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

Hi Heather, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Fake it til you make it can be terrible advice!

I think the best thing any entrepreneur can do is to take learning seriously. Spend the time to learn, shadow, research and do everything you can to become an expert in what you do. Sign up for the course, attend the workshop, take the assisting position, volunteer when possible, shadow the vendor, learn anywhere you can and keep learning as much as possible.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rooted in hospitality and focused on guest experience, Heather Hoesch Events is a highly experienced, boutique planning company for couples looking to plan a California or destination wedding weekend. The HHE couple is wildly in love and cannot wait to celebrate. They love food and travel, but most of all they value their important relationships. Their vision reflects their love for shared experiences and want a wedding weekend experience like no other.

As their planner, my role is to have an organized process, provided a highly communicative experience and be their professional friend and expert guide every step of the way. With over 21 years of experience in weddings of all shapes, sizes and budgets, I bring a depth of knowledge paired with a personalized touch. Weddings are such an important life event and every couple deserves to have a planner who helps them remember the joy and true focus of the occasion.

After many years at a larger planning company, I launched my own brand in 2021 and have been continuing to grow and refine exactly what that looks like. Post pandemic, nothing has been easy and it’s honestly been slower than I anticipated, but I continue to work hard and stay client focused and the future continues to look bright.

I’m so blessed to have many years of relationships and past client referrals to continue to allow me to do what I love. I love celebrating love, I love celebrating the rich traditions of each couples’s family, friends and their love stories. Unlike so many planning companies that are solely focused on their own portfolio, I love creating wedding weekends that are a true reflection of my couples and their vision.

After so many years of planning, I am confident that serving my couples, their guests and being the best possible partner to the venues and vendors will always be a recipe for a successful business, one that always puts people first.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel so lucky to call Orange County, CA home. When you visit, you have to:

– Hike the top of the world in Laguna Beach, breakfast at Urth Cafe
– Spa day at Montage, Laguna Beach – lunch by the pool
– Dinner at Driftwood Kitchen at sunset – order the High Tide

– Walk Back Bay in Costa Mesa/ Newport, breakfast at KIT Coffee – get the smoked salmon avocado toast and cold brew
– Lunch at Bear Flag Fish Co in Newport Beach – get the ahi poke, guac and a glass of rose’
– Sunset Duffy boat ride around the harbor – be sure to grab take out from Malibu Farms

– Golf at Pelican Hill, followed by lunch at the Grill
– Shopping at Fashion Island, then drinks and dinner at True Food Kitchen

– Walk miles along the coast at Crystal Cove, grab Starbucks and then head to a Beach Day at Crystal Cove followed by shakes and burgers at sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Lori, Chrissy, Carizza and Lorely. I know first hand how important it is to believe in people, sometimes before then believe in themselves. Thank you to each of you who have supported me in so many ways.

Cheers to every mentor, teacher and coach, to those who refuse to compete or gate keep. Cheers to those who truly live community over competition.

Website: https://heatherhoeschevents.com

Instagram: @heatherhoesch

Image Credits
Headshot (blue blazer) – Alicia Mink
walking with bride in floral dress – Erich McVey
Candle wall, black aisle with couple – Kristina Adams
White tent and silver tent – John & Joseph
White Montage outside wedding – McCune Photography
With couple in ballroom white and pink check – Pattengale Photography
Couple in garden/castle – Jana Williams
Group with bride and groom, also sparklers – Garrett Richardson

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