Starting Pink Olive Events was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made—but let’s be honest, it didn’t come with a manual. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot (sometimes the hard way), and I want to share a few things I wish someone had told me before I jumped in. If you’re thinking about launching your own business—or you’re already in the thick of it—I hope these insights help you feel a little more prepared and a little less alone.
1. You Don’t Have to Do Everything Yourself
When I first started, I wore all the hats—planner, marketer, accountant, social media manager, website updater… you name it. I thought I had to do it all to prove myself. But here’s the truth: burnout is real. Delegating, outsourcing, and trusting others doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you smarter. Investing in help (even part-time) has helped me grow faster and stay sane.
2. Boundaries Are Everything
Especially in the wedding and event world, it’s easy to get pulled in at all hours—emails at 11 PM, texts on weekends, clients who expect instant replies. I used to feel guilty saying “no,” but I’ve since learned that boundaries protect your energy and allow you to show up fully for your clients. Office hours are a gift to both you and your business.
3. Not Every Client Is Your Client—and That’s Okay
In the beginning, I said yes to every inquiry. I thought every opportunity was one I couldn’t pass up. But working with clients who aren’t the right fit leads to stress on both sides. Now I focus on working with clients who align with our values and style—and the results are beautiful, meaningful events and a more joyful experience for everyone involved.
4. Pricing Isn’t Just About Covering Costs
When I started, I drastically underpriced my services, thinking I’d win clients by being affordable. What I didn’t consider was value. Your pricing should reflect your experience, your time, the level of service you provide, and the peace of mind you bring. Learning to price confidently (and communicate that value) was a game-changer.
5. You’ll Grow Into It
You don’t have to know everything on day one. You’ll learn through trial and error, you’ll make mistakes, and you’ll evolve. The business I started isn’t exactly the one I run today—and that’s a good thing. Give yourself permission to grow, pivot, and define success on your own terms.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, or you’re feeling overwhelmed in the one you’ve already built, know this: it’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s more than okay to do things your own way.
Running Pink Olive Events has been the ride of a lifetime. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.
If you’re a fellow small business owner, I’d love to hear what you wish you’d known when you started. Let’s keep the conversation going! And let us know how we can help!
