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

Barbara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

In life you have ups and downs and strive to handle them the best you can….

In Event Planning, it is no different. You will always have things that come up now and then and even issues dealing with clients, but I have learned through years of experience always show kindness, grace, and handle problems/issues with integrity.

Communication, honesty is a must for a positive outcome and trying to remain calm in all situations.
I once had to separate clients to calm them down and then come back to the planning table (like a time-out) and I know that sounds funny but it will bring everyone back down to a calm state of mind.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Barbara Wallen, Executive Director of Events & Operations for a Catering & Event Planning Company. With working with a Corporate company for 27 years, it gave me years of experience and knowledge of Organization, Marketing, Problem solving, and being a team player as well.

When I was young I always did event planning with churches, schools, organizations and it became a passion of mine interacting with people and bringing their events to life. I always have a plan and make sure there is Plan A, B, and sometimes even C.

Here we are now, over 30+ years and I still enjoy that passion and do it for a living. I get to work with my daughter and bring visions to life. I always want to make sure the client is happy and take away the stress, so they can enjoy any celebration or event in their life. I take pride with anything that I plan or execute for my clients.

Afterall, you only get one chance when you do an event to bring memories that will last a lifetime!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I am blessed to say that I met this Young Entrepenuer 32 years ago when I gave birth to her. That’s right, I get to work with my daughter everyday and so proud to be called her Mother.

I was a Single Mom and always worked two jobs to make sure she never went without, got a great education and had the opportunity to follow any dream she wanted. I instilled morals, values and faith in God that she could accomplish anything she set her mind too. She did exactly that and now is providing a company that not only employs myself after I retired from Corporate but others as well.

I have been doing the Weddings and big events part time for years, but now work side by side as her Executive Director of Events & Operations full-time.

I have always taught her to put God first in all things and he will direct your path. Success is his glory and I am humbled by every blessing that has come my way.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

With managing a Team, you have many different personalities, opinions, ideas and you want everyone to have a Voice. I make sure that their voice is heard, but also try to guide them in the best direction for their Dept. as well as a whole for the company.

I take time with my staff to make sure everyone is feeling good, not overwhelmed or stress and taking time for themselves (METIME) on a regular basis.

Your team is only as good as your Leadership. There is no “I” in Team and I want everyone to feel like we ARE A TEAM! When a team works TOGETHER, you will have success!

When the team’s morale is positive, you will have positive results and everyone is a WINNER!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ChefellasCateringEvents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefellas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefellasCateringEventPlanning/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chefella-s-catering-and-event-planning