Meet the Instructor with Kristin Mullen & Sarah Robison

This is such an exciting time for all those involved with our upcoming July training course in Austin, Texas. We have been hard at work putting together updated material content and meeting some outstanding guest speakers. This is going to be another amazing course!

The course itself is a huge undertaking and would not be possible without the dedicated and hard working instructors. Over the next couple of months, I’d like to take a little time to introduce you to a few of them.

Our first instructor interview is with Kristin Mullen. Kristin is the Owner of Events by Kristin, a full service wedding planning business based in Dallas, Texas. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Kristin over Facetime. Can I just say how lovely she is? Her smile was beaming the minute we connected. I’m already excited about getting to know her!

Sarah Robison (Curriculum Director) - “Hello Kristin! It’s so good to finally meet you! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me today.”

Kristin Mullen - “It’s good to meet you! Thanks for asking me to be a part of this.”

SR - Can you tell me a little background about yourself?

KM - I was born and raised in Flower Mound and have two brothers that I am very close with. I LOVE to run. It’s such a good release from the everyday. I enjoy going to concerts, and spending time with good friends. I attended college at Midwestern State University where I studied communications and PR and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Being a part of a sorority was the last thing I thought I would be a part of. I love being outside, playing sports - so this was really a surprise. Chi Omega’s philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation and I was able to do an internship. It was my first real exposure to event planning.

SR - How did you transition into wedding planning?

KM - I worked with Club Corp for 1 ½ years as a private event coordinator. I was able to learn all the ins and outs of events from vendors to setup and the entire planning process. Most don’t realize what is required to execute an event. It’s hard work but so rewarding. I started Events by Kristin in 2011 and then took the AACWP course in 2012 to gain further education and training. This was such an amazing opportunity to have a network community and build real relationships with other event planners.

SR - I love that you express how important relationships are to you. Do you think it motivates the kind of business owner/planner you are?

KM - Oh! For sure! I love when my clients and I just click. It’s very important to me to have that relationship. It builds trust.

SR - What are some challenges you found in running your own business? And how did you figure out how to overcome it?

KM - Time management. Being able to “turn work off.”

SR - I would think being so relational makes that hard sometimes.

KM - I do think it was at first. Especially when I was learning the importance of boundaries. Of course you want to please and accommodate your clients, but you have to learn it’s ok to say no too. I found that my clients respected me and my time more.

SR - What is a misconception about the wedding industry you’d like to change or address?

KM - Honestly that it’s all “fun.” I love what I do but it is a LOT of hard work and I wouldn’t always call it fun. There is a lot going on at the same time and it has to run smoothly. And most people have no idea what event planning entails. This is your job and you are responsible for what happens.

SR - What excites you the most about working in the wedding industry?

KM - The relationships I have gained, with my clients, families, and the talented professionals I get to work with. The networking group plays such a big part in that I’ve been able to shadow some great planners and learn from them. I can pull a team together with those relationships I’ve made.

SR - What is your favorite part of what you do?

KM - How rewarding this job is. We work sometimes a year or longer and countless hours on one event. Seeing it all come together and the client being so excited makes it all worth it!

SR - So can you describe for me your favorite type of client to work with?

KM - One that trusts me and my team. They may have met with other planners, but have said to me “you get me,” you know exactly what I want and what I’m looking for. That’s a good feeling.

SR - How have you continued your education?

KM - I have attended different workshops and I always like to work with other planners. You are able to learn so much from each other.

SR - OK, let's get to some fun easy questions. How would your friends describe you?

KM - Umm...I would say fun, loyal, honest. I am that friend when asked to be honest I’m honest. I think they appreciate that. Spontaneous. I’m always wanting to get out and do something go somewhere. Like skydiving or hiking. Just being outdoors.

SR - These are some amazing qualities. It’s says a lot about who you are. Name three things you can’t live without.

KM - Oh wow! This is hard let me think...Bailey (my dog) I have to say coffee and my running shoes.

SR - So obviously running is a big deal to you. How does that fit in with your schedule?

KM - I make time. Usually it works for me to get out about 3 times a week. I’ve always been a runner.

SR - Who is your biggest role model? And why?

KM - My dad. He’s always supportive, honest, loving and one of the best people I know. We have a great relationship. He’s my best friend. I truly can’t say enough how much I enjoyed my conversation with Kristin! She is a fantastic addition to the AACWP family. Kristin is a first time instructor for our July course and will be going over the ins and outs of Receptions.

For more on Kristin, visit her at http://eventsbykristin.net/

Or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EventsbyKristin and Instagram http://instagram.com/eventsbykristin/