Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Schurman.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After University, I found I didn’t actually enjoy the career I chose, so I met with different people in a variety of careers to try to find my path. One person I interviewed pointed out that I had been planning events since I was 13 years old, but as a volunteer – it was just what I loved. She asked me to try planning for three months with them. I loved it and stayed.
For years I planned only corporate events (educational trainings and seminars, multiday conferences, trade shows, executive retreats and corporate parties) and worked all over North America. When I had my second son, I wanted to be home more so I closed that business and focused on mainly raising my boys and doing pro bono and volunteer work. I realized later that I had never really left planning, I just went back to how it was when I was younger. I eventually went back to corporate planning (and travel) and a friend encouraged me to try wedding planning. I’ll be honest, I resisted that – we’ve all heard bridezilla stories – but I ended up really loving helping people celebrate love, so I added all types of social events to my repertoire. That was six or seven years ago now. I plan a mix of event types now. I love the variety and how each on is unique. It is always fresh.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? I am not sure life is ever a smooth road exactly, It is perspective. When I switched to planning, it was really amazing to be in a job I loved. I was lucky. Most people don’t find their path- their joyful place – until much later in life, if ever.
There were times along the way that were hard for certain – like when the Sunshine Act came into law. (Basically, it means any pharmaceutical company paying for a training for physicians needs to make that public.) At the time, the main chunk of my business was physician advisory board meetings. Another slight bump in the road was when I went back to paid planning from being a volunteer and mom. Some people have a perception that if you choose to stay at home and raise your children, then you are fluff or out of it or something. In reality, it shouldn’t matter if you choose to work when you have children or if you choose to stay at home, you are still viable. Being present for your children is one of the hardest roles anyone can ever take on. I was lucky though. Many of my old clients welcomed me back with open arms. I really believe if you are doing what you are meant to be doing, the universe opens up for you.
Covid has definitely been an interesting curve/rough patch in the road for many people – myself included. Overnight all the events were shut down. I had to get creative with my finances for sure. My corporate and social clients canceled everything immediately and are slowly just starting to test the waters again. My wedding clients never gave up on wanting to get married in some form. Some of them got creative and did things via zoom or in their yards. Others have postponed four times and have moved, but they are still coming back to LA to celebrate. Humans are resilient, it is beautiful.
I personally just tried to stay positive. I started diving into mindfulness and taking virtual classes. I read and focused on resetting what I really wanted in life. I actually had the time to cross a bucket list item off my list! I have always wanted to get my Certificate in Meeting Management from MPI. It is a 15 weeks graduate-level course though. I finally was able to do that thanks to zoom and the time not planning events.
Now it is funny, LA sort of opened up and this summer and fall were so busy! All of us in the event industry in California are happy but also very tired right now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Flyte44 Events?
Flyte44 Events is an event planning company based in Los Angeles but works all over the globe. We manage all types of corporate and social events and weddings. We specialize in making each event or meeting different from others. We spell our name differently to remind each team member to think outside the name of what the event is and see the people and brands behind that event. We help our clients shine as they want to be seen.
We believe that everyone should gather and celebrate life enthusiastically. Whether that is in business or your personal life. Often life happens in the “in between moments”, like in the conference hallway or even standing in line. Every aspect of an event is important – not just the ones on the timeline. We think of those things so our clients don’t have to.
We also believe that everyone should be respected and treated equally. Your race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or disabilities, job title/role, etc. should only matter and define you if you want them to. By connecting with our clients, we help them be seen in their events for their unique style and offerings. We really do care about our clients and their guests and want to help make their lives less stressful. Our goal for each event is the best possible outcome for you.
We have a lot of experience to draw from at many types of venues and in different parts of the country. Simple to elaborate, one hour to multi-day, 2 to 2000 guests, hotel, business club, wedding venue or private estates… we use our expertise to make your event amazing and a reflection of your wishes.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have been so blessed with many amazing mentors, cheerleaders and supporters along the way – I am ever so grateful for each of them. My team is incredible! So grateful for each of them, including the ones who have moved on to other adventures. Each and every one of them brings their own strengths and supports my vision in too many ways to mention. It isn’t a one person effort. I have been blessed with so many amazing clients, coworkers, vendors, and friends along the way. It is humbling. I know I couldn’t have been the planner I am today without any of them. I never forget that. I am so thankful each and every day for all of them.
If I have to choose a few? Laura Rhone got me into planning professionally. She was an amazing boss and friend who helped me navigate all the uncertainties of starting on this path all those years ago. And my family (both chosen and blood). They all see the side of events that my clients don’t. I would not be where I am today without any of them for certain. They have seen the very low valleys, the pinnacles of awesomeness, and everything in between. They have supported me even when I doubt myself. I am so ever thankful to have each of them in my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.flyte44.com
- Instagram: @flyte44events
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Flyte44
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flyte44-events-los-angeles-6?osq=flyte44 Flyte44 Events
Image Credits
Jenny Felimi, Christine Chang, Dmitry Shumanev, The Komans
