Trust in yourself and you will succeed

When it comes to starting a business, you can do all your market research, run the numbers again and again, and analyze every risk. But, according to entrepreneur and owner of Perspective Events Inc. Lauren Kraushar, it all comes down to trusting your intuition and taking the leap.

“I started offering event design services in Kelowna with the intention of keeping my feet wet in the events industry while staying at home with my kids,” Lauren explains. “I never intended to operate a business full time, but opportunities started lining up.”

It’s not surprising that Lauren found herself in demand. She is highly educated and experienced in the event design space, and her skills speak for themselves.

Lauren studied applied arts at Langara College before working for a Vancouver-based event decorating company for a number of years alongside one of the top designers in North America. She learned the art of full-service event design, which involves everything from creating a concept to purchasing furniture and decor to the physical setup and takedown of the venue.

“I just loved the adrenaline and satisfaction I felt working in the events industry,” she says.

Lauren and her family later moved back to the Okanagan, where she noticed a need in the market for unique decor and furniture rentals for events. And although she already had her hands (and schedule) full raising her young children, she saw an opportunity to continue pursuing her passion part time.

Soon, her first major growth opportunity arose, requiring her to take a leap and apply for a business loan.

“There I was in the bank, having a very important conversation with two small children crawling around the room,” Lauren laughs. “After a few meetings at different banks, I finally found one who would take a chance on me.”

In 2020, after COVID first hit, she and her husband took three more sizable risks. Her husband left his career to work for the company full time, they signed a lease on a showroom/warehouse for their rental inventory and purchased a linen company based in Victoria.

“The timing was scary, but it felt like these were the steps that I just needed to take,” says Lauren. “We learned alot about our business, community, and our marriage through that period.”

Of course, the road wasn’t always easy. Balancing a family and a fast growing business is a challenge many female entrepreneurs need to overcome.

“I started out not telling people that I was a stay-at-home mom, because I was worried I’d sound unprofessional,” Lauren reflects. “Now, I’m proud to be a successful business owner who has built a life centered around my family and my work! In that role, I get to build employment opportunities for other parents who want to work in the creative industry without having to be away from their kids.”

Perspective Events Inc. offers all levels of event design, including unique rentals, signage, florals, consultation and full-service design and setup.