Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Steiner.
Frances, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
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 ten 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.
By 2011, I got my certification in event and wedding planning and my oldest son was born. I took a few years off to raise my baby son until he was old enough to get into preschool. By then, I knew that I needed to get back to event and wedding planning. I missed interacting with my clients and making beautiful events.
By 2016, 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.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve learned that there’s always obstacles. There’s no such thing as a perfect event. My job as an event planner is to make it flawless, beautiful and make sure the client is stress-free and enjoying their day. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes details that some clients are not aware of how much work that my event team puts in for their beautiful day. I’ve learned that I can’t do any event without my amazing event team, that includes not only my assistants but the venue coordinators, rental companies, makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, videographers, DJs, musicians, caterers, bartenders, bakery, calligrapher, valet, security and every staff member that are involved.
Events By Fran – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a small event and wedding planning company. We handle the logistics, budget, planning, designing, and coordination of events such as weddings, bridal showers, anniversary parties, baby showers, birthday parties, and corporate holiday parties. We are known to be specialized in beautiful outdoor weddings at wineries, ranches, historical parks and private homes. But, a lot of people don’t know that we are specialized in indoor luxurious events and small intimate social parties. No event is ever too small or too big! Personally, I always try to go above and beyond to my clients and their events. I like to bring in my 15 years of creative marketing and web design background skills.
One of my assistants told me once that I like to make my events magical — to have Fran’s “magic touch” or “wow” factor. That’s so true! I really love to help plan and design my client’s events from the beginning to the end. I try to make it as stress-free and fun as possible. I think I am truly blessed the last few years because of my connection with my event industry friends and clients. Every person that I’ve worked with or met in-person has made a special influence on me. I love talking to people. I’ve always learned something new in every event that I can help plan, design or coordinate. It’s never the same event. Every client is different in their style. To make it extra special, I always ask each client to bring in something personal to them to bring in the event.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Wow, that’s a hard question to answer. There’s so many proud moments. First, it was getting the opportunity to plan and coordinate The Knot Pro’s Workshop in Los Angeles in 2017. Second, the last few years getting published with The Knot, Santa Barbara Wedding Style, California Wedding Day and Wedding Chick. Now, my proudest moment is getting my first interview with VoyageLA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eventsbyfran.co
- Phone: (949) 439-0023
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/events_byfran
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EventsByFran
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/events-by-fran-newbury-park
Image Credit:
Brooke Borough Photography, Chelsea Elizabeth Photography, Danielle Bacon Photography, Gather West Photography, Nicole Catherine Photography, Wisteria Photography
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