We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiersten Tharp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiersten, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Soon after I started my business, I joined a local business networking group with 50 members which skyrocketed my business within 6 months. Their top principle is “giver’s gain” — how can I help you and how can you help me. I implemented that ideal into my business immediately with vendors in the wedding and event industry. In doing so, I have built a strong, loyal, and reliable preferred vendor list with top notch local vendors whom I work well with, who don’t cost an arm and a leg, and who bring their A+ game every time. They know I have their back, and I know they have mine. I always recommend them/go to them for quotes, and they refer me out/recommend me as often as possible.

I am of the firm belief that we all have to work together in order for us all to succeed, and that is how not only my business is developing in the right direction but others around me as well.

What should our readers know about your business?
Great Days Event Planning is a personal wedding and event planning service based in Fayetteville, GA, just 20 miles south from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It’s owned and operated by me, Kiersten Tharp. I have a great passion for design, creativity, planning, and helping others, and I pride myself on my highly customized and distinguished events. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, WV, and a strong background in customer service, sales, and marketing. With all of that combined came the vision of Great Days Event Planning, where I can utilize all of my gifts and previous experiences to make peoples’ events inspiring, extraordinary, and unforgettable.

What truly sets Great Days Event Planning apart from other wedding and event planning businesses is the interpersonal relationships and trust built between me and my client. I instantly meet them where they’re at, guide them through the process with great care and excitement, and become a shoulder through what can be an emotional rollercoaster of planning the event they envision. Once we reach day of, they don’t worry–every time. I’m immensely proud of that. On countless occasions, I have been told that I’m “not just a planner but a friend.” I have even been told that I’m “the wedding BFF.” It’s the biggest compliment and honor.

The journey to the conception of Great Days Event Planning was a road of pure faith, self-confidence, and growth. Every moment and every decision leading to where I am was both exciting and terrifying, but it always felt right. I knew wholeheartedly that each and every step was where I was meant to be and on the path that would lead me to not only where but who I was supposed to be. Because of that core faith, my life has been the textbook definition of the butterfly effect. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I was a career woman through and through. I didn’t want to be in school; I wanted to get to work. I wanted a family, yes, but I longed to become a grown, hardworking, independent woman. What I didn’t expect was how rocky and difficult it would be personally to get there. I have lived and survived through trauma and my fair share of deep and life-altering wounds, but I wouldn’t be the owner of an ever-growing small business and doing what I love if I hadn’t grown through my hardships. If it weren’t for what I’ve been through in my personal life, I wouldn’t be near as relatable, understanding, or empathetic in what is a personable industry. I have believed to my deepest core in my favorite Bible verse, Romans 5:3-4. “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” That is my life, and my life has opened the door to my business, to what I love doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being on the south side of Atlanta, there are lots of options locally and in the big city. I’m a big foodie, and one of my favorite things is to try new restaurants. I would certainly take my best friends to some local favorites: City Café and Bakery for an authentic German meal (and mouthwatering apfelstrudel!), Koi for exquisite sushi and ramen, Barleygarden for a chill time on the rooftop bar, or Line Creek Brewing Co. for a cool vibe and locally brewed beer and cider. I also would certainly entertain them with some local fun including an escape room, axe throwing, the Renaissance Festival, and a tour at Trilith Studios where many films and television programs have been filmed especially those produced by Marvel.

Of course, the big city of Atlanta is overflowing with fun things to do! My favorite things in Atlanta include attending a performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a Braves game, a late-night comedy club, and the Georgia Aquarium. You can’t go wrong with any of those!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest supporter and cheerleader has been my devoted husband, Chris. I couldn’t have started my business without him. He was the only one bringing in any income, and his paycheck covered expenses for the first 6-9 months. He’s the one whom I bounced my ideas off of and helped me figure out my path along the way. With a 15-month-old daughter at home when I started my journey, he helped me with the balance and stress of being a new mom and a new business owner. Most of all, he believed in me and knew wholeheartedly that I was meant for this. He still does. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

Website: https://www.greatdayseventplanning.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatdayseventplanning/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-tharp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatdayseventplanning/

Other: The Knot:
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/great-days-event-planning-fayetteville-ga-2082045

Better Business Bureau:
https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/fayetteville/profile/event-planner/great-days-event-planning-0443-91839938

Image Credits
Alyssa Angelo of AAngeloMedia
Marge Scimeca of Shot By Marge
Aubrey Gall of Aubrey Alexander Photography
Courtney Beauchamp of Courtney Elyse Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.