She started her first business when she was in high school, and while it didn’t have a name at the time, it sparked a passion in her for entertainment, hospitality, and events. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to learning everything she can relate to the industry – and has worked in every aspect of the business. She also runs the podcast “Big Ideas, Small Business”, which seeks to have an open and honest conversation about starting, owning, and running a small business – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Kaelyn serves as the Chair of the Kentucky Chamber Small Business Policy Council Committee, and is a current board member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington Children’s Theatre, and is a member of the Corporate Counsel for Shriner’s of Lexington. She was named a “Top 10 Wedding Planner” by Wedding Row in 2021; “50 Under Fifty” by TOPS in Lexington in 2021 and 2020; named a “Wonder Woman” in 2017 by the Richmond Business Society; named the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2016 by Commerce Lexington Inc. during the Salute to Small Business awards; the “Rookie of the Year” in 2015 by the Premier Chapter of Business Network International; and a “Rising Star” in 2014 by the Lexington Young Professionals Association.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
My whole life! Outside of a short stint in Colorado.
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
I got into this business by accident, via an internship in High School.
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
It’s a lot harder than people think. “Wedding planner” sometimes has a connotation to it, but planning events and weddings are hard work!
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
Other women business owners. It’s hard being a female in charge at times.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go-to item on the menu?
Desha’s stuffed banana peppers… boo that they closed! Now Merrick fried chicken!
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
So many places I still want to visit, but thus far my favorite is Spain or Italy.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
It’s a “big-little” town. You can go places and always see a familiar face, but it’s still big enough that you’ll meet plenty of people you don’t know.
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
This is tough – Lexington has SO many great places to go.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living in Lexington, running multiple businesses (I have a few in the works), and enjoying more weekends. 🙂
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. The youngest person to be elected to her position, a woman, and the first to give birth while in office.
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
Visiting with friends, traveling, and spending time with my son!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to visit every country – I want to see the world!
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m scared of the dark… and ducks.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
Math.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?
I don’t watch a lot of TV,… but I do love crime dramas.
Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
Exercise, a glass of wine, and a massage every other week.
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
MMM, this is good one. No idea off the top of my head… but hopefully it’s a comedy!
Q: Who is your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Leon Bridges – or anyone in that genre
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
Don’t be quick to judge.
