Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Harris.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins as the youngest of four, who was extremely shy. I relied heavily on my sisters to be my guide in life (I basically just followed them everywhere.) As I got older, navigating the world without my older siblings, I developed a curiosity of exploring environments outside of my own. Through this curiosity I learned a lot about myself, and fear of the unknown became excitement for learning/experiencing new things.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth? Absolutely not. I am grateful for my birth order, because being the youngest child, I observed others’ life lessons. With that perspective, I was given many examples of what not to do. But we all have lessons we have to learn throughout our life journey. One of the struggles that will periodically happen is, outgrowing people. It is difficult to let go of those we have history and memories with. It can be difficult to recognize at first, because nothing obviously horrible has happened, but the difference is felt. As we learn and grow on our life journey, we will outgrow some of the people around us.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Planning my birthday parties and hosting events over the years, I would consistently hear the same feedback in regards to the attention to detail. At the time, I didn’t know event planning was a profession. I eventually expanded my hosting beyond family and friends, and started hosting events for my community, with an emphasis on connection. As I learned more about the hospitality industry, I created an event production company, CMHEPC. Our primary focus is creating experiences for our guests to connect and interact with each other. While I love a good party and a good time, as an introvert, I particularly enjoy meaningful conversations with depth. Four years ago, I rebranded my existing concept of connecting through conversation, and developed our signature monthly event, Cocktail/Mocktail Hour. It’s not a coincidence the majority of our guests are introverts, we crave substance. We host other events throughout the year with the same emphasis of connectivity. I am a connector, and my superpower is bringing different groups of people together, who connect and learn from each other.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When I was first starting out, I wish I knew to find people in my field of interest who inspired me, and learn from them. It’s a scary feeling to put yourself out there and get started, but growth does not happen unless there is something to grow from. A lot of women feel like they have to have it figured out before they get started. They read all the books, take the courses, enroll in classes and hope to feel prepared to start once it’s completed. I am she, that was me. Our society tried to wire us that way. Read the books, take the classes, but do it in conjunction with the action. You only get better when you have something to implement what you have learned. So, start. Your people will find you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: CMHEPC
