Taylor Strope is planning celebrations with pride

Name: Taylor Strope (She/Her/Hers)

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Business: Mountainside Events

Tell us about your business.

We are a wedding and event planning company in Colorado! We take a very laid-back approach to planning. Planning your wedding does not have to be a stressful thing, so when working with us you can let us drive while you relax in the passenger seat! However, we know how important it is to make your wedding day about you, so we love brainstorming and incorporating those special touches to make your celebration so important. 

Why did you decide to start your own business? What inspired the idea?

Growing up my parents were entrepreneurs so I always had the drive to want to start my own business, too. I love being able to create something that I can give back to my community, which is the main driving force behind Mountainside Events. 

How did you get started?

I started in the events industry planning all the events for a local non-profit, as well as all the weddings and special events at a venue before I decided to take the leap and dive into my own business. That was over eight years ago and I haven’t looked back since!

What is the biggest lesson you learned in the first year? 

My first year on my own, I learned that I not only needed to put in the work as the lead planner, but I also needed to wear all the hats as a business owner. Owning a business also means you are the accountant, marketing coordinator, supervisor, hiring manager and so much more.

Were there any things about running a business you didn’t know when you started? How did you teach yourself? 

I had to teach myself how to run all the bookkeeping, which is something I never had to do prior to owning my own business. Fortunately, I learned about QuickBooks in the beginning and I have been using it since to track and manage my books for me.

What tools help you run your business? 

I love QuickBooks for bookkeeping, tracking mileage, and invoicing, but I also use Honeybook to send forms and communication with my clients, Asana to keep track of my project management, and Canva to help create all my design work. 

What advice do you have for others looking to start their own business?

My biggest advice is not to be afraid to ask for help. Create a community of like-minded people and businesses and use each other to grow. I am a huge advocate for collaboration over competition. 

What challenges do you feel are unique to LGBTQIA+ business owners?

We are a huge advocate for our clients in the LGBTQIA+ community, and it is very important to us that we find vendors that are allies and show support for our clients.

How can SBOs give back and support the LGBTQIA+ community? 

Show your support and pride! Hang a flag in your store front (not only in June but year-round), hire LGBTQIA+ employees, and be familiar with inclusive language and asking for a person's pronouns. 

What has been your proudest moment? 

I am proud to be out as a lesbian business owner and wedding planner, and my team and I are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone. 

When you’re having a tough day, who or what inspires you to keep going?

My daughter Marlie always lifts me up! If I ever go to her she is always able to turn my day around and I am so grateful for her.

How do you maintain a work/life balance as a small business owner? In what ways do you take care of your mental health?

My motto in life has always been “work hard, play hard!” When I am not working I am usually spending time with friends and family outdoors, seeing live music, drinking an ice cold craft beer or a good cup of coffee, or sitting by a campfire.

What’s your “power song” and why?

“Psychic City” by YACHT is one of those “roll down the windows, blast the stereo, and sing at the top of your lungs: songs. I love a song with a good beat!