In the Spotlight: Here come the brides for wedding Rebecca

In the Spotlight this week is Rebecca McKnight, founder of The NI Wedding Directory.

What was your first job?

My first job was in retail, working in a clothes shop while I was at college and I honestly loved every second of it. I loved following trends and being surrounded by fashion. It gave me such a sense of independence and definitely helped me build my confidence.

What qualifications do you have?

I studied marketing at Belfast Met, gaining experience with Q Radio and the BBC before starting my career in corporate and hospitality marketing.

In 2020, just as I was about to start a new agency role, lockdown hit and the job was withdrawn. I turned to Linkedin and reached out to Alice Rowen Hall who at the time was starting a new luxury home interiors brand, Rowen Homes and needed an Instagram marketer - a leap that led to my first freelance role in social media marketing.

What website or app could you not do without?

I use Instagram, Canva, and WhatsApp daily. They're a massive part of how I run my business.

Instagram helps me showcase what we do and reach new couples and suppliers. Canva is my go-to for creating content quickly and professionally, and WhatsApp keeps communication flowing with clients

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It was recently gifted to me by a midwife during a birth review after I had my son, and it's stayed close by ever since.

What do you attribute your success to?

I'd credit my success to a mix of resilience, taking chances, trusting my instincts and having an incredibly supportive husband and parents who always believed in me and encouraged a can-do attitude.

What car do you drive?

I drive a Range Rover Evoque at the minute, but I've always had a soft spot for Fiat 500s. It was the first car I bought myself after landing my first full-time job, so it holds a lot of sentimental value. I'd love to have one again someday, maybe when I don't need to squeeze a pram into the boot.

How would you describe yourself to someone who'd never met you?

I'd describe myself as genuine, down-to-earth, and people-focused. I believe in being kind and doing the right thing in life and in business. Success, for me, is about helping others, supporting my family, and building a life that feels meaningful. When you put good energy into the world, it tends to come back.

Tell us something interesting about yourself

I'm really into manifestation. I love the idea of setting intentions, staying positive, and trusting that what's meant for you won't pass you by. It's something that's genuinely helped me in both my personal life and business, keeping me focused, motivated, and open to opportunities I might have otherwise missed.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

I think you get the best out of people by being kind, treating them with respect, and remembering that we're all human. Life can be busy and challenging, so I try to create a space where people feel supported, not pressured. We're all on our own journeys, and I believe if you lead with empathy and trust, people naturally give their best.

Who do you look up to in business?

I really admire Carly Anderson from Flipping Belfast - her drive, energy, and can-do attitude is hugely inspiring. And of course, Alice Rowen Hall, who not only gave me an incredible opportunity early on but also took the time to listen, support, and encourage me. I genuinely wouldn't be where l am today without that first chance she gave me.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

I'd love to see more collaboration and support between local businesses, especially in creative industries. There's so much talent here and I believe there's plenty of room for everyone to succeed, and we'd all go further if we worked together more openly.

What's your greatest passion outside work and family?

I absolutely love gardening. My granny was an avid gardener, and that passion was passed down to my mum, who then showed me the ropes and now I love it too. Gardening has become my little escape from a fast-paced digital world.

This article can be found on page 32 of the 1st July 2025 edition of The Irish News. The article was not paid for.

Read the original article here: https://www.irishnews.com/news/business/in-the-spotlight-here-come-the-brides-for-rebecca-Y3AGWWELNBGWTOOAVWISYGDATE/