With the Woman Wednesday series, CatMax Photography introduces you to exceptional female entrepreneurs who have gone through the CatMax Personal Branding Experience. Today, I invite you to meet Gretchen Class-Diaz of Studio CRiSP.
Gretchen Class-Diaz of Studio CRiSP
Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
Something you may notice about Gretchen Class-Diaz right away is her love of simplicity. It’s a theme that’s evident in many aspects of her life, including her work in event planning, interior décor, and forging strategic partnerships.
Communicating that simplicity is the essence of all that Gretchen does was vital for her recent Personal Branding Experience with CatMax Photography. Together, Gretchen and I not only accomplished that goal but were also able to showcase her natural and authentic self. She says of the final product and what the pictures convey about her business, “People value the experience and achieving great results, and the photos show just that: simplicity, beauty, and a better way to see and experience life in general.”
The 77 images give viewers a true peek at Gretchen’s artful approach to her work and hint at the road that led her to where she is today. As shown in the photos, you’ll find her regularly perusing her coffee table books for inspiration or joyfully arranging flowers while reminiscing on childhood memories.
Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
A Calling from the Beginning
Gretchen was actually first introduced to the world of event planning by watching her mother host cooking classes for friends and events for numerous organizations. As she embarked on her career, Gretchen realized a similar fondness for bringing people together resided within her as well.
Pursuing that passion inspired Gretchen to enter the wedding planning industry, where she mastered her skills and was simultaneously immersed in the creative and décor side of event planning and execution. “I loved getting to know new people and beautiful families and being part of such a special moment,” she says. Then, the nonprofit world came knocking, and Gretchen found herself carrying out conferences and galas on a large scale, a daunting yet profoundly rewarding endeavor.
Making Her Mark
Today, Gretchen uses her 20-plus years of experience to offer event planning, interior décor, and strategic partnership services through her company, Studio CRiSP. “My business requires emotional intelligence, as I work with dreams, needs, and reality. This is why I believe that to align with the expected goals and results that I am committed to providing, I am constantly searching for self-education, expanding my network, and understanding my limitations. It is part of my work ethic and integrity as a professional,” she says.
Her process, which always includes concierge-style client service, is rooted in collaboration, respect for the individuality of her clients, and the desire to bring peace of mind. She loves creating opportunities and spaces that offer meaning and encourage purposeful gathering, even if that gathering is merely with yourself and your thoughts.
Gretchen encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to honor themselves along with their calling and purpose. In addition to stressing the importance of finding a mentor, she says, “Learning, self-regulation, and self-respect should be constant.”
You can learn more about Gretchen’s Personal Branding Experience by watching a recap of our Instagram LIVE Q&A. Click here to view it and be sure to follow CatMax Photography on Instagram at @catmaxphoto and Gretchen at @gretchenclassdiaz.
