Graduate Feature: Kameron Payeur
Meet Kameron Payeur, professional event planner and co-owner of Custom Events. Her company puts a unique spin on event planning—they have their own décor inventory to work with when planning events! We caught up with Kameron to find out how she channels her inner “control freak” to put together amazing events.
JEMMAN | Photography
Location: Ottawa, Canada
QC Courses taken: Wedding and Event Planning
Website: www.customeventsteam.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/customevents
Business Email: kameron@customeventsteam.com
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Well, I guess the beginning is a good place to start. I grew up in a family of 7 so my life has always been eventful! I spent most of my time outside with my siblings and the rest of it on the ball field. I was a tomboy but also appreciated a good dress. I think I still use that balance when I’m designing an event. I love poetry and music, although I can’t play an instrument to save my life. A beautiful melody paired with a poetic verse is my happy place. Mix in a few good friends and that’s what I call perfection!
I married the love of my life in 2014. I had just completed my Event and Wedding Planning course, and I was able to test out what I had learned on our own wedding. It was a dream. My husband has always supported me and my goals to pursue event planning even though it’s not a job with conventional hours. Sometimes, he’s found even himself on the setup and teardown crew. Even though his beloved car is filled to the brim with linens, charger plates, and crates, he continues to encourage this path. He is definitely my rock!
Why did you decide to go into event planning? What about it appeals to you?
Ryan Parent Photography
As I grew older, I began to take part in community events. At this point I hadn’t labeled my interests as “event planning.” It wasn’t until I was fortunate enough to work at the United Way of Leeds and Grenville for my high school CO-OP program that I really began my focus on event planning. I continued on to Carleton University for Communication Studies in hopes of landing in a creative field—maybe advertising or event marketing. It was during my last semester that I began my studies with QC Event School. It was the perfect fit for me.
Once I graduated, I had a Bachelor’s degree, and I was a certified International Event and Wedding Planning Professional. I felt I had the tools to begin building the career I’ve always wanted.
A major appeal about an event-planning career is that it allows me to express myself through creation of designs and marketing, and it’s a place to let my inner control freak be free! I love event planning because it’s a fantastic blend of organization, creative chaos, and logistics that keeps me on my toes!
What’s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out in the business?
It’s a rollercoaster! I have had almost every emotion possible in this business. I’ve been beyond excited and see nothing but positive things coming my way, and I’ve been frustrated from the unexpected. The low times are hard, but keeping supportive people around you will help you keep pushing. Luckily for me, I have an incredible family, a loving husband, and a wonderful business partner who helped make this dream possible.
We noticed that you hold your own décor inventory for your business. Why did you choose to go in this direction?
Ryan Parent Photography
I teamed up with my business partner, Amie Jackson, who was working on event décor and inventory when I was very interested in the planning aspect of events. We decided to combine forces to create a business that would make it easier for the client. We are able to help make event selections with our experience as stylists and planners as well as provide the chosen items.
How do you think QC Event School has prepared you for working in the field?
Throughout the Event and Wedding Planning course, I learned to overcome my shyness in reaching out and networking—that was a huge obstacle for me. It gave me confidence to offer consultations to clients as the expert, because I spent countless hours studying the details of successful planning. I felt prepared to step out with my own business after completing my course, and that in itself is a testament to the quality.
Congratulations on becoming a QC Event School graduate! What do you think the future holds for you and your business?
JEMMAN | Photography
We are so happy with the growth and success of the business within these past 2 years. I think we will continue to learn from every experience and apply each lesson to our business in order to better ourselves with every event. I see Custom Events expanding the team and area of service within the next few years. The possibilities are endless!
Check out some of Kameron’s work!
Sunshine Photography
JEMMAN | Photography
JEMMAN | Photography
