At The Brownstone, we’ve had the honor of watching many team members discover their passion and purpose while helping bring unforgettable weddings to life. One such story is that of a former team member who joined us with a spark of interest and left with a thriving business of her own—KM Coordination. Her journey from event assistant to business owner is one of growth, heart, and hustle, and we’re proud to have been part of it.
Can you share how you first came to work at The Brownstone?
“I heard about an opening for a venue coordinator position through a friend who thought I’d be a great fit. I didn’t have formal event experience at the time, but I was eager to break into the industry. I remember feeling nervous walking into the interview—but I left giddy and excited. It was right in the middle of COVID, which felt like such an uncertain time to start something new, but I trusted the process… and it led me exactly where I was meant to be.”
What was your role when you first joined the team, and how did it evolve?
“I started as an event assistant since I didn’t have any experience yet. But about six months in, the coordinator position opened again. Within a week, I transitioned into the role I had initially been drawn to. I was invited to the team’s annual coordinator retreat and soaked up everything I could. It felt like a whirlwind, but it also felt right.”
When did you realize the wedding industry was the path for you?
“After my own wedding, I realized how much I loved planning. The help available in my area was limited, and I naturally wanted to fill that gap. I’ve always been a helper (ask my folks!), so once I joined the team, it just confirmed what I already knew in my heart.”
What made you fall in love with wedding planning and coordination?
“The way every detail comes together to tell a couple’s story—I fell in love with that. I loved being the steady presence that makes sure everything flows smoothly. As a people-pleaser, it’s so fulfilling to help couples feel seen, cared for, and celebrated, even when things don’t go perfectly.”
Was there a moment at The Brownstone that confirmed you were in the right industry?
“It wasn’t just one moment—it was my first full year in the role. I coordinated about 12 events that year, and while that may not seem like a huge number, going from no experience to confidently running events was a big deal for me. The support I received from other coordinators made all the difference. It was trial by fire, but I learned so much.”
How did your experience at The Brownstone shape your client approach?
“Watching Abbey, the owner, prioritize each client’s experience had a lasting impact on me. She led with care, and I try to do the same. Every client values different things, so trust, reflection, and thoughtful problem-solving are now core to how I operate. Back then, clients chose the venue that felt like home. Now, they choose me—and that trust is something I’ll never take for granted.”
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role on the team?
“Even as a kid, I loved helping and connecting with others. My parents called me the ‘neighborhood ambassador.’ So being someone people turn to for support felt natural. I knew I wasn’t experienced when I started, but I was ready to learn and earn my place. When I became a coordinator, I focused on being a team player first. Just because I had the title didn’t mean I wasn’t still hauling chairs or setting tables. That level of trust from The Brownstone team inspired me to truly step into the role.”
How did mentorship at The Brownstone impact your growth?
“From day one, I felt supported. Abbey and the other coordinators always had my back. Even when imposter syndrome crept in (and it still does!), I had a team to lean on. That consistent encouragement helped me believe in myself more than I ever had before.”
What experiences prepared you to go out on your own?
“Giving solo tours terrified me at first, but it built my confidence fast. Eventually, couples were asking for me by name. I realized it wasn’t just what I knew, but who I was that helped me connect with people. Once I leaned into being myself, everything clicked. I trusted myself—and people trusted me back.”
What inspired you to start KM Coordination?
“It all started with my own wedding. I loved the process and how every detail could reflect a couple’s story. A friend later asked for my help with her wedding, and I charged $250 for five months of planning, set up, tear down, and hotel stays. That was a huge learning experience, and it confirmed what I already felt—I was meant to do this. Shoutout to my cousin Meg, who helped with that wedding and still assists me today!”
What were your biggest fears before starting your business?
“I was afraid no one would want my services. That fear of rejection was real. But I’ve learned that not every couple is the right fit, and that’s okay. When I hear clients say, ‘We couldn’t have done this without you,’ it makes every fear worth pushing through.”
How did The Brownstone prepare you to be a business owner?
“Working events there gave me real-world experience. Whether I was managing tricky family dynamics or handling emergencies, I gained confidence with every event. Most of all, I was given space to grow. The Brownstone believed in me before I fully believed in myself—and that changed everything.“
What’s the vision behind KM Coordination?
“KM Coordination is about creating weddings that feel like home—warm, thoughtful, and deeply personal. I believe in crafting experiences that reflect the couple’s values, relationships, and story. My planning approach is grounded in connection, clarity, and calmness. I’m not here for cookie-cutter timelines—I want genuine moments, supported by thoughtful structure.”
How do you hope to stand out in the industry?
“I want working with me to feel like a deep breath. I bring a balance of calm and structure that allows my couples to feel safe, supported, and fully present. That’s what sets KM Coordination apart—it’s not just about getting through the checklist, but protecting their peace throughout the process.”
What advice would you give to someone hoping to become an entrepreneur?
“Treat every role like a classroom—you’re always learning. My time as a venue coordinator gave me the confidence, tools, and encouragement I needed to launch a business. If you feel that pull toward something more, trust it. And when you’re ready, take the leap.”
We’re beyond proud of everything KM Coordination has built since her time at The Brownstone—and we know she’s just getting started.
📍 www.kmcoordination.com
📷 Instagram: @kmcoordination
🔗 linktr.ee/kmcoordination
Whether you’re a couple looking for a planner or someone dreaming of stepping into the wedding world, we hope her story inspires you to trust your path—even if it starts with nervous energy and an open heart.
Cheers,
Jennifer Hoffman
Venue Manager
The Brownstone Wedding & Event Venue
Photography: Bre Eulert Photography