Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Chavez
Hi Holly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in 1996 as an Admin for a national company, and had the opportunity to plan events as part of my role. It was my favorite part of the job, and what I looked most forward to. Fast forward to 1999, my daughter Lauryn was born and changed my world. I didn’t want to clock in and out everyday, and my husband Darrick’s support made it possible for me to stay home with her. As much as I loved being a stay at home mom, and wanted to stay that way, I still wanted to work, but without the “workplace”.
I trial and errored a few odd jobs to occupy my mind, but I just wasn’t finding anything that filled the void in my professional life. In 2000, many of my friends were suddenly getting married. They knew that I had planned events before Lauryn, and reached out asking for advice and vendor referrals. I helped them out with their needs, and helped to run the wedding days. During the weddings, I was approached by people asking for my card. It was like a lightbulb! This is a business!
I set out to find out what becoming an event planner involved. Some of the vendors I worked with referred me to the Association of Bridal Consultants where I completed an educational course and earned a certificate as a Professional Bridal Consultant.
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?
Starting out in 2000 was very different than it is today. There were not a lot of planners in the industry, and very few who were willing to mentor a new “competitor”. I made some mistakes, sometimes took on too much, charged too little for my services and unknowingly took liability risks! I definitely experienced a lot of growing pains in the early years. Finally in 2003 I was connected with another planner who was extremely well known and highly respected in the area. I got the courage to call her up and introduce myself, hoping she would give me a few minutes of her time to plead my case and ask for a mentorship. Within 5 minutes of the call, I was invited (with my daughter in tow) to her home for coffee the following week. After a four hour visit, we were fast friends. I had myself a mentor, who became a dear lifelong friend. She had (and still does, though she is now retired) offered guidance, advice and an ear anytime I needed it. I eventually found my rhythm and created my own process, which helped to earn me referrals from vendors and venues across Southern California. In turn, I have offered many mentorships over the years, hoping to give “up and coming” planners the same opportunity. I also taught two Planning and Coordination courses at University of California Riverside Ext. for several years, and was able to write my own curriculum. It’s been a tremendous joy to see former students come into their own. There is no greater accomplishment for me than knowing one of my former students secured an event that I was also being considered for!
As you know, we’re big fans of HMC Event Solutions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a full service special events planning company offering a wide range of programs from micro weddings to multi day full scale event production. We also specialize in destination weddings in and out of the US.
Our team of planners and coordinators work with our clients to customize planning programs to fit their needs and budget. Our goal is for our clients to enjoy a stress free planning experience and enjoy the day of their event just as a guest would, knowing that we have everything under control! With the cost of weddings and events, we know and appreciate expenses, and work hard to protect and care for every detail. We give our clients so much peace of mind that we are looking after their best interests, and communicating with their vendors on their behalf… knowing that we speak fluent event language, so they don’t have to!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I would say the biggest lesson has to be not to take on more than I can handle. In my early years, I felt that I had to try and book every event that came my way. One year I had 40 weddings & events, which is a TON for a planner. I realized my whole reason for starting my business was to remain in charge of my schedule so I could be a mom first, and have a career second. I have a great love for events, but learning how to manage that love, and spend time with my greatest loves… my family, was a challenge. I learned that just because I receive an inquiry, doesn’t mean I have to chase it. It also helped me to expand my business and bring on additional planners and coordinators to manage events on their own, and not just assist me in mine. As a result of this hard lesson, my business has grown in such a positive way. My extraordinary team shares my passion for events, and the gratitude we receive from our clients fuels that passion everyday!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hmceventsolutions.com
- Instagram: @hmcevents
- Facebook: HMC Event Solutions
Image Credits
Ceanone.com
Barnet Photography
