Kathryn Garcia is the Founder of Sydney Events Things To Do. She is also an event organiser and promoter. She completed a Bachelor of Arts Communications degree with a major in Media from the University of Western Sydney in 2005. Kathryn is passionate about organising events and working with brands.
For more information, visit www.sydneyeventsthingstodo.com and www.kathryn-garcia.com
Here we sit down with Kathryn, to know a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Kathryn: I started working in the events industry in 2003 when I was a casual customer service assistant at an event venue. When I graduated, I couldn’t find a job in the Media industry as this was my major at University.
The industry was competitive, so I continued working in events. I later transitioned into organising events and working behind the scenes. I was inspired to launch a Facebook group named Sydney Events Things To Do to test the market. Then later, I created a website with the same name to give event organisers another platform to advertise their events and to include an event supplier directory – an all-in-one platform.
Q. What’s one thing in your routine that you do consistently that has made a huge difference in your personal or business life?
Kathryn: A to-do list of the tasks that need to be completed for the day. This keeps me accountable and organised.
As well as having a diary with all my meetings and events that I need to attend.
Q. Who are your mentors and inspiration? and what knowledge or insight did they give to you that was valuable?
Kathryn: Several women entrepreneurs inspire me: Marie Forleo, Gabrielle Bernstein, Melanie Perkins and Oprah Winfrey. I love that all these influential women are multi-passionate entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world by using their platforms to inspire the entrepreneurial community worldwide.
They all have a common thread: they are skilled in all facets of their businesses. Not just one industry. They have extended their brand into other sectors and become very successful. I can definitely resonate with them. Not only do I have an event business, but I have also branched out into other opportunities.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Kathryn: Closing customers and achieving their budget for the event. Over time I have become better at negotiating and dealing with customers and suppliers. I wasn’t good at this initially when I was starting my career.
But I figured out a system that works. If you want something for free or a specific amount, you must learn how to make an irresistible offer for the other party and what they get back in return. Both mutual parties must have a win, win approach.
Q. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
Kathryn: Mostly through word of mouth and networking. I attend a lot of networking events, and I am always looking for ways on how I can collaborate with other people and their businesses.
I am also part of a networking group that helps me with my business and I receive valuable advice. This has been beneficial for the growth of my business.
Q. What have been your biggest failures or challenges?
Kathryn: Proving people wrong about my ability to succeed in business. I have been told negative things and learnt that what people say about you doesn’t define you.
Only your thoughts and your determination have the power to shift and achieve great things in your life. Don’t listen to the naysayers, as they don’t walk in your life journey.
Q. How did this failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Kathryn: Your failures are the stepping stones to success. When you fail, keep going no matter what the odds are. Fail means the first attempt in learning.
All the times that I have been rejected by customers or people who I wanted to collaborate with were just protection for me. I would feel disappointed and sad that things didn’t work out. But there was something better for me for the higher good.
As the saying goes – god’s rejection is god’s protection. The universe knows what is best for you even though you think you knew what was best at that time. Looking back at those circumstances, I’m happy that those plans fell through. It was a sign for me to be redirected onto the right path.
Q. If someone was to create a TV show about you, what would it be about and what would it be called?
Kathryn: It would be about my journey as an entrepreneur living in the Western Suburbs of Sydney. There needs to be more representation of successful women entrepreneurs living in Western Sydney. That has not been recognised well in the media. We need to celebrate the emerging entrepreneurs in our community. The TV show’s title will be The Evolution Of An Event Entrepreneur – Kathryn Garcia.
To keep up to date with Kathryn and her journey, connect with her on Facebook.
