Graduate Feature: Frances Steiner
Chelsea Elizabeth Photography @chelsea_elizabeth_photography
Location: Based in Ventura County. Serving Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County and surrounding Southern California areas
QC Courses she’s graduated from:
Website: www.eventsbyfran.co
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a full-time, working mom-boss with two little boys. I love them so much! I run my own business, Events By Fran. I chose this career so that I could have the flexibility to work around my sons’ school schedules, alongside my workload. I’m truly blessed that my event and wedding business has been doing so well the last few years.
When I’m not coordinating an event, I enjoy quality time with my family, friends, and doggie. I love to travel and sightsee, so I try to do that as much as possible. I do enjoy some “self-care” time, too: having a cup of coffee without any interruptions, or enjoying a spa day. Honestly, even just going shopping would be a luxury on my days off!
Gather West @gatherwest
Why did you decide to become a certified event & wedding planner?
I wanted to do something creative and challenging, but also wanted to take a break from web design after 15 years in that field. I started designing and coordinating events over 10 years ago. Back then it was just a hobby. But everyone I knew told me I was really good at planning weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, and company holiday parties. I knew then that this was my new calling, my new passion. I decided to change career paths, so I did some research and determined that QC Event School was the best event planning school for me to become certified.
You have a lot of education and work experience in other fields. Was it scary to take the leap into the wedding industry? What were your first steps?
I wasn’t so much scared to take the leap into the wedding industry, as I was excited. I love new challenges, especially creative ones. Helping people has always been my passion. I knew if I was going to run my own business company, I’d need to do it right. This meant getting my certification in event and wedding planning, as well as obtaining business liability insurance and the city’s business tax certificate license. I also do work with my tax accountant to determine all of my business taxes. Every day, I feel like I’m learning something new from my wedding industry colleagues.
Kiernan Michelle Photography @kiernanmichellephotography
What advice would you give to others who would like to make a similar career move?
If you’re very interested in event and wedding planning as a career, please do your research on how to get certified. Join associations, network like crazy, attend association/network meetings, and get work experience! I recommend working under someone who’s already in the event and wedding field. You really need to be dedicated and have a passion for it. Running your own business (or even just being an apprentice or assistant to someone else) requires hard and long hours. You need to be willing to stand and do what it takes but be humble. Remember to always be nice and professional to your clients and colleagues! It’s very rewarding when the event turns out amazing and you get great reviews. All of your hard work will pay off.
Having graduated from QC’s Event and Wedding Planning course, what would you say is the most useful thing you got from your training?
I was very pleased. It taught me the basic, overall logistics of being an event and wedding planner. I didn’t think the course was difficult, but I also already had background work experience under my belt. If anything, I found it incredibly fun and exciting. I think anyone who decides to take the course would enjoy it very much.
Kiernan Michelle Photography @kiernanmichellephotography
Your website showcases some beautiful weddings & events that you’ve worked on! Which ones have you enjoyed planning the most?
Where do I start! First of all, I love working in the city of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Historical Museum is one of my favorite venues to coordinate a wedding. I also love the Santa Ynez winery areas, specifically Sunstone Winery. Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Private Home in Camarillo, The Lodge at Malibou Lake in Agoura Hills, and Triunfo Creek Vineyards in Agoura Hills are also on my top list of venues that I love working with. As you can notice, all of these venues are placed outdoors. Working for outdoor events is definitely a passion of mine.
What’s on the horizon for your event planning business in 2020?
My goals for 2020 are to be focused on self-care, more education workshops, and networking. Even though I’m already half booked for 2020, I want to spend more time and energy being surrounded by my colleagues so that I can learn from them, and share that knowledge to my own assistants.
