Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karla Solorzano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

Scaling up a business is a exciting, yet challenging adventure, and my journey as a wedding and event planner has been no exception. In 2015, I embarked on this beautiful venture, driven by my passion for creating personalized experiences and my love for logistics. As I expanded my business, I encountered numerous meaningful moments, obstacles, and valuable lessons that shaped my path.

Scaling up, to me, is not just about expanding numbers; it’s about elevating experiences, fostering connections, and embracing the journey wholeheartedly. By staying true to my values, learning from mistakes, and cherishing every client relationship, I’ve not only scaled up my business but also created a community of joy and celebration.

One of my key strategies was fostering collaborations within the industry. I sought out mentorship and continued education, attended industry events, and collaborated with talented vendors. Embracing continuous learning and networking provided valuable insights and opened new avenues for growth.

Like any entrepreneur, I faced unexpected challenges. Economic fluctuations, changing market trends, and the pandemic presented formidable obstacles. During these times, my focus on adaptability became crucial. Embracing technology, offering virtual consultations, and diversifying service offerings helped me navigate the twists and turns.

Mistakes are inevitable, and I viewed them as opportunities to learn and improve. Early on, I made the mistake of overextending myself. It taught me the importance of delegation and building a reliable team. Learning from these errors allowed me to refine my processes and enhance client experiences.

The most rewarding aspect of scaling up has been the deepening of relationships with my clients. Each wedding became a chapter in their unique love stories, and being a part of these moments was incredibly fulfilling. Building trust and delivering exceptional service strengthened my reputation and brought in referrals, fueling the growth further.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Moving from Venezuela to the USA 15 years ago allowed me to embrace different cultures and traditions, igniting my passion for creating events that resonate deeply with diverse backgrounds and preferences.

At Kiss & Say I Do Events, we craft personalized and memorable experiences .From intimate weddings to grand celebrations, we curate events that reflect the unique love stories and cultural nuances of our clients. Our services encompass meticulous planning, expert guidance, and emotional support, ensuring that every moment is infused with grace and significance.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to personalized interactions and cultural inclusivity. We don’t just plan events; we weave narratives that celebrate diverse traditions, backgrounds, and love stories. Our expertise lies in creating seamless, stress-free experiences where every detail is thoughtfully curated, and every guest feels cherished.

I take immense pride in the genuine connections we build with our clients. Witnessing their eyes light up as they step into a meticulously designed venue, or hearing their heartfelt thanks after a flawlessly executed event, is my greatest reward. These moments fuel my passion and inspire me to continually elevate my craft.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit and all my events started dropping, I found myself in uncharted territory. Suddenly, the vibrant world of weddings and celebrations went on pause, leaving me wondering how to keep the party spirit alive.

With weddings canceled and gatherings off the table, my business faced a tough spot. How could we still create those cherished moments when physical togetherness was a no-go? It was a puzzle that needed a creative solution.

Embracing the spirit of adaptability, I recognized the potential of virtual events. While the idea seemed strange at first, it quickly became a game-changer. We explored some platforms and we started having digital extravaganzas! Virtual weddings, online bridal showers – you name it, we made it happen, all from the comfort of our screens.

This experience taught us that celebrations are more than just physical events; they’re about the spirit of coming together, even if it’s in a digital space.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

At the heart of building my social media presence was authenticity. I shared not just my work but also the stories behind each event, and constant wedding planning advise.

High-quality visuals and compelling storytelling are my allies. Most of the times we only post images from professional photographers and videographers.

We shared not just the polished final weddings but also the process, giving my audience a peek into the magic behind the scenes.

Building a social media presence isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections. Here are some tips:

Be Authentic: Authenticity is your greatest asset. Share your journey, your challenges, and your triumphs. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions.

Consistency is Key: Post regularly, but don’t compromise quality for quantity. Consistent, high-quality content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Engage and Interact: Respond to comments, messages, and engage with your followers. Acknowledging their presence makes them feel valued and encourages them to stay connected.

Visual Appeal: Invest in good photography and visuals. Eye-catching content grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Storytelling/Reels: Craft compelling stories around your work, clients, and experiences. People love narratives; it makes your content memorable and shareable.

Contact Info:

• Website: kissandsayido.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/kissandsayido
• Facebook: facebook.com/kissandsayido
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kissandsayido
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqYeMP-eJp0o4jD9SEsBhQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@latinaweddingplanner

Image Credits
Lily Tapia Photography Sergey Green Photography Love Is Wedding Video & Photo Judy and Gavin Photography