Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali Measures.
Kali, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I watched my mom plan the most beautiful weddings. It wasn’t her full time job; however, she had a reputation in the community of being organized, creative, and capable of executing just about anything, so newly engaged couples flocked to her! Her heart for hospitality and her passion for creating beautiful events inspired me.
I always knew I wanted to work in the hospitality industry; however, it wasn’t until after college that I fell in love with weddings and events. I graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management and landed my first career job at the Courtyard by Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio. As the Catering Sales and Event Manager for this boutique hotel, I primarily planned weddings and social events. After three years working for Marriott, I decided to take the risk and start my own business. From there, Kindle and Gather was formed.
While starting a business can be frightening and intimidating, I was amazed at how fast I fell in love with being an entrepreneur. Kindle and Gather grew faster than I could have ever imagined! I began working with the most darling couples who were kind enough to take the chance on a start up wedding planner. From there, I grew my client base primarily through word of mouth. Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of some amazing celebrations and work with some of the best clients and vendors a planner could ask for.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, it has been such a smooth process starting Kindle and Gather. Of course there have been some challenges, such as how to set yourself and business a part in an fairly saturated market; however, no challenge has proven to be impossible. One thing I’ve learned over the last three years is the importance of good relationships. I credit much of my growth and success to the relationships I’ve formed with other creatives and vendors in the wedding industry. It’s because of their encouragement, recommendations, and referrals that I’ve been able to grow this business. If I could provide advice to anyone starting this journey, it would be to pursue community. Find the people who will walk alongside you and encourage you in the process.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kindle and Gather – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My husband and I live on a family ranch where we love to host people. One of our favorite things to do is have friends over to gather around our table to share a meal together. We then usually migrate to sitting around the campfire where we tell stories and enjoy community. This is the heart behind Kindle and Gather. I love the idea of weddings being a place where your closest friends and family gather to share a meal and celebrate a story that is unfolding. I specialize in weddings that are intimate and organic in nature, regardless of the size of the event. My services range from Month Of Coordination to Full Planning + Design; however, every couple is different so we’re happy to customize as need be! From vendor selections to design to logistics management, we take care of all of the details so couples can enjoy their engagement and focus on what really matters – their marriage. As a brand, one of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to make clients feel like they’re planning alongside a friend – someone who makes them feel heard and known, yet professional and organized.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
With tenacity and creativity, women can position themselves for anything they aspire to do! I’m grateful for technology and other modern advances that enable me to be a business owner as well a wife and a mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kindleandgather.com
- Phone: 830-358-8053
- Email: info@kindleandgather.com
- Instagram: @kindleandgather
Image Credit:
Hannah Mayson Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
