We recently connected with Karla Solorzano and have shared our conversation below.
Karla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose wasn’t a lightning bolt moment; it came later in life thanks to my experiences, and the people I encountered along the way. It was about embracing what truly made my heart sing and understanding the impact I could have on others’ lives.
Now that I think back, growing up, I cherished friends and family gatherings and celebrations where laughter and love filled the air. This love for celebrations, coupled with my fascination for technology, laid the foundation for my career as a wedding and event planner.
Moving from Venezuela to the USA opened my eyes to an incredible array of cultures and traditions. It was like stepping onto a vibrant canvas where every shade represented a different story. I quickly learned that celebrations weren’t merely events; they were magical threads weaving communities, cultures, and hearts together. Every wedding and event is not just a beautiful celebration of love, but also a wonderful opportunity to embrace the rich diversity that makes us all unique. It was in these moments that I found my passion, my purpose, and the heart of my work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After finding my passion in 2015, I founded Kiss & Say I Do Events in Los Angeles, CA. We specialize in creating personalized and memorable experiences that honor your culture and your love story. We have a genuine love for celebrating cultural diversity. We believe each wedding should honor your traditions, values, and most importantly, your love story.
We are now working on expanding to Florida and offer destination weddings in places like Mexico, Costa Rica an more!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, my journey has been impacted with three essential ingredients: passion, adaptability, and genuine connections.
My advice to all those starting their adventure is this: find what sets your soul on fire and let it guide you. Whether it’s the joy of bringing people together or the thrill of creating something beautiful, let your passion be your North Star. When you love what you do, it shows, and it’s contagious!
Stay curious, embrace change, and don’t shy away from trying new things. Trust me; it keeps your journey exciting and your skills sharp. Always be ready to learn, grow, and surprise yourself. Every twist and turn is a chance to shine brightly.
Building real, heartfelt relationships with clients, vendors, and everyone you meet is the sweetest part of the journey. My advice? Be a good listener, share your kindness generously, and show genuine appreciation. People remember how you make them feel. So, sprinkle your interactions with sincerity, and watch the magic unfold. When you connect on a real level, your journey becomes a beautiful tapestry of shared dreams and laughter.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
This is a feeling we all encounter on life’s bustling journey, especially in the world of event planning.
I have to take a moment to thank my mentor’s wisdom, heir guidance not only helped me navigate these challenging moments but also has taught me invaluable strategies to find calm amidst the chaos:
1. Pause and Breathe: The first step? I take a deep breath. It sounds simple, but it works wonders.
2. Prioritize and Delegate: I break my tasks down into manageable chunks and prioritize them. What’s urgent? What can wait? I delegate tasks when possible, recognizing that I don’t have to do it all alone. Trusting my team lightens the load significantly.
3. Reach Out for Support: I love my support network of planners, my team, friends, or family. Talking things out, sharing my concerns, and receiving encouragement remind me that I’m not alone in this journey.
4. Learn to Say No: This one is the hardest, and I am still working on it but I’ve learned the power of saying no. Setting boundaries is crucial. I focus on what aligns with my goals and values, declining tasks or commitments that might stretch me too thin.
Contact Info:
- Website: kissandsayido.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kissandsayido
- Facebook: facebook.com/kissandsayido
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kissandsayido/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqYeMP-eJp0o4jD9SEsBhQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@latinaweddingplanner
Image Credits
Lily Tapia Photography Sergey Green Photography
