OnlyFounders
What really happens when two founders hit record?
Welcome to OnlyFounders, the unfiltered podcast where Anne Gillaspie and Matt Lo—two wildly different founders with wildly good chemistry—let you eavesdrop on the conversations that usually happen behind closed doors.
From the brand therapist brain of Anne (Fix & Form) to the tech-obsessed mind of Matt (ChipBot), these are the deep dives, off-the-rails riffs, and philosophical rabbit holes that business owners crave but rarely get. Think of it as your morning coffee with two founders who aren’t afraid to disagree, throw a little shade, and get real about the humanity and science of building things that last.
Business. Branding. Technology. Psychology. Strategy. Swearing. It’s all on the table.
Grab your mug. You’re invited.
OnlyFounders
057: The Wedding Industry Reality Check: Pricing, Boundaries, and the "Vibe Check" with Carly Rae
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Everyone thinks wedding planning is just pretty flowers and cake tasting. In this episode, industry veteran Carly Rae (founder of Carly Rae Weddings & High Noon Floral) joins Anne and Matt to reveal the gritty reality of managing high-stakes events, from "burning" medical records to burning the midnight oil for Hollywood celebrities.
Carly breaks down her journey from undercutting the competition to commanding luxury pricing, sharing why "raising your prices" is often a test of nerve rather than value. We discuss the critical role of a "Bridal Concierge" to protect your sanity, why video "vibe checks" are the new standard for hiring vendors, and how to maintain margin without blowing up your business. Whether you’re in events or SaaS, this conversation is a masterclass in evolving your business model before you burn out.
🚨 Stuff You’ll Want to Remember:
- "I really struggled with my creative identity and someone else's business and their portfolio. So I rebranded it to be High Noon Floral." — Carly
- "If you're not physically there, then chances are they're upset. It's like the minute you walk out the door... it's like a baby crying." — Carly
- "There's no nervous, not nervous, they're just stressed... So if you look at it the other way, what if you only win? It's kind of boring." — Matt
- "I think that’s why I’ve tried to understand you, Matt... because when you say, 'Well, I like to fail and I like struggle,' I am still healing and recovering from a very conditionally formatted home where performance equals love." — Anne
📡 Where to Find Us
- Carly → Carly Rae Weddings - High Noon Floral - Instagram
- Anne → Fix & Form - LinkedIn
- Matt → ChipBot - LinkedIn