Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Soule

Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My initial pursuit at Northeastern University was in public relations. However, through various internships, I discovered that my true passion lay in planning and executing events. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process—from logistical coordination and design to crafting memorable guest experiences. While I had always relished planning family vacations and parties, I had not envisioned it as a viable career path.

Upon graduation, I immersed myself in the events industry by joining a prominent financial firm, where I managed large-scale conferences and client hospitality programs. This role afforded me extensive experience and the opportunity to travel globally, including attending the 2012 London Olympics. After two years, I took a role with the Sundance Film Festival, where I worked on the events team for the 2014 and 2015 Festivals. Our team successfully executed 110 events over ten days, with my direct management of 18. This high-intensity environment further honed my skills and stamina for large-scale events, which I later applied to roles with the U.S. Open (tennis) and the NFL.

Although I had a deep-seated passion for events, I did not initially consider wedding planning as a career path, viewing it as too specialized. Nevertheless, as friends and family began seeking my assistance with their weddings, I began exploring this avenue. I found great fulfillment in participating in and customizing these significant celebrations. To deepen my expertise, I collaborated with wedding planners on-site, expanding my knowledge and skills in the field.

In 2018, with a wealth of experience in event planning and corporate hospitality, I decided to establish my own brand. I officially transitioned from my day job to focus on building a client roster across social, corporate, and non-profit sectors. I have always valued the balance between corporate and social events and look forward to continuing to serve both client bases in the future.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I started my business in 2018, which means I was only 2 years in when COVID-19 hit. Like so many other industries, the events + hospitality industries were truly devastated by the pandemic. Just as I felt I was getting momentum and building a brand presence, everything came to a screeching halt. This time truly tested my resilience and ability to hustle. I took on more social events, coordinated virtual events, picked up side jobs and whatever I could to stay busy and keep my business afloat.

The industry is still bouncing back from this time and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since. When things opened back up, there was a boom and it was non-stop. We went from zero to 100 and while completely grateful for business to be back, the surge came with it’s own challenges.

I’m truly enjoying where my business is now and appreciate the opportunity to just “run my business.” I say this because for so long I was working to build it, then recover it, and now it feels good to just let it exist and deal with more typical business-owner obstacles and challenges.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Kelly Elizabeth Event is a boutique wedding and event planning firm focused on seamless logistics and signature design. Our collaborative mindset ensures our clients feel taken care of and celebrated while staying true to their vision.

8 Stratton Events is a Boston-based, full-scale event planning and production firm working with brands to tell their stories. Clients come to us when they are ready to engage new audiences, stand out in their industries, and build relationships that lead to the longevity of their businesses. Our widespread experience in a variety of events and industries provides an all-around and dynamic perspective for our clients to ensure their events are personalized to their brand story and efficient use of their budget. Paired with our passion for people and events, our methodology reduces stress in the event planning process so our clients can elevate their marketing strategy.

What are your plans for the future?

As I mentioned, i’m truly enjoying the opportunity to just run my business in the present. As I think of what is to come, I look forward to continuing to expand my business outside of it’s New England base and taking on new clients across the country and international. Next year we have our first European Wedding and cannot wait!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kellyelizabeth.events
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyelizabethevents/
• Other: https://www.8stratton.com