Inspiring Conversations with Martha Yates of MY Event Planning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Yates.

Hi Martha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I definitely started in this industry by accident. A friend of mine reached out to run her daughter’s wedding day so the family could enjoy the celebration. I had done Stage Management as an undergraduate so it really felt like something I would enjoy! The day came and I loved every minute of it! I was tired, exhausted but also energized.

The venue owner urged me to look into doing coordinating on the side and so after a LOT of research and work I laughed at MY Event Planning in October 2020. Yes in the middle of a pandemic! I had a few clients on the books for 2021 but my husband urged me to do a booth at the KC Engaged bridal show. Ellen and I hit it off and got me set up for success at the show, and it was a huge hit! In March of 2021, my family and I had to sit down and have a serious conversation. It was time to go full-time with my business.

It was scary and nerve-racking but if I wanted to continue to provide the level of service that I was proud of it needed to happen. I was still deciding what to do when I took a day off from work to do a networking lunch and learn. I left that lunch in tears because for the first time since college I felt like I was doing something with purpose. I put my notice in the next day and here we are! Almost a year into the business and not looking back!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anything that is worth doing will be easy. There has never been a time in my life where I wasn’t working at least 1 job. Sometimes I would juggle 2 or 3 jobs and I have always been on a payroll.

Not enough business owners talk about the challenges of creating a good solid work-life balance or how to run your day all by yourself! I was so worried about contributing to my family that I worked nonstop the first several months of owning my business. I didn’t take days off, or give myself proper breaks or lunches and burnout is a real thing!

Thankfully, I have a few mentors in the industry that told me to slow down a bit and enjoy the moment. Since then, I’ve realized that half of the fun is the ride and I need to enjoy each moment because there may not be another like it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MY Event Planning has a team of coordinators as well as a production crew for all of your needs! I think what sets us apart is the fact that we are very customer service/hospitality-minded.

We are a group that isn’t from the wedding industry so we do things a bit differently. In the Kansas City market, there are so many great planners and no competitive feeling. My team always meets and has a lengthy consultation so we make sure each bride we meet with has the right coordinator for their personality.

I’m incredibly proud of how hard each member of our team works. One day this was a dream, then it was the best reality we could have imagined.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think ultimately the years that I worked in the hospitality industry are what makes our team great. My team consists of people that are customer service-minded with backgrounds in restaurants, hotels, or something related to the client experience.

This helps us always focus on not only the needs of the client but also making sure their guests have a great time!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.myeventplanningkc.com
• Instagram: @my.event.planning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MYeventplanningkc

Image Credits
Life Expressions Photography and Rivas Photography