We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Firth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

Event planning is a low risk entry way into the event world. You can start this business as a side hustle while still holding down a typical 9 to 5. That is exactly what I did. I started small and with lower packages to build my portfolio and grow my network. The time came to finally take the risk and quit my day job. It’s easier said than done. For years, my best friend kept telling me to quit my job. She knew I wasn’t happy and knew if I just took the leap I would succeed. For a small business owner this is one of the scariest moments in their life. You are never guaranteed a pay check or time off. You basically have to suppress all of the fear and doubt and finally commit. The sink or swim approach if you will. Most entrepreneurs that I know hate to have a boss. They dislike being told how to do their job and when to do it. Freedom is what they seek. I am no different. I finally disliked being micromanaged so much that I turned to my fiancé at the time and said, I’m quitting my job today and going full force into event planning. The nerves and excitement kept my motivated and though at times money was tight it was worth it. Five years later I own a successful planning company, run one of the most sought after wedding venues in the Raleigh area, and am about to venture into opening a new venue in Raleigh. This risk was worth it all.

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

Several years back I was planning my own wedding and realized how much I love the details. I love the research and the outcome from a well executed party. I moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where I received my first break into the business as an event assistant with a local wedding and event planner. Eventually I moved to the Raleigh area and decided I would start my own wedding planning company. I started small and worked nights and weekends with very little sleep. I found clients and worked hard, building connections in the event industry. Eventually I was recommended more and more and was put on a few venue preferred lists. We started by offering everything under the sun from linens and decor to plates and flatware. Eventually as we grew I just didn’t have time to keep up with the inquiries and the decor. Now we offer exclusive planning packages with certain venues in the area. This helps us perform and know the space we are working in every weekend to execute a flawless wedding day. We are one of the few planners who run venues along with the planning piece. This sets us apart from other planning companies. Would you rather hire a planner who has never worked at your venue before or one who knows the ins and outs and can problem on the drop of a dime.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started small. The event planning industry is a low risk business to start up. As long as you invest initially in advertising you can slowly build your experience. I started my business by only paying $300 a month. $250 for advertising and $50 for insurance. This was on top of the LLC licensing which is was roughly only a couple hundred dollars.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Hard work and the willingness to be a team player paid a big roll. I never said “it’s not my job.” On a wedding day it’s all hands on deck. The only people who are important are the bride and groom. I was able to build my business by always helping my fellow vendors and doing it with a smile on my face. After all we are all in this business together and working together to give our clients one of the best days of their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.timelesseventsnc.com
• Instagram: @timeless.events.nc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Timeless.Events.NC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-stump-104903209/

Image Credits
Liv View Studios Timeless Carolina