We recently connected with Kellyne Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.
Kellyne, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
I have learned how to set really firm boundaries with my clients. I realized early on that when I say yes to everything and release control of my scheduled time with family, friends, or myself, my business suffers. When I was just starting out, I told my clients that I was available seven days a week and to text or email me at any time. I would take calls at 10pm at night and answer emails at 6am. After having my son in 2019, I quickly learned that I needed to set boundaries with my time. I have clear cut office hours now, dedicated days to site visits and in-person meetings, and have a full two days where I am not available. It is so important that I fill my cup with things outside of work– time with friends and family, long Sunday mornings with my son, time in nature– so that I can truly focus when I am at work. I love what I do and the thought of being burnt out or not enjoying it anymore scares the living daylights out of me. I hope that I always keep the love I have for weddings and for my clients.
When I notice that I am spread too thin or on the edge of feeling burnt out, I think of what kind of support I need an how I can find that support. Sometimes it is outsourcing parts of my business that I do not enjoy or realize I am not good at. For instance, I hired a social media manager this year because I just could not find it in me to consistently post new content to Instagram, Pinterest, and Tik Tok. This has been one of the best decisions I have made for my business. I am able to focus on the things I enjoy– client and vendor communications, planning tasks, design– because I have more time available to me. On a more personal note, I realize that I feel very overwhelmed when my house isn’t clean or in disarray (which is basically always with a 5 year old boy running around). Instead of trying to add in more tasks to my to-do list, I realize the value in hiring a cleaning company to come once a month and do a deep clean. Other times, support looks like taking a walk outside and calling a friend. Or ending my work day at 3pm so I can prep dinner (which I love to do) before picking my son up at 5pm. I try to be honest with myself and not slack off or procrastinate, but also understand that it is okay if some tasks are left for tomorrow!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a wedding planner and designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have been planning weddings all over the California coast since 2015 and could not think of any single thing I love more. Wedding planning and design allows be to use both sides of my brain– I get to be analytical, list-driven, and organized while also tapping into my creativity to create unique and memorable events for my couples. I was born and raised in San Diego and my coastal roots run deep. While I moved up to San Francisco to pursue my Masters in Education in 2005, you can always find me by an ocean with my flip flops, soaking up whatever rays of sunshine I can find. I began my professional career as an elementary school teacher in San Francisco, transitioned into managing restaurants, and eventually steered myself in the direction of opening and running hand+heart Weddings and Events (definitely NOT linear, I know!). It is through my earlier careers that I learned how to communicate effectively, harvest creativity, empathize with people from all walks of life, and organize the HECK out of every situation. Interestingly enough, teaching children and managing adults in a restaurant are very much alike!
My favorite part of planning weddings is the connections that I make with newly engaged couples. I truly care about my couples and keep their needs and personalities top of mind throughout the entire planning process. I am extremely passionate about making this time a positive and exciting experience and do everything I can to make couples’ lives easier. I strive to get to know each couple, their families, close friends, and fur babies individually so that the love, joy, and excitement of this huge milestone is felt throughout all of your circles! I believe positivity breeds more positivity, and I always approach challenging situations with optimism and a collaborative attitude.
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?
I have always been very resourceful. If I don’t know something, I find someone to learn from. If I don’t have something, I figure out how to make it or how I can get it. I got by in college and in my early 20’s working 2, sometimes 3, jobs.I managed to grow my business without any debt, because I knew the value of a good side hustle and chose to grow my business organically (instead of investing money on marketing and advertising).
I am a very effective communicator. I really listen to people and empathize with their position. I feel things deeply and have learned how to use this in a positive way. I believe I make my couples truly feel heard and valued and prioritize communicating with transparency and compassion.
I am driven. I know what I want, I have goals, and I push towards them no matter how long it takes. With this I am also patient. I know that things do not happen overnight and do not expect to accomplish everything tomorrow. I know that in time, what is meant to come my way will absolutely do so. I trust the universe that when I put out the receiving energy, things will come my way in time.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal clients are people that love their people. While so much of what I do as a planner and designer is based around aesthetics and how things look and feel, I want to attract couples that prioritize the time they spend with guests, how their guests feel, and what their guests will remember about their wedding. I want to attract couples that want their wedding to feel like an experience (no gimmicks, just thoughtful details and time spent with their guests) rather than just one 6 hour party. My ideal client appreciates and values those who provide services– bands, caterers, florists, etc.– and fully trust the professionals to provide their expertise and knowledge. In addition, my ideal clients have some affinity for nature. Whether it is the mountains, oceans, rugged cliffs, deserts, forests– something that calls them to nature. So much of my design aesthetic is inspired by nature, so it is much easier and enjoyable to design a wedding that fits that mold!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handheartevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handheartevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handheartevents
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/handheartevents/
Image Credits
Ashley Carlascio Photography
Arlene Easterwood Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
