Purpose Over Plan - Northland Special Events

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event management but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mariah McKechnie, owner of Northland Special Events, located in Duluth, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My company, Northland Special Events, provides wedding and event planning and management services for Lake Superior Lovers in Duluth, MN. The brand also encompasses The Vault Event Decor Rental business and Superior Blooms, a full-service event florist. Together, the three brands predominately serve couples choosing Northland to celebrate their love stories. Duluth and the surrounding shores of Lake Superior are prime destinations for couples from all over. I am so lucky to be able to do work that I love in a place that I love.

Tell us about yourself

I am a third-generation entrepreneur from a family full of strong women! From a young age, it was clear that I had strong leadership skills and creative talents that lend themselves well to special events. After my own wedding in 2005, I worked part-time for a wedding planning company in Washington, D.C. After relocating to Minnesota to raise our twin daughters closer to family, my sister got engaged and wanted a North Shore wedding. Twelve years later, my company has planned and executed hundreds of weddings across the Northland! Guiding couples through what could be one of the most stressful periods of their life and helping them focus on what truly matters on their wedding day is my true passion. Knowing the role that we can play in making beautiful memories keeps me going, even on the hardest days.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was surviving the Pandemic and coming out the other side better than before. I navigated every day of the past two years as thoughtfully and positively as possible. In the end, I am so grateful for the experience - the good and the bad.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Business owners may make what they do look easy, usually because they are doing something they love, but there are so many challenges. The hardest aspect for me has been human resources. I love the people I get to work with, but just when I think things are perfect, the other shoe drops unexpectedly, often leaving me holding the bag and feeling hurt. It's hard to give employees every opportunity and end up short. I've learned to separate business and personal in these instances and grow a thicker skin. I just get attached and love seeing people grow and evolve. It's my Achilles heel and my superpower!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

When I talk with people interested in the entrepreneurial journey, I tell them:

  1. Expect the unexpected. You have no idea the twists and turns you will take, but recognize it is all part of the journey.
  2. Pay yourself first. I learned this very late in the game and wished I'd had a different mindset from the beginning.
  3. Stay true to yourself and your vision for the business. Don't let other people sway you from your true purpose. Only you can define what success looks like for YOU.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One of the best aspects of being an entrepreneur is meeting and connecting with other entrepreneurs! I am always open to sharing my story, hoping it can help others on their journey. I highly encourage anyone who owns a business or is thinking of starting one to seek out mentorship, coaching, or other community opportunities for support. I wish I'd had these outlets earlier in my career. You are not alone, and those that have walked before you can really help light the path!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://northlandspecialevents.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nse_weddings/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-mckechnie-92b2722/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.