Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heartland Gatherings. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Heartland, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When we launched Heartland Gatherings, we were just two friends who loved hosting parties so much that we turned it into a business. But, like anyone stepping into something new, we had those “Are we really doing this?” moments. Imposter syndrome definitely tried to sneak in!
The key to overcoming it was leaning into our passion. We reminded ourselves that our love for creating beautiful, memorable experiences was what made us unique. The excitement we felt planning each picnic and event, picking out the perfect details, and seeing our clients’ reactions reminded us why we started this journey in the first place.
We also found that the best way to quiet those self-doubts was by focusing on the fun! Every time we saw guests enjoying themselves, laughing, and making memories, it boosted our confidence. And let’s be real—there’s nothing like a rave review or a returning customer to make you feel like, “Hey, we’re pretty good at this!”
Connecting with other small business owners who were also chasing their dreams was another big help. We shared tips, cheered each other on, and realized that we’re all figuring it out as we go.
In the end, we learned to embrace the ride, celebrate the wins (big and small), and trust that our passion for creating amazing experiences was more than enough to keep imposter syndrome at bay.
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?
At Heartland Gatherings, we’re all about turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. We started this adventure because we both had a passion for hosting parties—those moments when you bring people together, set the scene with beautiful decor, and watch everyone relax and enjoy the company. We thought, “Why not share that joy with others?” And that’s how our luxury picnic & event business was born!
What makes Heartland Gatherings special is our attention to detail and our love for creating unique, personalized experiences. Each event is crafted with care, from the carefully chosen themes and decor to the cozy setups that make our guests feel like they’ve stepped right into their Pinterest board! We love adding those little touches that make each event unforgettable—whether it’s a surprise element or a custom piece that ties everything together.
One of the most exciting parts of what we do is seeing how our picnics and events bring people together. Whether it’s a romantic date, a birthday celebration, or a casual hangout with friends, we create the perfect backdrop for making memories. We’re constantly inspired by our clients’ ideas and love collaborating with them to bring their visions to life.
As for what’s new, we’re always dreaming up fresh concepts and seasonal themes to keep things exciting. We’re also expanding our services to include more bespoke options, like curated tea parties and fun themes! And of course, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the Omaha community that has supported us so much.
At the end of the day, Heartland Gatherings is about more than just picnics and events – it’s about celebrating life’s moments, big and small, in a way that’s both beautiful and meaningful. We’re thrilled to keep growing, creating, and spreading joy, one event at a time!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on our journey with Heartland Gatherings, there are three key qualities that have been absolutely essential: creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building.
Creativity:
From the very beginning, creativity has been at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the magic of a luxury event lies in the details – the unique themes, the personalized touches, and the overall aesthetic. Creativity allows us to turn simple ideas into unforgettable experiences. For anyone just starting out, we’d say don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Embrace your imagination and let it lead the way. Surround yourself with inspiration, and always be open to trying new things.
Adaptability:
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that flexibility is key in the event business. Weather changes, client requests evolve, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Being adaptable has allowed us to navigate challenges with grace and find solutions on the fly. Our advice for those early in their journey? Be prepared to pivot and adjust as needed. The ability to stay calm and think on your feet is invaluable. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Relationship-Building:
Building strong relationships – with clients, vendors, and even other small business owners – has been crucial to our success. We’ve found that when you genuinely care about the people you work with, it shows in the quality of your service. Clients appreciate the extra effort, and those relationships often turn into repeat business and referrals. For anyone starting out, focus on connecting with people. Listen to their needs, communicate openly, and always strive to build trust. A strong network can be one of your greatest assets.
Advice for Developing These Qualities
To develop creativity, keep challenging yourself with new projects and seek inspiration from a variety of sources – art, nature, and the community. Adaptability comes with experience, but you can practice by stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling unexpected situations with a positive mindset. As for relationship-building, it’s all about genuine connections. Be yourself, show empathy, and always deliver on your promises. Invest time in networking and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or collaborate with others.
Remember, every journey is unique, but focusing on these areas can help pave the way for success, no matter what field you’re in!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system that has played a huge role in helping us overcome challenges and develop the skills we needed to succeed. Our families and close friends have been our biggest cheerleaders from the start. They believed in our vision for Heartland Gatherings even when we had doubts, and their encouragement kept us going through the ups and downs.
Our network of fellow small business owners in Omaha has also been invaluable. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences has provided us with a wealth of knowledge, from practical advice on running a business to emotional support when things get tough. We’ve learned so much from their experiences and have been inspired by their resilience and creativity.
Lastly, our clients have been a tremendous source of growth for us. Their feedback, ideas, and trust have pushed us to continuously improve and evolve. Each event we create is a collaboration, and we’re grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way.
The journey of building Heartland Gatherings wouldn’t have been the same without the help, guidance, and support of these incredible people. They’ve taught us that success is not just about what you know, but also about who you surround yourself with and how you learn from those around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartlandgatherings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandgatherings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandGatherings/
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jess LaRocca Photography + Design
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
