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

Hi Laura, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.” -Does anyone actually have it all figured out? I believe that no matter how experienced we are or how great we are at our jobs, there is always room to grow and learn new things. We all have speed bumps and days (or months) of doubt, but if we let those moments stop us in our tracks, we would never get anywhere. I remind myself to take a moment when I am in those situations of “not having it all figured out”, to process the reasons, pay attention to what it is that I am specifically feeling unsure about, and then break it down to come up with the best way in moving forward towards the direction of figuring, at least some of it, out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was 15 years old I have had multiple jobs varying in many different fields.  Sorting letters in my college mail room, taking inventory of machine parts in a factory, counting money as a cashier at Ace Hardware, working as a teller at a bank, mixing up frozen yogurt in a FROYO shop, running shipping and logistics for a wholesale lighting fixture company, originating and collecting on payday loans, waitressing, retailing at a clothing boutique, leading project management for video marketing sales, executing sponsorship activation for a cocktail company, and deciding to get my real estate license “just in case”.  When I graduated High School I took a random and impulsive move to upstate New York, for my first year of college, where I knew no one and had no clue what I wanted to do, other than the goal of figuring out my professional passion. About half way into my sophomore year I decided that school just was not for me. Long story NOT short, I became a nanny for a family while also working part time for the mom who was an interior designer that also hosted upscale events. I began helping her on these and really liked it. From there I volunteered at community events around town to get more experience. I then started contracting events on my own. I decided to take a leap and started my own company in mid 2016 which was the scariest yet most rewarding decision I have ever made!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The event industry is a small and competitive place to exist. I have said from the start, and I continue to rave about, how the event industry in Atlanta is like no other. The amount of support and genuine care that I have seen throughout the years keeps me moving forward. I am honored to be a part of it, I love helping all of those around me, and being able to connect and introduce people is something that I thrive on. I am proud to say that most of my best friends are event planners in my network, planners that are considered to be my “competitors”, yet we all refer one another, collaborate, assist each other on-site when available, and give all of the advice we have whenever needed. There is nothing more encouraging than being supported by those who are basically up for the same job as you.

Website: www.lauraburchfieldevents.com

Instagram: @lauraburchfieldevents

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauraburchfieldevents

Image Credits
xoxo by Cortni Pam Lennard Stillscapes Simply Corey Photography Decisive Moment

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana 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.