Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Montreal wedding planner Madeleine Kojakian – otherwise known as Maddy K – who launched her company as a creative outlet to complement her desire to become businesswoman. We caught up with her to find out the best and most challenging parts of her day-to-day and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m an event architect that likes to inspire and build experiences.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Combined with my creative side, event planning was the perfect career route for me to be an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, and at the same time use my creativity. I love producing beautiful and inspiring events.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is meeting new people and getting to know them and eventually calling them friends. Most challenging is trying to manage many different projects going at one time – not easy!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When you are working on weekends/nights trying to make things happen; that is a HUGE sign that my work/life balance is off. However, I have come to accept that at times in the year that will happen. It’s fine as long as we balance it at times in the year where life becomes a priority and work becomes secondary.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Doing what I am doing now: Waking up every day excited about all the new projects happening in my life, and seeing them blossom and grow!
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my career has been to learn to separate my home life from my work life when you run your own business. I am not 100% great at it yet, but I have become so much better in managing my time, and putting boundaries on my time with my family at home, and maximizing my time at work.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I believe that money is part of the equation of happiness, but not the only thing that contributes to happiness. Living a happy and fulfilling life means you are living a balanced life that you love and you enjoy. It’s a life of purpose; a life that is full of love – relationships, moments and, most importantly, a life where you wake up every morning with so much excitement for the day.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Quitting my full-time job to focus 100% on my business.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You’re young, you’re starting your career – don’t do it alone. Get yourself a mentor; they will help you answer questions and avoid many mistakes.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
It really all depends on my mood. There are just so many good restaurants in this city that I like to take advantage of and try something new whenever I can. I also happen to have a lot of restaurateur friends and would hate to choose, so let’s just say I love food and just have way too many favourite restaurants to mention only one.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Going to the spa and reading a book. It doesn’t happen often, but when I do it, I so appreciate it.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’d be working at an interactive marketing agency.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support a lot of charities, but charities helping underprivileged children is top on my list. I believe children are our future and taking care of them should be our number one priority as a society. A child who has love and care will eventually grow up to be an adult that gives love and care. We need more love in this world and it begins with our children.
What to you is notable?
Notable is someone who is working hard to achieve his or her own dreams and not letting anyone get in their way; making things happen by always being true to themselves but also having fun, having a life and inspiring others to do so along the way.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
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