Shelby Henry is a creative director + wedding entrepreneur with offices in West Palm Beach, FL and Zionsville, IN. She founded and manages three independent businesses, servicing clients in the wedding, events, and branding industries. Combining both a unique perspective of service and an extensive skill set, Shelby Henry specializes in wedding and elopement photography and videography; visuals and branding services for small businesses in the fashion, culinary, and self-care realms; and, her newest venture, offering a unique and seamless experience for couples and clients hosting weddings and special events at The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space, located in Zionsville, Indiana.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

- I have always believed in thinking outside of the box - and that’s why after 4 years as a professional wedding photographer and videographer with my company, Amavi Luxury Wedding Studio, I saw an opportunity. In 2019, I began research + designs on a premium wedding venue back in my hometown outside of Indianapolis. Consider - a purpose-built event space designed and built with flow, capacity, light, and aesthetics in mind. The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space came from the mind of someone who has always looked at the world a little differently and valued the experience of the consumer. 

What inspired you to start your business?

There’s nothing like seeing a space in an industry, seeing a hole in the market and knowing with full certainty that you have a unique skill set and a fresh approach to fill it - essentially that “you’re the woman for the job.” That’s what I feel when I think of the start of The Sixpence journey. I truly believed that I had an approach and background that would provide the best design and service to the client, and I felt naturally called and enabled to fulfill that.

Where is your business based?

- West Palm Beach, Florida and Zionsville, Indiana - I split my time between both locations. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

- I just jumped in head first. I don’t know if it was blind faith or confidence, but I just picked up the camera and started. Instead of thinking, I acted. At the time, this allowed something I was very passionate about blossomed into a dynamic business.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

- Living my brand, because I believe in it so deeply. Additionally, creating an unparalleled client experience and brand awareness in our market. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

- Burnout. I still fight this battle daily as sometimes I feel taken for granted or taken advantage of, but the team that I surround myself with is one of the biggest antidotes for that, and I am grateful for them.

How do you stay focused?

- Batching is huge for me. Setting aside time for specific tasks and just doing that item. I also have a brain dump list near me at all times, that I can write or type something that I don’t want to forget about, but will not allow to derail me from what I am currently working on.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

- Firstly, my team. Everyone that I get to work alongside was hired because they were a good culture fit first and foremost. The age old saying - if you want to go far, go together. I get to work with some of the smartest, kindest people in the world, and we get to support the client and each other. Secondly, a product that stands apart from its competitors. There’s truly nothing like a purpose-built venue versus a venue that was something else first. The flow, aesthetics, and amenities are hard to beat.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

- Living, breathing the brand. I believe so whole-heartedly in what we do that I feel it just pours out of me. I’ve also allowed my personal and professional life to merge. I thought for a long time that I needed to keep them separate, and it almost felt unnatural. Instead, I set healthy boundaries where I need them, but allow my heart and head to both guide my business decision-making and marketing.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

- Lean in to who you are. Your strengths and weaknesses. Audit yourself honestly and celebrate what you find. Consider the unique combination of skills that you bring to the table that position you to be the expert in a niche. You may not know what that is right off the bat, but if you stay in tune with yourself (and your gut), you will find your way. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

- I really love the Defining Decade right now - I feel that it applies well to my age and place in life. I gift it to many of my mid-20s friends! 

 What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

- I love Trello. For someone who is juggling many things, small and large, Trello is a simple tool that helps keep me on track day to day. It’s also a great way to communicate with a team that are sometimes in different states and timezones. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

- My father, Chris Henry. I grew up learning from him in all areas of business and he has taught me to lead with grace, empathy and resilience.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

- I find that consistently exercising has helped me decompress and release stress consistently. Additionally, I schedule 1 to 2 massages a month, and aim to take one full day off a week, often times that is Monday.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

- The next 6 months will see some of the first full year open for The Sixpence. Some of our goals in this realm will be to grow the team, expand business awareness, and pull in more destination clients. In my personal life, I will be getting married and building a life with my soon to be husband, Seth.

How can our readers connect with you?

- The best way to connect with me is to follow our accounts on social media: @shelllz_ @the_sixpence @amavi_weddings; but you can always find us online at www.shelbyhenry.com and www.thesixpence.com