Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abby Fritz, Owner of The Little Planner, LLC., located in Middletown, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Little Planner helps guide established professionals to plan a wedding or private event through inspired designs, logistical know-how, and strategic planning. We work with anyone in love that is wanting an outdoor or private celebration with their close friends and families in the state of Connecticut.
Tell us about yourself
I am from Bethany, CT, a small farm town about 20 minutes from Yale. I have always had a passion for events and planning since I was about 10 years old. Over the last 10 years, I have continued to implement my passion into everyday life, from being the event chair for many Relay for Life's, chair and co-chair for a CT Convention, and interning and working at a variety of hospitality jobs to understand every aspect of an event. I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, with a Bachelor of Science in Event Management and re-started TLP in February of 2021.
I would not be the event planner I am today without taking every opportunity I was given over the years. For me starting my own business was a goal of mine from a young age. I always wanted to have a job that I knew I would love, so I never had to work a day in my life. Once I was comfortable enough to start my own business, I got to work. For about two weeks, I sat at my computer for hours, designing my website, uploading to LinkedIn, creating content, and working on my business plan. After I had different people look everything over, I launched and signed my first client in 24 hours. Over the last two years, I have finished school, continued growing my business, and successfully quadrupled my sales. I would not be where I am today if I didn't have myself and my persistence to push me to become the business owner and wedding planner I am today.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is having the courage and persistence to work on my business every day. There is a lot of self-discipline in being a business owner and some days I really do not want to do anything, but mentally I can not. There are too many tasks for me to do every day, and if I don't hold myself accountable, then my business will collapse. I am very happy to have a business that I was able to create from the ground up and build every day. However, being driven and having consistency have to overtake that because it is very hard and overwhelming doing all the marketing, networking, sales, behind-the-scenes, internship programs, and in-person work daily.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest aspects of being a business owner is mentally separating yourself from your business self and creating your own boundaries with your work. Somedays, I just want to be a young person and have fun, but deep down, I know I can't do that. I always have to maintain my business brand. Even when I give myself a day off or go on vacation, I never truly am fully separate from work. I feel I always need to look, act, and react in the best manner because you never know who you may meet and if that interaction can potentially turn into a client or partnership.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have experience in all aspects of what you are trying to achieve, and if you don't have the experience, educate yourself. There is always a reason to keep learning.
- Follow your gut. Nine out of ten times, that bad feeling really is going to be a bad outcome.
- Do not trust everyone you meet, and proceed with caution. Some people may have another reason when asking a lot of questions or want to know everything about your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tlpwed.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelittleplannerct
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittleplannerct/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelittleplannerct/
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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