That’s the kind of thing that It’s Better Together breeds, it breeds community. It breeds a family-like bond of togetherness because life and business is hard, but it’s better together. Our 4th meetup was a special one because it’s the last one of our first year. We’re approaching our anniversary and it’s so crazy to look back and see how this little dream became a reality. It started when a few of us met at Liene Steven’s Bootcamp last year. The idea and bond grew over coffee and frozen yogurt dates. We had our first ever meetup in Anna Bond’s old studio (our current studio) with just about 10 people. Now we’re having a hard time finding meeting spaces that will fit us. And everyone who is a part of this group has such a lovely and giving spirit. It’s so refreshing! To say that I love it would be an understatement. I cannot wait to see how this group, this movement of young people grows and changes the face of business.

If you’re a young, creative professional in Central Florida (or beyond, if you wanna make a drive) and you’re longing for this kind of open-minded, open-hearted community, please go over to the It’s Better Together blog, read about our vision, and sign up to get updates about the upcoming meet ups. Or you can follow It’s Better Together on Twitter.

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When the idea for It’s Better Together started forming I was thrilled, and a bit scared. The way the first few of us had originally met was so beautiful and organic and everyone involved had such sweet personalities and such big dreams that I was terrified that the thing I loved most about it would be ruined if we tried to build it up. After last night’s meeting (with over twice as many attendees as our first meet up) I can honestly say that my heart is overflowing with excitement because none of my fears were realized. Everyone that came seemed to have the same exact energy as our original group. Everyone seemed to wordlessly understand the direction we were going in, the direction we wanted to pursue and our purpose.

When I got in the car at the end of the night I looked over at Nate and asked, “So… how’d we do?” He smiled a proud smile at me. It had gone even better than I had expected. We got to meet so many new friends who I am excited to continue getting to know. I got to connect with people with the same questions as me, with the same struggles, and with the same secret longings for a better community of young professionals.

The talent in the room was palpable. It just blew my mind to look out over the room of people laughing and talking, nerves fading away as friendships started to form, and to see the potential both already achieved and waiting to flourish. We are so blessed in Orlando to have such a deep well of talent in our young professionals. I know they are going to change the industry, and the world. And I feel so completely honored because I know I’ll get to say that “I knew them back when…”

Anna Bond of Rifle Design made these ice breaker name tags and the ladies from Orange Blossom Ink made these lovely business card bags…

My favorite idea of the night was that we had everyone leave stacks of business cards at the sign in table and then they were sorted into bags so everyone got a take home bag filled with everyone’s business cards. That allowed everyone to meet without the pressure of “networking”.

The Seven Sisters Coffeehouse hosted our event. If you are in Orlando, you must go check them out!

Peter Nieves, a local authority on all things finances and tax, was our featured guest speaker. He was AMAZING!

If you are a local young wedding professional and are interested in our little group, head over to It’s Better Together to learn more and get info about upcoming meet ups and get togethers. And if you are a local business that would like to host our group or help out in any way, just send us an email to hello {at} itsbettertogether {dot} com

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I’m so excited because tonight is our 2nd It’s Better Together meet-up. It’s Better Together has gone from an accidental group of new friends, to an idea over coffee, to a planning meeting, to now: a website, twitter, larger group, and structured goals! It’s just exciting to watch as things grow, especially things you are passionate and excited about.

It’s Better Together started out as a group of young wedding professionals meeting at Liene Steven’s Blogging Bootcamp. We all got together to hang out again, we invited a few new friends, and toured a local print shop. One of the hosts, the talented Anna Bond, and the printing company, Mama’s Sauce, made us gorgeous little letterpressed cards with It’s Better Together beautifully scripted across them in her signature handwriting. (See our logo above.)

The best thing about It’s Better Together is the people and the energy. It’s not about cliques. It’s not about name dropping or who you know. It’s not about who has been doing it the longest. It’s not about trying to form quick business contacts with no actual depth. It’s a group of progressive young people who own and run their own businesses in the wedding and art communities who want to connect, to support each other and share ideas and tips. It’s about the organic friendships that form when you just click with someone new.

If you are a young professional in the Central Florida area then make sure you come by! We have an amazing speaker lined up to talk about small business accounting and answer questions and we’ll have plenty of time for mingling. I am so excited I can barely wait! I miss my It’s Better Together friends! You can register ahead of time here or if you decide last minute you can register at the door. And if you come, find me and come say HI!

If you can’t come tonight, follow along on twitter as I’ll be live tweeting nuggets of biz wisdom from the event. ;)

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