Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is wedding planner, singer, and TV host Lynzie Kent, who we caught up with to find out how she manages to find a work-life balance, what advice she would share with other young professionals, and where she loves to wine and dine in Toronto…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I own and plan events with Love by Lynzie Events + Design, sing lead for my nine-piece band, Electric Blonde, and host a TV show, Post My Party which airs on Makeful, Sundays at 8pm EST).
What was the inspiration for your career route?
My parents were musicians who played up to six nights a week at weddings, corporate events and festivals. Eventually, my mom didn’t want to sing lead anymore, so I stepped in. This was my first exposure into the event world. I guess you could say it runs in the family. I started as a singer on events 12 years ago and it has organically shifted into event planning, designing, performing and hosting.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
There have been two. First, last year I hired my first full-time staff member. That was a huge deal for me. It showed me that I have grown my little dream to something that is providing not only for my family and I, but for other people as well. Second, this month my series Post My Party premieres on Makeful. To have a TV show were I am using my brand and event design skills is very surreal.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I just had a baby in July, so my priorities have changed a little. Family is now definitely first. In five years, I know that no matter what, I want to remain self-employed. I would love to have a second baby, and being self-employed empowers your own freedom and commitment to work. I would love to leverage the excitement of Post My Party into more clients for Love by Lynzie and Electric Blonde and continue building the size of my planning team.
In 10 years, I will likely hang up my laces when it comes to singing lead for a band, and expand into the corporate event world a little deeper to work creatively with brands. In 20 years, I hope I’m living in Muskoka or Australia and running a boutique agency or small store and living a stiller life. The life of an event professional can be madness.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I have a tattoo that says, “I live by my father’s rules” because my Dad gave a speech with his seven rules for success at my grade 8 grad. I truly believe that if you live by these, you will achieve your goals.
1) Don’t be afraid to dream.
2) Never say, “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda,”
3) Travel as much as possible
4) Don’t forget where you came from
5) Respect your elders
6) Continue to educate yourself
7) There is no substitute for hard work
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Yes. I consistently support Save the Children and Sick Kids. Ever since having a baby, the importance of every child in the world receiving basic necessities has never been closer to my heart. Also, my sister received a kidney transplant at Sick Kids over 10 years ago and my family has been indebted since.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Learning to be someone’s boss and letting go of control of some of the aspects of my business is one of the biggest challenges I have faced and I still face it on a daily basis. I know how important it is to facilitate growth within my company, so it can sometimes weigh heavy on my mind and heart. What has helped is reviewing our processes with other, objective professionals to get feedback on where breakdowns may be happening. Then, revisiting our processes and putting more concise practices into place.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable means being a leader in your field, not being afraid to stand out in a crowd, going against the grain, and employing a unique philosophy that grabs the attention of others.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Wine: Pharmacy on King because I love a good bourbon. Pharmacy is dark and intimate, making for great conversation. Dine: Utsav in Yorkville because I am addicted to Indian food and this is my favourite spot.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Aside from social media sites like Pinterest, I am always on either my favourite wedding blog, Green Wedding Shoes, or Travel sites like Airbnb. Most played song would be anything off Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I absolutely LOVE Elsie Larson. I think the way she sees and uses colour on a daily basis is inspiring and brings a bold shot of colour into my everyday.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Australia. My husband is Australian and the lifestyle in his hometown of Perth is so healthy. Children are encouraged to get outside, parks and beaches are impeccable, and everything is salads and BBQ. Our next trips are to Bahamas and Iceland!
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Now that I am a new mom to a seven-month-old, it seems that I am constantly turning my friends down for nights out on the town. I worry that I am missing out on laughs, quality girl time and networking connections.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
America’s Next Top Model, The Bachelor, and Sour Patch Kids.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Lunches at work! I eat out way too much when working. I wish there were more hours in the day to prep meals and pack healthy lunches. I also wish I spent more on going to the movies. We haven’t been since our son Archie came along and I’m desperate for a date night.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success to me means the opportunity to be creative at work and play every day. It means being my own boss and being in charge of my fate. It means being able to let go of responsibility now and then and live a full, inspired life with my husband and son. It means saying no to work on Sundays so I can do nothing but snuggle.
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