Meet Ashley Kirchner

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

Ashley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I found success by becoming comfortable with discomfort. For much of my life, I struggled with my weight, which made me more resilient and motivated to prove myself through my work ethic rather than my appearance. I wanted to ensure that if I was the only one in the room, people would remember how I made them feel. I live by the belief that while they may not remember what you did, they will always remember how you made them feel. This mindset has driven my successes; it’s never been just about me, but about how I can contribute to the world by bringing comfort, fun and happiness to others. Especially on the mosy important day of their lives.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I started my life wanting the spotlight, I wanted to be the next Mariah Carey (80’s baby here) I did find my own successes in singing for the Disney company for many years. After my singer career I wanted to find my next passion! Planning weddings, why NOT? It tapped into my creative side. Founded of Plans for Perfection in 2012 and 12 years later here we are Plans for Perfection Wedding and Event Planning has grown so much. It started in Orlando, FL in 2012 and moved up the coast to the Pittsburgh, PA market. It’s not just about planning and curating an amazing weekend for our couples but creating the overwhelming sense of peace during a very stressful time. We ensure the process is seamless so that they can enjoy their moments. We are still trying to change the narrative that weddings don’t have to be a stressful experience. It can be fun and enjoyable. We take care of the back work while our couples can focus on the fun details and time with their families during the planning process and the day! ALSO that it CAN be and SHOULD be a fun experience. I become more best friends than employee with my clients as we plan their day. THIS is what sets Plans for Perfection a part from the rest, it’s an experience rather than someone just barking orders and telling you what you should do. We plan this together with my gentle guidance.

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?

Motivation, Time Management, Spontaneous

Be willing to try new things, meet new people and make time for you. When it’s time to work though, YOU WORK and you work hard. This is what leads to success. Also a balance of hard work and life balance, you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. I had to learn this the hard way.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Health!!

Due to the many years of stress and putting my business first led me to a path of failing health. I’m back on track but its day by day choosing a healthier lifestyle. No more Taco Bell after a long wedding day LOL. I’m on the road to choosing myself and my family more but it took years to realize that needed to happen.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Hannah Barlow Photography

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