Meet Lindsay Nikolaeff

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lindsay Nikolaeff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lindsay below.

Hi Lindsay, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

For me, empathy has been a skill I’ve developed through both personal and professional experiences. Early on, I found myself in roles where I had to connect with others on a meaningful level—whether in research teams, where collaboration and understanding others’ perspectives were crucial, or in sales, where building authentic relationships required active listening and compassion.

One particularly defining experience was leading a high-pressure project with a diverse team. Navigating the unique dynamics of individuals from different age groups and skill sets taught me the importance of stepping into someone else’s shoes to foster collaboration. Moments like this, combined with witnessing challenges others have faced in my personal life, have strengthened my ability to approach people with kindness and patience, knowing there’s always more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Formal Tie Events is a company built around the idea of making life’s most formal moments both memorable and seamless. We specialize in creating elegant, stress-free experiences for weddings and events, ensuring that our clients can focus on enjoying their day while we handle the details.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to personalization and empathy. Planning weddings and events isn’t just about logistics—it’s about understanding people’s dreams, emotions, and individual stories. We pride ourselves on being a partner to our clients, helping bring their vision to life while navigating the inevitable emotions and complexities that come with such important milestones.

One aspect I find most exciting is the diversity of personalities and styles we get to work with. Every event is unique, and that pushes us to continuously innovate, adapt, and grow as a team. Whether it’s a couple looking for a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, we tailor our approach to create something truly special.

As for what’s new, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new line of vintage rentals. We’re also working on expanding our reach to serve more clients across the Boulder area and adding more tools to help streamline the planning process for our clients.

Formal Tie Events is more than a business—it’s a passion. It’s a way to connect with people on one of the most meaningful days of their lives and ensure they walk away with nothing but joy and cherished memories. We’d love for folks to follow our journey, whether they’re planning an event or just seeking inspiration. We’re here to make dreams happen.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are:

1. Learning to Listen
One of the most critical skills I’ve developed is the ability to truly listen. In any business—especially one centered around events and milestones—people want to share their dreams, ideas, and even their concerns. Listening first allows you to fully understand their vision before offering input. It builds trust, ensures clarity, and makes clients feel valued. For those starting out, practice active listening: take notes, ask clarifying questions, and make an effort to reflect back what you’ve heard. This not only improves communication but also ensures your solutions align perfectly with their needs.

2. Focusing on Problem-Solving
At the heart of every successful business is a clear problem being solved. For me, it’s about removing the stress and uncertainty from one of the most important days of someone’s life. Whether it’s managing logistics, finding creative solutions, or calming nerves, my goal is to make things easier and better for my clients. If you’re just beginning, ask yourself: “What problem am I solving?” Stay laser-focused on that and continuously improve how you address it. Be resourceful, empathetic, and proactive in finding solutions for your clients, and they’ll keep coming back.

3. Saying Thank You
Gratitude goes a long way in building lasting relationships. A heartfelt thank you when someone gives a great review, refers you to a friend, or trusts you with their big day creates a lasting impression. I always send a thank-you note or even a small gift like a gift card when someone goes out of their way for me. It’s not just about politeness—it’s about showing genuine appreciation for the people who make your success possible. For those starting out, make this a habit. A small, sincere gesture can turn a one-time client into a lifelong advocate for your brand.

Advice for Those Starting Out
Practice Listening: Take time to hear your clients without jumping in to offer solutions immediately. It will set you apart as someone who genuinely cares.
Understand Your “Why”: Clearly define the problem your business solves, and make sure every decision aligns with that purpose.
Show Gratitude: Build relationships with a spirit of thankfulness. It’s a small investment that pays off tremendously in loyalty and referrals.
Mastering these three skills will help you create not just a business but a brand that people trust, recommend, and return to time and again.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is getting my name out there so more people know about my company and the services we offer. In the wedding and event planning industry, visibility is everything—it’s about building trust and recognition within the community so potential clients feel confident reaching out to us.

To overcome this challenge, I’m focusing on several strategies:

Leveraging Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing the kind of events we create. I regularly post photos, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and highlight client testimonials to engage potential customers and demonstrate the quality of our work.

Networking Locally: I’ve been working on building relationships with other vendors, venues, and professionals in the industry. Partnering with photographers, florists, and caterers not only provides referrals but also expands my reach through their networks.

Encouraging Word-of-Mouth: A significant portion of this business thrives on referrals, so I’m doubling down on providing an exceptional experience for every client. I always say thank you to those who refer me, often with a small gift card or token of appreciation, which strengthens those relationships.

Investing in Reviews and Testimonials: I actively ask satisfied clients to leave reviews online and to share their experiences with others. Real stories from happy clients can make a huge difference in building trust with potential customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.formaltie.com/
• Instagram: @formaltie.events

Image Credits

Maddison E. Wilson Photography, The Cavern, Mikayla Renee Photo