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

Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Life is rarely linear. That motto embodies my story. On paper, I’m Dr. Sautter: I hold a Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, focused on quantum and electronic materials. I once had what many would call The Dream Job: a six-figure engineering role with benefits, a 401k, and stability. But inside, I felt restless, confined. I desired control over my time, and I wanted above all else to make a direct impact.

For years, I thought the way I could serve the planet was through science. I worked at national labs like Argonne and NREL, studied advanced materials, and eventually landed in industry building quantum dot lasers. From the outside, it looked like success (And it is! For most). But I craved autonomy, creativity, and impact I could see in people’s lives. I’ve always been intense and passionate: I was the second-grader who made a protest sign to “save the rainforest,” and marched up and down the neighborhood streets because my 9-year-old self thought it would help. (Cute.)

As a woman in STEM, I found myself struggling to belong. I’d describe myself as a “bright shiny yellow” kind of personality: a bubbly spirit fueled by ideas, creativity, and energy. My energy was infectious when talking to people or networking, but in STEM, it often felt drowned out, dulled, and tamped down in a sea of practical blue. “You can’t present like that, people will get lost in the story.” But isn’t that the point? To get people as excited as I was? I was once told by a man that “We didn’t hire you because you’re too bubbly. I don’t think you’ll take it seriously.” The woman in the interview room loved me. But I didn’t get the job. Go figure.

Fast forward: If you asked any of my employees today, they’d tell you my energy is infectious, and that yes, I do in fact take my job seriously.

My life changed when I planned my own wedding. Something clicked. Event planning lit me up in a way lab work rarely did. I realized I could make a difference not only through technology, but through people. I could build a business rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and joy. Still, walking away from what a friend called “the practical, pragmatic thing to do” was terrifying. It felt like I was standing at the edge of a cliff in a squirrel suit I had stitched together myself, the wind roaring in my face, wondering if it would hold if I jumped. My family and friends said, “You’ll get used to the 9-to-5.” But I didn’t want to get used to it. I didn’t want to ask for permission on how to use my time. I wanted to see the impact I could make in real time.

So in June 2025, after 8 months of working 100-hour weeks balancing engineering and my fledgling wedding planning business, I leapt. I took my metaphorical squirrel suit and jumped. I quit my job and went all-in on entrepreneurship.

Taking this leap of faith in myself paid off in dividends. My business grew nearly tenfold. I more than doubled my 2025 goals by the next month. I exceeded my revenue goals, hired employees and assistants, and used my team to turn my clients from happy to raving. In one summer, I not only improved my clients’ lives, but I also created meaningful jobs for my team. Today, I run K.S.Otter Events, a sustainable wedding planning business that helps couples celebrate love in ways that are stress-free, eco-friendly, and deeply personal.

The leap was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, but the squirrel suit has held. And every day, I’m reminded the risk was worth it: not just because of the growth, but because I now live aligned with who I am: someone unafraid to toss her hat over the fence and then figure out how to climb after it.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

K.S.Otter Events is a North Carolina Wedding Planning Business.

At K.S.Otter Events, we help couples plan weddings that are stress-free, sustainable, and deeply personal. We’re more than just coordinators: we’re guides, advisors, and problem-solvers who bring structure and creativity to one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life.

Our services range from day-of coordination to full-service planning, with packages designed to meet couples wherever they are in the process. Behind the scenes, we’ve built a library of proprietary systems, like our 81-step process for the final two months before a wedding and detailed due-date dashboards, which ensure nothing is missed. These tools are invisible to clients, but they create the clarity and peace of mind that allow them to enjoy the planning journey instead of being buried in logistics.

The couples who come to us are often busy professionals. Many of them know they could technically plan and run the wedding themselves, but they don’t want to. Many are overwhelmed, short on time, or worried about family dynamics and industry upselling. We step in with vendor recommendations, timelines, and calm, organized support so they can focus on what matters most: being fully present and enjoying their wedding day.

What sets us apart is threefold:
• Sustainability: We make eco-conscious choices approachable and practical, with a no-pressure approach that guides a couple whether they want just a few sustainable tips or to be a complete eco-warrior.
• Inclusivity: We are proudly LGBTQ+ affirming and members of the Safe Space Alliance. Inclusivity runs through every part of our brand: from the language we use to the vendors we partner with. Our goal is that all couples feel welcomed.
• Our Team: Unlike many solopreneurs, we have a team of planners and assistants fully dedicated to weddings. This means couples always feel like we are true to the K.S.Otter Events promise: they will feel like our one and only wedding.

As of today, we’ve earned over 30 five-star Google reviews and are consistently recognized with industry awards for our service and inclusivity.

At our core, K.S.Otter Events is fun and approachable yet we always take our job seriously. We believe in creating high-end wedding experiences that are deeply intentional, without being stuffy or overwhelming. Every couple deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for, and that’s what drives everything we do.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I got myself a coach who has already climbed this ladder. Every dollar I put in her has paid off tenfold. I attribute a great deal of my success to her support and guidance. She taught me my mistakes, opened the doors to new ideas for bringing in clientele, advised me on how to close a sale (my close rate went from 11% to 85% with her help!), and has opened many doors by connecting me with other million-dollar mindset people within the wedding industry. Surrounding myself with people who think like I do and are making big million-dollar choices is making every difference in my world.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, we have a damn-good product. Our proprietary 81-step system for the final 2 months before wedding day is what really makes us stand out. It baffles me just how many vendors have told me that my team is one of the few wedding planners that actually reaches out to them. Isn’t that our job to communicate the plans to other vendors? Why isn’t anyone else telling the bartender to show up at 3:00 pm and -oh, by the way- do you have ice on hand because the venue doesn’t have an ice machine? Other planners/day-of coordinators in the area don’t put in this work.

One big tip I have for aspiring wedding planners and day-of coordinators: ask the venue and the vendors what their biggest pet-peeve is in a planner/coordinator. This tells you a lot about what *not* to do, and helps them see that you’re a team player. A wedding day doesn’t just happen: you, as a coordinator, make it happen. You are the miracle-worker your client needs to feel stress-free on their wedding day. And c’mon – doesn’t everyone deserve that on their big day?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ksotterevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksotterevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksotterevents/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ksotterevents
  https://ksotterevents.com/blog/

Image Credits

Studio Ace Photography
Sean Szitas Photography
Raven Shutley Studios
Holly Christina Photography
Lauren Depuy Photography
R&R Productions
Alexis Ricks Photography
Mycah Bain Photography