Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Allison, Owner of Keyed Up Events, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a wedding planner in Minneapolis, MN. I work with clients who want to experience joy in their wedding planning and create memorable moments for their guests.

Tell us about yourself

Oddly enough, I started doing weddings because I didn't like being a guest at a wedding. I preferred to stay busy and also helped friends with planning their weddings. I finally got to the point where I decided to make it a side hustle, and now 10 years later, I do it full-time. I am motivated by having happy clients who say that the day was more than they ever thought it would be and couldn't have done it without me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I hired a full-time assistant in 2022. It's scary to know I have someone else counting on me for their income, so that is pretty motivating!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Never feeling like my work is done. Not giving myself days off. Always hustling for new clients because we don't get too many repeats (hopefully!). Having to do ALL the things to start because you can't afford to hire a bookkeeper, social media manager, and everything else that needs to be done.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start on the right foot by having a separate bank account and accounting system from day one. Don't mix personal and business money if you can help it.
  2. Give up the things you are not good at as soon as possible to someone else. Bookkeeping, social media, etc., because you should be spending your time on things you are good at, enjoy, and make money.
  3. Get to know and befriend your competitors in your market. My number one biggest regret is that I didn't network with my fellow wedding planners sooner. They will be your greatest resources and referral network.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://keyedupevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyedupevents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyedupevents/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keyed-up-events/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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