We recently connected with Samantha Kingsley and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
I don’t know if I have a moment that I can say is “the kindest” moment. But I am always so taken aback by how kind people are. From clients referring me to their friends, people taking the time out to compliment me, vendors helping support my business, and my family’s unconditional love and belief in me- I am so incredibly grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I always knew that I wanted to be an event planner. After earning my degree in Hospitality Management, I worked at various private clubs planning member events, followed by a great career at a local non-profit where I planned events for many years. I came to a turning point in my career, where I thought “What is next?” I decided to take a leap of faith and go out on my own as an event planner and fundraising consultant.
I specialize in non-profit luncheon and galas, as well as Bar/Bat Mitvahs and luxury social events. I am very creative and love to work with a theme to elevate a party and experience.
At Kingsley Event Consulting we pride ourselves on relationships, customer service, and creative/out-of-the-box ideas. We want to form lasting relationships (and often friendships!) with our clients.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Before I started my business I had faced a challenging time. There were some people in my life that didn’t have my best interest at hand – and started to make me believe “I wasn’t good enough.” My confidence in my abilities as an event planner and human, in general, were low. But ultimately, that only fueled my fire – not to prove them wrong, but to SHOW MYSELF they were wrong. I really crawled out of a dark place and am happier than I have ever been.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was younger, I thought I knew EVERYTHING. As a young employee I thought you had to fake it til you make it… and boy did I try. Little did I know, that was making me come across like a know-it-all or someone that didn’t respect my leadership.
I had an amazing boss and mentor tell me that I didn’t know everything (and a few other pointed items) and it changed my life. I realized the power of listening, admitting you didn’t know, and learning from each interaction with someone with more experience and less experience than me.
I think about that woman all the time and tell that story to my employees encouraging honest and open communication, learning, and listening.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kingsleyeventconsulting.com
- Instagram: @kingsleyeventconsulting
- Facebook: @kingsleyeventconsulting
Image Credits
The wedding photos are from Bri Watkins photo