The year was 2001. Jennifer Lopez starred in the movie: The Wedding Planner. I was still at McMaster University hoping to be a Sports Medicine Doctor. That dream fell quickly when I couldn't keep up with the program after the first year. I guess my high school guidance counsellor wasn't as far off as I thought she was. WPICC came to Ottawa, and I took their weekend intensive course. I LOVED it. I couldn't wait to be a wedding planner. Algonquin College's Event Management Post Grad Certificate required me to have 2 years post high school education before taking the program. I only had my one year at MAC, so I needed one more year. They suggested I take a 1-year certificate program that would complement being an event planner. I took the culinary program and it has definitely helped me provide a special angle to my skill set. My illustrious wedding planning career was short-lived. I learned quite early on that the stress and pressure put on that 'one perfect day' was too much for me. I followed this up by doing my rounds at all the local big hotel chains, hoping one would fit better than the last. The lack of work-life balance in the sales world was not for me. Eventually I ended up at an NFP Association, planning conferences and events. I finally felt like I was where I should be. I was laid off from 2 associations in 2021, during the height of COVID. I was feeling lost, deflated and contemplated a career change. These layoffs didn’t feel fair or justified and I hard time opening myself up for new opportunities, in the fear that I will be disappointed again. Throughout all of this, I was taking small contracts from an old colleague who had started up an association management and event planning firm. It turns out this is exactly what I needed. I work for myself and I love it. My passion is back. My drive is back. My enthusiasm is here and ready! Do you need event help? I take all different types of contracts, and I am happy and eager to help!