In this issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali interviews renowned wedding specialist Syma Ahmad. Syma highly known for her creativity at the most prestige venues in the UK opens up about work life balance
Grazia: Talk to us about your background
SA: Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to school dance shows and charity events, always eager to contribute. While others stuck to traditional steps, I found myself crafting my own choreography. Transitioning from a choreographer, then to costume designer and makeup artist, I found fulfilment in teaching dance and forming a group. We made a mark in the UK’s dance scene, performing at prestigious venues. Alongside, I pursued a law degree, but after losing my mum to cancer in 2007, it reshaped my priorities. Venturing into event management, particularly in wedding décor, became my new passion.
In 2013, I embraced this passion by designing my own wedding décor, marking the beginning of my journey as a wedding décor designer. With my husband’s support, we elevated our venture, registering Enchanted by Syma in 2015.
Grazia: What inspired you to start your own business?
SA: Starting my own business was inspired by a mix of personal passion and the desire for creative freedom. I always had a vision for what weddings could be—a unique and deeply personal expression of a couple’s love story. Working for someone else often meant adhering to a predetermined style or approach, which limited my ability to create truly customized experiences.
I wanted to bring my own ideas to life and offer something unique in the wedding industry. I saw an opportunity to combine my creativity, love for storytelling, and organizational skills into a business that could make a real difference in people’s lives. The idea of building a business from the ground up, where I could set the tone, create my own brand, and work closely with clients, was incredibly appealing. Additionally, entrepreneurship offered
me the flexibility to innovate, explore new trends, and build a team that shared my vision. It allowed me to create a business that aligned with my values and the kind of service I believed in—one that was
not just about organizing a wedding, but about creating memories that would last a lifetime. Overall, the inspiration came from a deep desire to do what I love, make an impact, and have the autonomy to build something meaningful.
Grazia: What inspired you to head into the world of weddings
SA: I have always been drawn to the transformative power of celebrations. Weddings are a unique blend of art,
emotion, and storytelling. The ability to create unforgettable experiences that honour love and bring families together
is what inspired me to become a wedding creative director. The chance to work with people during one of the most significant moments of their lives and to make it truly special is incredibly fulfilling.
Grazia: What are some of the mistakes you wish you could have avoided
SA: Over-committing. Early on, I took on too many clients at once, which stretched my resources thin and impacted my ability to deliver the personalized attention each wedding deserves. Another was underestimating the importance of clear contracts and communication. This led to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. I also learned that not all clients are a good fit, and it’s okay to say no to projects that don’t align with my vision or business goals.
Grazia: How did you figure out the right structure for your business
SA: The right structure came from trial and error, feedback, and mentorship. I started with a traditional approach, offering comprehensive wedding design services. Over time, I refined my structure to
focus on my strengths and what clients appreciated most. I integrated a team- based approach, allowing specialists to handle specific aspects like floral design, lighting, and event coordination. This structure provided flexibility and allowed me to deliver exceptional results.
Grazia: What sets you apart from everyone else ?
SA: My approach is grounded in a deep understanding of storytelling. I don’t just design weddings; I craft unique experiences that reflect the couple’s journey, personalities, and values. This approach ensures each wedding feels personal and authentic. Additionally, my strong network of industry professionals allows me to bring the best talent to each project, from top- tier production companies, photographers to gourmet caterers.
Grazia: How would you describe success as an entrepreneur ?
SA: Success as an entrepreneur is a combination of achieving business goals, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and making a positive impact on clients’ lives. It’s not just about financial success; it’s about creating lasting relationships, enjoying the journey, and feeling fulfilled by the work I do. When couples and their families look back on their wedding day with joy, that’s when I know I’ve succeeded
Grazia: Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?
SA: In five years, I envision expanding my business to offer destination weddings and events in unique locations. I’d like to build a brand synonymous with creativity, luxury, and personalized experiences. Additionally, I hope to mentor aspiring wedding designers and creative directors, sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained along the way. I’d also like to contribute more to my community by organizing charitable events and supporting local causes.
Grazia: What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a young entrepreneur ?
SA: The biggest challenge has been establishing credibility and building a reputation in a competitive industry. As
a young entrepreneur, I needed to prove my skills and expertise to clients and industry peers. Gaining that trust required persistence, a strong work ethic, and a focus on delivering exceptional results. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal life and self-care was also challenging, but I learned to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being.
Grazia: What is the best advice you would give to someone new starting out ?
SA: The best advice I can offer to someone new in the industry is to prioritize building relationships and learning from others. Networking is key—connect with vendors, other planners, and industry experts. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice and collaborate on projects to gain experience. Additionally, always stay organized and keep learning. The more you understand the intricacies of weddings, from budgets to timelines, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the complexities of the business.
Grazia: How do you balance out working life and juggling a family ?
SA: Balancing work and family life requires clear boundaries and effective time management. I set aside dedicated time for family and ensure I unplug from work during those moments. Having a reliable team is crucial—I delegate tasks and trust my colleagues to handle their roles, allowing me to focus on family when needed. It’s also important to communicate openly with family members about work commitments, so they understand when you’re needed at events or busy with projects. Self-care is essential, too; taking time for yourself helps prevent burnout and keeps you energized for both work and family.
Grazia: What’s the most favourite part of your job ?
SA: My favourite part of the job is witnessing the joy and emotions on a couple’s wedding day. Seeing all the hard work come together to create a magical experience is incredibly rewarding. When a couple and their families are beaming with happiness, I know I’ve made a difference. It’s those moments that remind me why I chose this career.
Grazia: What has been your biggest achievement?
SA: My biggest achievement has been building a successful business from scratch and earning a reputation for creating unique and memorable weddings, whilst working being pregnant and having a family. I’ve worked with clients from various backgrounds and cultures, crafting events that honour their traditions and reflect their personalities. Winning industry awards and receiving heartfelt testimonials from couples and their families have been affirmations of my hard work and dedication.
Grazia: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time ?
SA: In five years, I see myself continuing to grow my business, expanding into new markets, and offering a broader range of services. I hope to establish a presence in the destination wedding industry, providing couples with unique and exotic options for their special day.
Grazia: How do you stay motivated ? SA: I stay motivated by constantly seeking inspiration from various sources, whether it’s art, nature, fashion, or architecture. Keeping up with industry trends and attending events helps me stay current and inspired. I also find motivation in my clients—their unique stories and the opportunity to create something meaningful for them keep me excited about my work. Lastly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking time to recharge ensures I’m always ready to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm.
Grazia: If Syma was not an entrepreneur, what would she be ?
SA: If I weren’t an entrepreneur, I think I’d still be involved in a creative field, perhaps as an interior designer or event stylist. I have a passion for design and enjoy transforming spaces to create unique and beautiful environments. This field would allow me to express my creativity and attention to detail in a different way.
Grazia: What aspects of your business do you never compromise on ?
SA: I never compromise on quality and client satisfaction. Delivering exceptional service is at the core of my business, and I ensure every detail is carefully considered and executed. I also prioritize clear communication and transparency with clients—this builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page. Ethics and integrity are non-negotiable; I maintain high standards in all my business dealings, from contracts to vendor relationships.
