We recently connected with Chelsea Oliver and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
From a very young age, resilience has been an invaluable moral learned through countless life experiences. This journey of fortitude, shaped by family, personal challenges, and the pursuit of dreams, has been where the resilience of Twist Events is crafted.
I come from a lineage of some of the hardest-working individuals I know, with my father’s journey — from an aspiring rockstar in LA to the owner of a successful Audio Visual company, Premier Creative Group — serving as a testament to tenacity and work ethic. Their story, evolving from humble beginnings to a fulfilling life, imparts invaluable lessons about the essence of hard work and entrepreneurship.
My resilience faced a significant test at the age of 14 when I was diagnosed with bone cancer. It marked a phase in my life where both physical and mental strength were put to the ultimate test. Confronting such a formidable challenge in my youth became a pivotal chapter in the ongoing narrative of resilience that defines Twist Events.
The journey continued with a key decision at the age of 18 to attend bartending school and be the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college – Western Michigan University. This laid the groundwork for venturing into the realm of hospitality and events.
I made a decision to move back to Michigan after living in Colorado, initially fraught with feelings of failure, I was driven by a deeper purpose—to be with my Nana during my Papa’s final days. What seemed like a setback at the time unfolded into an unforeseen future of possibilities.
The entrepreneurial spirit blossomed with the establishment of Twist Events. Over the past six years, resilience has been instrumental in navigating the growth of both the company and its dedicated team. The day-to-day operations of running a company demand unwavering resilience. From managing clients’ expectations to ensuring seamless event execution, each challenge has been an opportunity to refine the art of leadership and entrepreneurship.
At the core of Twist Events, resilience goes beyond being a mere trait; it embodies a narrative crafted from navigating life’s challenges and celebrating triumphs. This narrative forms the bedrock of our business, establishing a foundation that not only withstands adversity but flourishes with strength through overcoming life’s hurdles.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the founder and owner of Twist Events, I’ve embarked on a transformative journey in bartending and hospitality. What started as a passion for creating memorable experiences has evolved into a thriving enterprise that prides itself on delivering exceptional service. From starting this venture six years ago to growing it into a flourishing company, the development has been challenging and rewarding. Our resilience, shaped by personal and professional experiences, has become integral to Twist Events’ identity.
Entrepreneurship has been marked by significant milestones, from the establishment of Twist Events to the growth of our dedicated team over the last six years. Our team, whose hard work and commitment are the company’s backbone, ensures that each event reflects our core values—passion, creativity, and unparalleled service. Moreover, at Twist Events, we believe in giving back to the community. Every year, we choose a local organization to support, and this year, we proudly contributed to Grace Centers of Hope—the largest long-term life skills program for those afflicted by homelessness, chemical dependency, and abuse in southeast Michigan.
Looking ahead, Twist Events is continually evolving. We recently hosted our first team mixer—an expression of gratitude for a remarkable year—and are exploring new avenues to enhance our services. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we are excited about upcoming events, collaborations, and the prospect of further expanding our reach. The journey with Twist Events is dynamic, fueled by a genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to creating meaningful connections through every twist and turn.
In summary, Twist Events is not just a bartending and hospitality company; it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the joy of creating meaningful connections. As we look towards the future, we are excited about the possibilities and eager to continue crafting extraordinary experiences for our clients.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as the most impactful:
Life’s challenges, from being diagnosed with bone cancer at a young age to navigating personal and professional setbacks, taught me the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding obstacles but facing them head-on and using adversity as a catalyst for growth. My dad, a source of wisdom, instilled in me that “The joy is in the struggle.” Embracing challenges and transforming adversity into opportunities for personal and professional growth is a lesson I hold close. To those beginning their journey, remember that setbacks are stepping stones, and resilience will be your guiding light.
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been crucial. From moving back to Michigan from Colorado to be with family to starting and growing Twist Events, adaptability allowed me to navigate transitions and uncertainties. Another famous line from my dad is, “Never feel bad about feeling good,” which echoes the importance of embracing positive moments amid challenges. Stay agile, welcome change, and allow yourself to find joy amid the struggle.
Whether it was attending bartending school at 18 or starting a business with little knowledge of entrepreneurship, a genuine passion for learning has been a driving force. Approach every challenge with curiosity, recognizing that the joy of learning and growing comes from both struggles and successes. You can’t learn to drive in a parked car. The quickest way to succeed is to start now and figure it out as you go, remembering that the journey itself is a valuable teacher. Dive into your endeavors, seek knowledge, and view every experience as an opportunity to expand your skills.
Looking back, I advise those starting out or looking to improve on some of these qualities to cultivate resilience, embrace adaptability, and foster a passion for learning. Draw inspiration from the wisdom of others, and as my dad taught me, find joy in both the struggle and the moments that call for a celebration. Every challenge is an opportunity; the journey is a continuous source of growth and fulfillment.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
It’s essential to strike a balance between leveraging one’s strengths and investing effort in areas that may be less developed. The idea is to create a well-rounded skill set that enhances overall performance and adaptability. Throughout my journey with Twist Events, I’ve recognized the significance of continuous improvement and staying open to learning.
For instance, when it comes to our business operations, I invested in a CRM system, HoneyBook, to streamline and optimize our processes. This move wasn’t just about capitalizing on our existing strengths but acknowledging the importance of technological advancements in the industry and adapting to modern practices. The implementation of HoneyBook not only enhanced our efficiency but also broadened our understanding of technology’s role in the hospitality business.
Similarly, in financial management, I hired a CPA to ensure the accuracy and compliance of our financial processes. While I had a basic understanding of economic principles, recognizing the need for an expert in this field allowed us to strengthen a crucial aspect of our business that wasn’t a personal strength. This approach mitigated potential risks and provided a foundation for sustainable growth.
Moreover, fostering open communication within the team has been a priority. Actively seeking suggestions and feedback from team members has proven invaluable. By creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing their insights, we’ve identified areas for improvement that might have gone unnoticed. It’s not just about individual strengths but about harnessing the team’s collective strengths. Embracing a mindset of constant improvement, we regularly assess our processes, seeking ways to enhance our services. It’s a collaborative effort to refine our strategies and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
Being well-rounded is about creating a resilient and adaptable business model. It acknowledges that pursuing excellence requires a continuous commitment to learning and improvement. By investing effort in areas where we may need to be stronger, we ensure that Twist Events remains dynamic, innovative, and well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come our way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.twistevents.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twisteventsmi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwistEventsMI/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-oliver-903690101
- Other: https://www.evepla.com/US/Unknown/1964978797123720/Twist-Events?e=50169652&fbclid=IwAR3Ydt4K3ZIJhRwsOwtE7UHu7qPHfglT1F4_Q8w6Orx2THMSt5eVN16_OvQ
Image Credits
Fresh Water Image
