Erin Crain Brady
TITLE : Owner
COMPANY : By Invitation Only
By Invitation Only is Arkansas’ premier retailer for wedding invitations and stationery. Our wedding invitation selection is the largest in the state, and we have access to exclusive lines. Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, always making you feel right at home. We pride ourselves in providing excellent customer service and going the extra distance to make sure our customers are happy and satisfied.
Why I Love This: Easy…I have met amazing people. Over the years, I have connected with so many wonderful people, many of which will be in my life forever.
Career Goal: Expand By Invitation Only across the state of Arkansas. (I’ve already been approached a few times!)
Best business advice you ever received and who gave it:
Who consistently inspires you? My family. My husband is a hard worker, honest and loyal. My children are just happy kids; they inspire me to love life!
What business men and women do you admire the most? No question—my father, Danny Crain. He passed away 13 years ago, but was the epitome of an “entrepreneur” (and was the greatest father a girl could ever ask for!)
How will you know when you are successful? I’m there NOW. I go to a job everyday that I am passionate about and that I love. I am married to my soul mate, and I have the greatest kids on the planet.
Favorite Workplace Expression: “Absolutely!”
Best/Worst Day
The same day! A mother came in to purchase notes because her child had recently died. My heart ached for her as she told her story. Closing time came and we locked the door. We stayed for another 2 hours to talk and cry. Her sadness was palpable, and I truly felt her pain. Hearing her story was horrific, but at the same time, I connected with this human being on another level…and she was just a customer coming to purchase stationery. I realized on that day that my job is more than just “party invitations”; we are there for people at all different stages in their lives.