanding which moves me into the realm of excellence in everything I do’

To find out more about Just as Planned Events, please visit their website here: http://www.justasplanned.net/

Follow Just as Planned on Twitter @JustAs_Planned