Conversations with Kirsten

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten.

Hi Kirsten, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started The Group Chat Network in 2022 with the goal of creating a prosperous community where people could connect, build genuine relationships, and have meaningful experiences together. I honestly believe that vision is what has gotten me to where I am today.

I started small, hosting intimate networking events and creating opportunities for people to meet and connect. Over time, that vision continued to grow. Those smaller events have blossomed into larger experiences, multiple event residencies, partnerships, and eventually my own event space, where I’m able to host more consistent and intimate community-centered events.

It’s been really rewarding to watch something that started as an idea grow into an actual network and community. For me, The Group Chat Network has always been bigger than just throwing events. It’s about creating spaces where people feel comfortable showing up, meeting new people, building connections, and hopefully leaving with something meaningful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I fund The Group Chat Network on my own, out of my own pocket, and one thing about me is that I’m very intentional about the experience I want my community to have. I have a vision for how I want people to feel when they come to one of my events, and staying true to that experience has always been more important to me than cutting corners.

But if I’m being transparent, funding a business on your own is hard. There have definitely been moments when I’ve taken financial hits because I wanted to make sure the experience was still worth it for the people who chose to spend their money with me.

I also understand that life happens. People’s financial situations change, and when I’m planning events, I’m always mindful of that. I want my community to feel like they got the most bang for their buck. Whether it’s the connections they make, the activities, giveaways, food, entertainment, resources, or simply having a space where they feel like they belong, I want them to leave feeling like they gained something from being there.

What keeps me going is getting to watch my vision come to life in real time. There are moments during my events when I’ll just look around and get emotional because I remember where I started. To see people laughing, connecting, exchanging information, making new friends, and genuinely enjoying something that once only existed as an idea in my head is kind of surreal.

So yes, there have been sacrifices, especially financially, but seeing my community happy and watching those connections happen reminds me why I started. Every time I see that, I know I’m building something that matters to me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I’m a Title IX Coordinator at a university, and by night, I’m an entrepreneur, event coordinator, creative, and host. I always joke that I’m a Jack of all trades because if there’s an idea that needs to be brought to life, chances are I can figure out how to make it happen.

On the creative side, I help starting, growing, and established businesses bring their brands to life. I create logos, business and team merchandise, flyers, business cards, step-and-repeat banners, and other promotional materials. My motto is pretty much, “You name it, I can make it!”

Events are another huge part of what I do. In addition to planning and hosting my own events through The Group Chat Network and Friend Request LA, I’m hired to plan, coordinate, set up, and host events for other people as well.

I also have my own event space that I rent to members of my community for everything from private events and special celebrations to photoshoots, podcasts, club meetings, and other creative projects. Along with the space, I offer event rentals like backdrops, life-size games, a giant movie screen, tables, chairs, and other extras that help people create their own experiences.

When I really think about everything I do, the common thread is creating. Whether I’m creating a brand, an event, a space, or an experience, I love taking an idea and figuring out how to turn it into something tangible. And what makes it even better is that I’m not only building my own businesses, I’m creating resources that help other people build theirs too.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would say there are a few really important lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey.

The first is that EVERYTHING is trial and error. It’s okay to try every idea you have. Some things are going to work exactly how you imagined, some things may turn into something completely different, and some things just won’t work at all. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that something not working doesn’t necessarily mean it was a failure. Sometimes it’s just information that helps you figure out your next move.

The second lesson has been learning not to take things personally. You can’t work with everybody, and every opportunity isn’t necessarily a good opportunity or the right opportunity for you. I’ve learned that saying “no,” walking away, or realizing that something simply isn’t a good fit can actually be just as important as saying “yes.”

And probably the biggest lesson of all is to never lose sight of your original vision. It’s absolutely okay to pivot. As you grow, your business is going to evolve, your ideas are going to evolve, and sometimes life will require you to make adjustments. But there’s a difference between evolving your vision and allowing someone else to change it for you.

I’ve learned to listen to advice, learn from other people, and remain open to new ideas while still trusting myself. At the end of the day, I know why I started, I know what I want my businesses to represent, and I know how I want people to feel when they experience something I’ve created. Protecting that vision has been one of the most important parts of this journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thegroupchatnwk
• Other: https://linktr.ee/nevernotkirsten