Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Schmitt.
Hi Becca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career in event planning right out of college, almost completely by accident. I was looking for a job in writing, editing, or something remotely related to my degree in journalism. So, I applied for a job as a Grant Writer & Event Coordinator at a local nonprofit, hoping it would be heavy on the writing and not on the event planning.
My initial hopes were thrown to the wayside as I jumped head-first into planning my first event, our big fall fundraiser. The foundation was already laid, as it was an annual event, so all I had to do was put the final details into place.
It was like a crash course in event planning in my first month. I had to Google new terms about five times a day, learning everything I could about talent riders, catering agreements, printing timelines, and more.
All it took was that first fundraiser to show me a whole new passion. And from then on, I was hooked. I started shadowing under a wedding planner, learning the ropes and exploring different kinds of events while continuing to plan nonprofit fundraisers.
I started my own business in 2020, after several years of learning from others. Every new event is a learning opportunity and I’m blessed to be able to do what I love and use my talents in a meaningful way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I started my business in January of 2020, which was…not the right time to launch in the event industry. It was definitely a challenge, but I was able to adapt very quickly in response to a changing landscape. I was also lucky enough to have other income, so I focused on building the infrastructure of Shoestring Flings while in-person events sat on the back burner.
I’ve learned that to be your own boss, you have to be your biggest advocate, No one is pushing me along, so I have to motivate myself every day to show up for myself and my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shoestring Flings?
I am an event planner and I own my own business, Shoestring Flings. My inspiration for the business came from my experience in nonprofit development. I had a hand in planning fundraisers and I definitely got caught up in the glitz and glam of fancy galas, but I saw the importance of frugality in event planning. Events can be SO expensive and I wholeheartedly believe you don’t have to sacrifice your vision for your budget. I specialize in creating beautiful memories affordably.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In both my personal and professional life, I’ve always been a very cautious person. Opening my own business has been the biggest risk I’ve ever taken and it’s taught me a lot about myself. I always thought I would be content with a stable job, working for a large company and collecting a paycheck, but as I got into the professional world, I realized it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I’m really passionate about freedom and travel, two things which are made more challenging with a set schedule and two weeks of PTO per year.
The risk in opening my business has paid off my allowing me the freedoms to have experiences I never would have gotten otherwise. This summer, for example, my husband and I spent two months traveling Europe while working remotely and it was the best experience of my life. Had I not taken the risk of going out on my own, none of the memories we made would have happened!
Pricing:
- Packages start at $1,495
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shoestringflings.com/
- Instagram: @shoestringflings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoestringflings
Image Credits
Alyssa Bell
Vanessa Martins
Jessica Lamb
