Graduate Feature: MaKenna Stevens
Name: MaKenna Stevens
Location: Newark, CA
Program: Event and Wedding Planning
Website: http://www.perfectlyplannedmoments.com/
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, WeddingWire
Meet MaKenna Stevens. A recent graduate of our event and wedding planning program, and founder of Perfectly Planned Moments. We caught up with MaKenna to learn more about her up and coming business and her passion for event planning.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a college student working part-time for a wedding design company, part-time toward my Associate degree in English, and the rest of my time at my wedding and event planning business. My hobbies include cake-decorating, clothing-design, baking, floral-design, blogging, playing my guitar, hiking, and eating chocolate cake.
Why did you decide to go into event planning? What about it appeals to you?
Photography: Emily Jean Images
I haven’t always known I wanted to be a planner, but I’ve always been one. When I was eight, I planned my parents a surprise anniversary party complete with party décor, a German chocolate cake, my extended relatives showing up to my family’s house with potluck dishes, and my very surprised mom and dad. I love the details that go into planning and orchestrating social events, and have developed a deep adoration for the beauty of weddings. I’m a very organized, social person and am still in near-disbelief that a job position so perfect for my personality exists.
What’s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out in the business?
Photography: Emily Jean Images
Photography: Morgan Hydinger Photography
I wish more people would have told me that I COULD do it. It’s true that business-ownership is a heavy responsibility requiring maturity, wise decision-making, and more than a little pocket-change. Many of the people I talk to about it are skeptical of my ability to manage it. Event and wedding planning, however, is something that I’m hard-set on doing. It is my hope that any success I come upon will stand as an example to other young entrepreneurs proving that they can do anything and everything that they dedicate themselves to.
How do you think QC Event School has prepared you for working in the field?
When I first started the course at QC Event School, I thought I would need years of experience before feeling comfortable planning anybody’s wedding. However, as I neared the end of the course, I realized that I wanted to start my own business—right now! Not only did I want to, but I felt comfortable that I could successfully do so. I honestly, whole-heartedly encourage any wannabe planners to seriously consider QC Event School as your career launching-pad. If I can do it, you certainly can, too.
Photography: Kindred Weddings Co.
Congratulations on becoming a QC Event School graduate! What do you think the future holds for you and your business?
I just got my website up and running, put my up profile on WeddingWire, and signed my business license this week! Things are moving fast, and I hope to become a prominent wedding and event planner in Oregon and the California Bay Area soon. Thank you so much, QC Event School!
