Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photo to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Ontario wedding planner Krista Olynyk today!

Name: Krista Olynyk

Business Name & Location: KJ and Co. | Burlington, Ontario, Canada 

Years Working in the Event Industry: 15+ years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 3.5 years

Website: www.kjandco.ca

Facebook Page: KJandCo

Instagram: @kjandco

What is your typical day like?

I work from my home office so I tend to head straight to my desk with a smoothie for breakfast around 8 or 9 in the morning. I work in my pajamas for a while, usually starting with answering emails, which is something I’m adjusting – the inbox becomes a never-ending spiral.

When I plan ahead, I work from a specific to-do list, so tasks might include writing design proposals, vendor inquiries, updating budgets and worksheets, and responding to inquiries for planning, design, and event rentals. Small décor rentals are an important part of my business, so updating my inventory list and keeping all pieces on display takes time as well. I get out of the office a few times a week for site and vendor visits, sourcing décor details, and for client meetings.

How did you get started in the industry?

My mom started as an interior designer and then got into event coordination and design. I started first by prepping napkin treatments by the hundreds in front of the TV after school, and then working on-site as event crew or building props at the warehouse when they needed some extra help over the last 15 years. I was lucky to see behind the scenes early on for some really incredible events.

Mom and I daydreamed about starting a wedding business together for years, but I decided to pursue a marketing diploma and then hair styling first. When I had those out of my system, I was excited to get into weddings and made the jump on my own. I was lacking creativity in my life, which the design side of weddings satisfies. I still love structure and organization as well, which I get from all the planning, spreadsheets, and itineraries.

Where do you find design inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration from interior design, but I also like to follow event designers from California. The trends there are so exciting and tend to be way ahead of what’s happening in my area.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I find myself pinning a lot of Elle & Co. I love Alyssa Martin as well.

Building a great network of like-minded planners has been incredibly helpful; I’m a part of two private Facebook groups that are great sounding boards. I also find information in some strange places; blogger resources and a newsletter for banking sales – written by a friend of my dad. It’s not just about the pretty, we’ve got to understand the business and particularly sales side of things, to encourage clients to invest in us.

Krista, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.

photo credit: Soundslikeyellow Photography