Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Stokx.
Hi Mackenzie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I graduated from college with a BA in English and Psychology, hoping to get my teaching certification and become a teacher shortly after I finished school. Two days after my graduation, I got engaged and immediately started planning my wedding. I got so invested in wedding planning that I put my teaching certification courses on the back burner. About 8 months into the planning process, I had made almost no progress with teaching but a whole lot of progress with the wedding and I was loving every minute of it. That was my lightbulb moment! I realized that teaching wasn’t my passion–Weddings were. Shortly after getting married, I launched my own wedding-planning business and never looked back! With the support of my husband, family, and friends, my business excelled quickly and naturally. As of September 2023, I am a full-time self-employed wedding and event planner, and I LOVE IT!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This is a hard question to answer because it is not a simple yes or no! I would say that it has been challenging in ways that I didn’t expect and easy in the areas that I thought I would struggle with. I was happily surprised that entrepreneurship came somewhat naturally to me. I have always been an introverted and anxious person, but when it comes to my business, I am confident and sure of myself, which I never thought I’d be able to say! Because of my confidence in myself, it has been a relatively smooth road so far. Of course, I deal with imposter syndrome like any other business owner, but I firmly believe in the motto “fake it till you make it” and that’s honestly how I live my life! LOL It can be easy to get into a cycle of self-doubt and insecurity as a small business owner, so I always do my best to not compare myself to others and remember that everyone fails sometimes. I just try to take it one day at a time!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stoked Weddings LLC?
Stoked Weddings LLC is a wedding and event planning company. I plan anything from weddings to corporate events to special events, such as birthdays and baby showers. Client experience is incredibly important to me! I am extremely loyal to my clients and pride myself on planning an event that is a representation of them and their vision. Brand-wise, I am most proud of being kind, welcoming, and devoted to my clients and what I do. I want every single one of my clients to feel like a guest at their own event, and I strive to be the best version of myself for each and every one of them! I want the readers to know that if you want not only your actual event but also the entire planning process to be enjoyable, easy, and fun, then I’m your gal! I love what I do and I want anyone who encounters me to feel and see the passion that I have for my business. I offer a wide range of services, so if you are planning an event of any kind, chances are I have a package that will fit your needs!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I highly recommend finding a mentor or a coach, regardless of what stage you are at in your business. When looking for a mentor, I suggest finding someone who is already doing and living what your business goals are. They were once where you are now, and they know the steps it takes to grow and succeed! As for networking, it is SO important. Personally, I’ve found success in doing bridal shows, going to networking luncheons, and establishing a community on social media. Referrals are vital to a growing business, so making friends and connections anywhere you can is incredibly beneficial!
Pricing:
- Month-of Coordination begins at $1,750
- Partial Planning begins at $3,750
- Full Planning begins at $5,500
- Luxury Planning begins at $8,000
- Corporate/Special Events have a $1,500 minimum
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stokedweddings.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stokedweddings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/stokedweddings
- Other: www.pinterest.com/stokedweddings
Image Credits
@nevelsweddings
@sarahkatephoto
@estesweddings
@yourstrulymedia
@lizziechristineallen
@jessanddoz
