What’s to Come for McKenzie Phillips Events in 2020

As I put on my name tag for the last wedding of 2019…

I had mixed emotions.

Why? Because I’ve made the bittersweet decision to push pause on this business of mine for next year, 2020, so I can focus on my family.

Here’s the backstory:

It’s been almost four years since I had this idea to quit my full-time gig at a local ad agency and stay home with my first-born daughter—Kendall—all with the hopes of fulfilling my dream of starting an event planning business. At first, I envisioned doing a few events here and there for the first few years until Kendall began school. 

That would give me plenty of time to build my business from the ground up, right?!

Little did I know that, within a few months, I would hit the ground running, and McKenzie Phillips Events would be planning 35+ weddings a year.

Yes, I loved that my business grew so fast. But, over time, that growth started to kick me in the butt. 

I ended up rushing myself out the door every night to attend a client meeting as soon as my husband came home from work. 

My Saturday mornings were laser-focused on bringing the visions of my couples’ big day to life while my husband and, now, two young daughters were excited to spend a quiet weekend at home after Dad spent a long week managing the farm.

And, while I should be feeling nothing but fulfilled and grateful for a business that’s all mine—something I built alongside a team of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals and clients who truly cheer me on every step of the way, I instead kept feeling like I was missing something.

That same feeling had returned. Yes, that one that led me to leave behind my job at the ad agency and start this whole adventure of being a business owner.

How could that be possible? 

Because mom guilt is REAL. 

I began to second guess whether or not I spent enough time with my girls each working day. 

And did they eat all their food groups? Will they remember mommy always being on the computer or away from them to attend meetings and work weddings on weeknights and weekends? 

On the other hand, however, I LOVE being an entrepreneur. I love the outlet it gives me to continue to grow professionally, challenge myself, meet new people, cheer on other female business owners, and so much more. 

I mean, just how many stay-at-home-moms crave a few hours away at a coffee shop to chat with a friend or even to spend quiet time driving in the car or running errands every once in a while? 

We all need that. We all need some time to ourselves. Time to think and reflect. Time to do the things we love. It’s healthy to savor some quiet time. Some you time.

I know that for a fact because I feel so refreshed after getting a few working hours into my busy day or spending an evening with clients dreaming up the most special day of their lives. I genuinely enjoy putting in the hard work to make my couples feel excited and relaxed about their wedding day. And, the successes and awards that McKenzie Phillips Events has earned in only a few short years is proof that my hard work has all been worth it.

But at the end of the day, was that mom guilt still there? 

YES.

So, how do we balance it all? It’s a constant question that I wish I had the right answer for.  

But, right now, I feel the answer is…

To press pause on McKenzie Phillips Events so I can be present in my own life and soak up plenty of moments I’ll never be able to get back with my growing family.

Kendall starts school next year, Nathan’s business is growing and thriving, and the moments I spend at home help me realize that I have my whole life to continue growing this business. 

It’s not an easy decision, by any means. And I’m sure there will be days that I regret it because to say I love my job is an understatement. 

But, Caroline Zook, an artist and designer, puts it best when she says:

“When Adele peaces out for four years to hang with her new baby and write gut-wrenchingly beautiful songs, and then comes back with a new album are we all like… YAWN, Adele, you’re old news. HECK NO.”

That’s because good work is still good work. For that reason, I see me returning to my business with a fresh, clear mind, more ready than ever to grow, evolve, and continue providing thoughtfully curated, high-quality wedding planning services. 

I see me using the limited time I get at home with my girls as time my family and I will never forget. I see them looking back and (hopefully) appreciating the sacrifices I’ve made to allow us the memories we have together. 

So, face your fears, head-on, and follow your dreams in business. Or, jump at the opportunity to stay at home with your kids. The decision is yours to make, and only yours. You do what’s right for you and your family, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about that.

Because the biggest thing to remember is that when people tell you the time you get flies by, IT’S TRUE! Cherish every minute. Every tantrum. Every kiss. Every skinned knee. Every everything.

And I’ll leave you—my supporter, follower, or fellow industry BFF—with one final note until next time...

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for always cheering me on along this journey. McKenzie Phillips Events isn’t going anywhere, and I’m excited to return better than ever. 

If you’re looking to hire the MPE team to bring your wedding dreams to life in 2021 (or beyond), be sure to send me a note! Plus, I’ll still be involved in event consulting, community events, and continue to offer our rental inventory. 

But for the most part, in 2020, I’ll be snuggling my babies and living out my ultimate dream role of being the best mama I can be to my girls. 

Cheers to you as you close out this year, and may it bring us all a whole new decade of amazingness!