Community Highlights: Meet Kristen Stivers of Events with Kristen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Stivers

Hi Kristen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for event planning started back in college when I helped organize events for my sorority. I found joy in bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and handling all the details that made each event special. That passion led me to my first professional role as an event coordinator at a local winery in Liberty, MO. There, I had the opportunity to plan everything from weddings and bridal showers to graduation parties, murder mystery dinners, and more. It was an exciting and fast-paced environment that gave me invaluable experience in handling a wide variety of events.

After my time at the winery, I took on a new challenge as a Senior Event Manager at Sporting KC. This role allowed me to expand my expertise into the world of corporate events, galas, and fundraisers. While we still hosted weddings at our downtown venue, most of my work at the stadium focused on large-scale corporate gatherings. One of my biggest events was a holiday party for 1,600 guests—an incredible experience that reinforced my love for orchestrating big celebrations.

Even while working in these roles, I always found myself helping friends and family plan their weddings and special events on the side. Deep down, I knew I wanted to take my passion full-time and build something of my own. For years, I debated taking the leap into entrepreneurship, and it wasn’t until my husband said, “It’s now or never,” that I finally made the decision to start my own business.

That’s how Events with Kristen was born. With years of experience, a deep love for event planning, and a drive to create unforgettable experiences, I took the steps to build my own business. Now, I get to do what I love every day—helping clients bring their dream events to life, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration.

Starting this journey has been both challenging and rewarding, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so grateful to be living out my passion and can’t wait to see where this adventure continues to take me!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, my journey into entrepreneurship has been pretty smooth. Of course, like any new business owner, there were things I didn’t expect or think about at first. Learning the behind-the-scenes aspects—like handling legal paperwork, figuring out taxes, and building a solid marketing strategy—was definitely a shift from just focusing on event planning itself.

Another challenge was getting my name out there and securing those first few clients under my own brand. I had years of experience, but stepping out on my own meant building trust and recognition from the ground up. Fortunately, my background and network helped, and word-of-mouth referrals have been a huge part of my growth.

Pricing and structuring my services was another learning curve. I wanted to offer the best value while also making sure I was charging fairly for my expertise and time. It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve gained confidence in knowing my worth and what I bring to the table.

While there have been small bumps along the way, I truly feel grateful that this journey has gone as smoothly as it has. Every event, every client, and every new opportunity reminds me why I took this leap, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!

As you know, we’re big fans of Events with Kristen . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Events with Kristen, we specialize in bringing unforgettable events to life. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, we handle every detail with precision, creativity, and care. With over a decade of experience in the event industry, we’ve planned everything from weddings and corporate galas to fundraisers, private parties, and unique themed events.

What sets us apart is our personalized approach. We believe no two events should be the same, and we take the time to truly understand our clients’ visions, ensuring that every detail reflects their personality and goals. We also pride ourselves on our strong vendor relationships, making the planning process smoother and more efficient for our clients. Whether you need a full-service planner or just guidance along the way, we’re here to make the process stress-free and enjoyable.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients. Events are deeply personal, and we are honored to be a part of life’s biggest milestones. Our attention to detail, passion for creativity, and commitment to excellence have earned us a reputation for delivering seamless, stress-free events that leave lasting impressions.

For anyone looking to host an event, we want you to know that Events with Kristen is more than just a planning service—it’s a partner in making your vision come to life. No matter the size or scale, we handle every event with the same dedication and excitement as if it were our own.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that every event is a learning experience—no matter how much planning goes into it, things can change, and being adaptable is key. Problem-solving on the fly, staying calm under pressure, and focusing on solutions rather than setbacks have been crucial in ensuring every event runs smoothly.

As far as the entrepreneurship side I would say some lessons I have learned is patience. When I first started, I expected things to fall into place instantly—clients booking, connections forming, and momentum building right away. But I’ve come to realize that success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey that unfolds over time. And that’s okay.

Every step, no matter how small, is progress. Every challenge is a learning experience. The key is to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep moving forward. Good things take time, and I’m embracing the journey.

Pricing:

• $1,250 – day of coordination
• $2,500 – partial planning
• $4,500 – full service planning

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eventswithkristen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventswithkristen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093549364364