Meet the Planners :: Heather Crabtree

Name: Heather Crabtree

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Company Name: Outstanding Occasions

Number of Years in Business: 4.5 years

Website: outstanding-occasions.com

Blog: outstanding-occasions.net

How did you get started in wedding planning?
Oh geez . . . how much time do we have?  Here is the short version: I hated being an attorney and wanted a job where I could be creative, yet still use my analytical and organizational skills. I had always planned on owning a company one day, but really thought it would have been a law firm. Instead, I decided to start an event planning company. Wow, that was the really, really short version.

If you had to start over, what one thing would you do differently?
Nothing. I believe that things happen the way they are supposed to. I definitely have learned a lot of things (and continue to learn things everyday) about running a business, event planning and how to stay sane in this industry (even though I sometimes straddle the sane/insane line).  Every day is a challenge (especially since adding the role of mommy to my name a year ago), but I would not have it any other way. The challenge is what keeps me going. I can honestly say that I love what I do and I really enjoy helping people create memorable events.

What's your favorite item in your emergency kit?
I don't know if I have a favorite, but I use the Shout Wipes and the Hollywood Fashion Tape the most.

What is the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
My dad used to tell me "Do your best and have fun because life is too short not to".  Today I try to live by that simple piece of advice. Everyday I try to be the best ME that I can. Oftentimes in this industry (and almost every industry) I see business owners trying to mimic or worry about being better than another company. While it is important to know what the other business owners in the industry are doing, I don't allow myself to be consumed by it. Unfortunately, I learned as a child that life is short and so I try to give my best and that usually equals having fun in the end.

What two people (past or present) would you have as guests at a dinner party and why?
1. My dad. He died suddenly during my last year of law school. He never got to meet my amazing husband, Cole, or my beautiful daughter, London.  He was my rock and supported me in everything that I wanted to do.  I miss him dearly.

2. The extended family (past and present) of Cole and I.  I know, that is more than two. Family is so important to me and living in Arizona away from family can get lonesome sometimes. I miss my mom, sister and my entire family as well as my husband's family. I grew up around most of my entire fam throughout my life. We had Sunday lunches at my mamaw's house and my grandma and grandpa used to babysit for me and my sister quite often. Since my dad and my grandparents have passed away, we don't all get together like we used to.  I miss those childhood days.

What are your three favorite blogs besides thesmartplanner.com?
Seth's Blog, Desire To Inspire, and Southern Weddings.  I love reading blogs though, so I have many other faves. I have them categorized by Business, Design or Wedding blogs in my Google Reader.