IAM871- Owner Passionate About Event Planning

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[00:00:02.20] – Intro

Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, start-ups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkness values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO podcast.

[00:00:30.10] – Gresham Harkless

Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I Am CEO podcast, and I have a very special guest on the show today. I have Catherine Carter of Grace and Virtue Events. Catherine, it's awesome to have you on the show.

[00:00:39.10] – Kathryne Carter

Yes. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.

[00:00:42.50] – Gresham Harkless

No problem. Super excited to have you on for all the awesome things that you're doing. Before we jump in, I want to read a little bit more about Catherine so you can hear about all those awesome things that she's doing. Catherine is the owner of Grace and Virtue Events, a wedding and event planning company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. She planned her mother and stepfather's wedding in two thousand nine, which was her first wedding. Her business name is based on a scripture given to her by her mother.

Catherine is passionate about the event planning process, being creative, and working with couples and small businesses in developing business relationships with other vendors. She's a board member of the Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington d c DC. She has been featured on the Hue I Do wedding podcast, and her style shoots have been featured in the online blogs United with Love and Storyboard Wedding. Catherine, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?

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[00:01:28.40] – Kathryne Carter

I am. I'm so excited.

[00:01:30.20] – Gresham Harkless

Me too. I'm excited to have you on as well too. So I know I touched a little bit on what I call your CEO story and and how you got started. Could you take us through a little bit more of that and let us know exactly how you got started with all the awesome work you're doing?

[00:01:41.50] – Kathryne Carter

Yeah. So I was thinking about this when we spoke a little earlier, and I was like, when did I start thinking about becoming a planner? But it was not a lifelong, like, dream or anything. And I was talking to my mom and I was just kind of like I feel like I've always been a planner like I just always have I've had those skills and I was an RA in college and like planned things and so when my mom and my stepdad were gonna get married it was like okay I need to help you guys like we need to get this in order we need to make this happen and it just clicked and it dawned on me like, oh, like I could do this like this is what I enjoy,

I have the skills for this, and of course, my family was very happy and very pleased with all the things that went on so, I started to do other events for families and friends and found that I do enjoy this. I've been in special education for thirteen years and I do, planning in that role as well. And I just carried it over and love it so much. Yeah. And, ultimately I love helping people. I love problem-solving and, figuring out. Let's have this event. Let's figure out how to make it happen. So I just enjoy it.

[00:02:53.90] – Gresham Harkless

Nice. Yeah. I love that. And so many times, we sometimes forget, our gifts and we have our gifts. And a lot of times, it manifests itself in different ways as you talked about being a special education teacher, obviously, all the awesome work that you're doing now. And so many times, we wanna make sure we can find our gifts. Often our gifts are the things we've been doing for years and years and years and don't even consider it to be anything that everybody else can't do, but it's Arizona genius, and it starts to showcase itself in so many different ways.

[00:03:19.00] – Kathryne Carter

Yeah. It's just one of those things where you're like, oh, oh, that could be, like, a job? Like, oh, I could do that? Oh, okay. And it's been it's been great.

[00:03:27.50] – Gresham Harkless

It also often feels like we're we're cheating when we're able to do this. So it's great, that you've been able to find that and help so many other people. So I wanted to drill down a little bit deeper and hear more about how exactly you help support the clients you work with. Could you take us through a little bit more about what you do and what exactly that process looks like?

[00:03:44.00] – Kathryne Carter

Absolutely. So I primarily provide planning and coordination services for weddings and social events, and I do that for families and couples, I'm trying to get more into doing small business events, and working with small businesses like mine, to help them, coordinate things that they want to celebrate, and things like that. And so I offer, either month of planning and coordination services for couples or full planning. And then for small business events and family events, those services are customized to figure out what their needs are, and, how to best help them implement the event, to the best of my ability.

And then also I provide proposal engagement packages. So helping those who are looking to propose pop the question in an organized manner. So, yeah and then I also provide, social events for couples and I started a series called Love Seed Conversations and help couples get together, and socialize. Of course, the pandemic impacted us doing that in person. So we've been doing virtual date nights monthly and, we have a private Facebook group where couples can socialize and so we're trying to help couples kind of gather together on a virtual platform until we can get into person. So my main focus is you know supporting my clients in all aspects and so we try to meet the needs of the client.

[00:05:15.39] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. Love that. And I love the different ways and different types of events as well too that we talked about, from you being able to kinda organize that. But it sounds like, correct me if I'm wrong, like, when you have that event, it's like a very special occasion, and you wanna make sure that it showcases, you know, everything, that, you know, you do that you stand for and is an extension of you. So I imagine that you make it sound super simple, but I imagine there's a lot more that's involved in really trying to understand the client and make sure that they have that phenomenal event.

[00:05:43.19] – Kathryne Carter

Absolutely. It takes, like, a good ear to, like, listen and kinda really say, you know, back to the client, like, I hear you saying this. I know, when you say this, I get this idea, and I get very excited about ideas. And so sometimes I have to remember to calm down it's okay I don't want to overwhelm clients but like I love what I do and so when I hear them saying like what they envision and how they talk about like oh I have this idea but I don't know how to implement. I'm like don't worry about it I got that and I'll figure it out. But I love hearing them talk about what makes them happy and then trying to incorporate that into whatever it is that we're planning whether it's a wedding, a birthday party, or you know what have you. Like it's exciting.

[00:06:28.60] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. I hear that passion coming out and being able to kind of be, that person that's able to pull so many different things. Like, if somebody enjoys this or they want a spotlight, to be able to pull all those things into a phenomenal event is, an art, and it's great to hear that you've been able to execute on that.

[00:06:44.00] – Kathryne Carter

Yeah. And I think about, like, I had a client recently and it's like once you get past that, like, idea stage and you start getting into the implementation, you know clients start to get nervous and you know very valid because now we're in a situation where last minute things can change, you know, restrictions and all these different types of things. So I try to do my very best to reassure clients, like, I'm always thinking about a plan b. Like, that's a part of the services that I provide. Always have it in the back of my mind, okay. If we can't do x y z, we need to be able to change it up and do this instead.

And just really making sure that clients know that, like, ultimately, your goal is to implement your vision. However, I am capable of, like, changing things on the fly to make sure that like we still have your event. We had to tweak things along the way and that's okay. Some people get anxious about that and it's understandable.

[00:07:39.19] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. Considering everything that's been happening and has happened, it can get overwhelming, I imagine, as well. But it's great to hear, and I even say usually say, like, I feel like the word of the year is pivot because it had to change from this then change than that, and all of us in some form, shape or fashion.

So it's great to hear that you understand that. And I think sometimes people just wanna be heard and know that they have somebody to lean on that has that plan b and that other option of if x, y, and z happens, we can adjust and make those movements and changes. So I love that you do that. Yeah. Would you consider that to be what I call your secret sauce? The thing you feel sets you apart is that ability to, of course, be able to synthesize all that information, but also be prepared if anything might happen.

[00:08:19.69] – Kathryne Carter

Yeah. Absolutely. I mean, I feel like being able to be flexible and, like, always knowing that there's a plan b or that there's another option or a different way. I think I heard I don't remember if it was a podcast or something, but I heard someone say the answer is never no. It's yes, but or yes, and. Right? So like, a client may be asking for something and it may be that like, yes. I can do that, but I may have to do it this way. Or, yes.

And I might have to add this or take away something. You know? Like, it's it's used the answer is usually not no. It's like, it may not be the way the client may have originally planned for it, but it's let me think about that or let me figure out how way I can implement that while still capturing your interest or adding a component that nobody else has had to it. You know things like that. I think also my secret sauce is being able to support relationships. I think down like to the bare bottom of things it's like I want to support your relationship and not just you're on your wedding day but like from beginning to, you know, throughout your marriage.

And so being able to provide those loveseat conversation opportunities and being able to connect with different vendors who provide services beyond just the wedding industry. So I've worked hard to network with other vendors who are in you know realtors and financial advisors and different areas that along a couple's life journey they can say, hey you know what we want to buy a house I'm looking for a realtor.

You know what I know these great people check these people out or I know you know a great financial advisor. Like did you start thinking about planning for retirement or planning for your family's future? Like those different things. So I think I have a multiple-like level of secret sauces just because I think having all the things available to clients is helpful. And it comes down to, like, the bottom line is, like, I want to help support you for your life.

[00:10:19.39] – Gresham Harkless

I wanted to switch gears a little bit, and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So this could be like an app, a book, or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?

[00:10:29.70] – Kathryne Carter

So one of my habits is I write everything down so that, you know, I can always come back to it later. I realized at the beginning of the pandemic, I had a list everywhere. So I had lists on my laptop, lists on my phone, like, all these things because I love lists. And I wanted to become more focused and effective and have at least one running list so that I could access it on my phone, on my tablet.

[00:10:53.70] – Gresham Harkless

Awesome. So I wanted to ask you now for what I call a CEO nugget, and this could be a word of wisdom or piece of advice. It might be something you would tell a client or if you hacked into a time machine, you might tell your younger business self.

[00:11:04.20] – Kathryne Carter

I would say you can't do all the things.

[00:11:06.39] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah.

[00:11:07.29] – Kathryne Carter

There are so many things as a business owner that you should be doing, you're supposed to be doing, and you have to be doing. I think it's important to take the time to learn those things and listen and take it all in. It can feel overwhelming. I'm still early in my business, but it's I was overwhelmed at one point, but, like, I'm not doing this. I should be doing this. And I think it's important to remind myself to remember, like, take it in. Does it align with the brand and the business that I have? Does it align with my goals?

And if it doesn't, I have to learn that it's okay. Put it on a shelf, you know, on the back burner. It might be a tool that, like, I might share with you and say, hey, Gresh. Like, I've found out this cool thing. It didn't work for me, but I think it might work for you, like and be able to share that information. But just remember that you know sometimes you just need to listen to the advice, take a beat, see how you feel about it, you know, and then determine if it's something that you wanna implement in your business or something that you just wanna hold on to for a later date, or share it with someone.

[00:12:14.29] – Gresham Harkless

Absolutely. And so I now want to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different quote-unquote CEOs on the show. So Catherine, what does being a CEO mean to you?

[00:12:25.20] – Kathryne Carter

It means being courageous. Like, I have been thinking about this question because I was like, oh, gosh. What is a CEO? Like, do I consider myself a CEO? And, like, all of these things. And, I think for me it just comes down to being courageous, taking risks, you know. In the beginning, of my business career, I was afraid. Like, is this idea too cheesy? Is this too corny? Should I do it? Like, just second-guess myself all the time. And it was just kind of like, after so many conversations with friends and family and things like that, it was just like, no, I got this. Like, you know, I believe in God and it's like, I don't think that He would put this in my heart and on my mind if it wasn't something that I was meant to do.

So I just need to follow my passion, take those risks, and be courageous. It is it's gonna be scary at times. I believe that you know, being a CEO and a business owner means that you're just gonna continue to conquer those fears and continue to believe in what you believe in and put yourself out there and that it will work out, and that you will learn the tools and tricks and strategies that you need to help you implement those ideas. I think that if it's in your heart and your mind, you already have what's in you to, you know, implement it. So take that leap and be courageous.

[00:13:45.70] – Gresham Harkless

Nice. I love that definition and that perspective. And I think that so many times, it could be nerve-wracking kinda running a business, especially starting up. And even as you go to each level, it's always a different kind of challenge that you have to have, and you have to summon up that courage, so to speak, to be able to go there. But I love what you said too about sometimes, you know, god given gifts. I always go back to the parable of the Talents, which is my absolute favorite, I guess, parable around entrepreneurship.

Can I feel like we're all giving specific gifts and those gifts are for us to showcase to the world? So a lot of times, we're looking outwardly for things that we need to be able to achieve whatever mission we have. But a lot of times, we have everything we need within us, and we just need to summon up that courage and that strength and go forward with that. So I love and appreciate that definition.

[00:14:29.79] – Kathryne Carter

I think it's a growth path. Right? Like, we're always looking for, like, oh, where's the path we've got? Like, it's it's growth and taking you to the next step, and it's not a it's not short-term race. Like you said, it's a marathon. These are long-term goals, and so your path is not necessarily gonna be straight getting there. It's probably gonna take you in all different types of curves and loops and stuff, but, it's worth it, I think. Yeah.

[00:14:54.20] – Gresham Harkless

I definitely would echo that. And I think it's interesting if you look at the stories of the most successful people, so to speak. They're not straight at all. They are very windy, and they're very up and down and topsy-turvy at the time we're going through today. So truly, you know, appreciate that perspective, appreciate that definition again. And what I wanted to do is pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you want to let our readers and listeners know, and, of course, how best they can get hold of you and find out about all the awesome things that you're working on.

[00:15:21.60] – Kathryne Carter

Absolutely. So first, I wanna just thank you, Gresh, for this opportunity, and thank you for, you know, this platform to know what it is to be a CEO and that it looks like all different types of things, and to be able to listen to other people who've been on your podcast and all of the different advice and things and gems that they have to share. So I'm truly thankful for that. People can find me on social media. So, graceandvirtuevents. I'm on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, with graceandvirtuevents. And for Twitter, it's grace and virtue. And then my website, so www.graceandvirtuevent.dot com.

[00:16:02.79] – Gresham Harkless

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Well, we'll have those links and information in the show notes as well too. I thank you for being one of the awesome guests that we've had on the show so that we can learn, you know, so many words of wisdom for you as well too. And I appreciate the foundation of your business, the reminders that you gave us about relationships, and being able to build and grow that in so many different ways. So appreciate you again, and I hope you have a phenomenal rest of the day.

[00:16:23.10] – Outro

Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.

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