Meet Bailey Palmer | Entrepreneur & Day Of Coordinator

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

Hi Bailey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been very fortunate and have been given many opportunities in entrepreneurship. In high school I owned a welding company, in college I owned a clothing boutique, and now, I currently own Hermosa Events, LLC. I have learned so much in each of those companies. Each venture has altered my thought process for the next one, but my core thought process has always been the same. My parents got me into anything and everything growing up, which expanded my interests and skill sets beyond what any “normal” job could provide. So when I find a hobby or a passion that I enjoy, I want to be able to reap rewards from it whether that’s financially, physically, or emotionally.
When I started Hermosa Events, LLC specifically, I wanted to get back to something that made me happy, something I had a talent for, and something I had been doing “for free” for a very long time. I wanted to get back to event/wedding planning. And when I say “get back to”, I mean that I have wanted to be an event planner since I was 10 years old. Every birthday, shower, team dinner, Christmas party, Grand Opening, business conference, wedding, or whatever the occasion was, I was the one to take it and run with it. There was no better feeling than achieving a successful event.
My first career out of college was an opportunity to combine multiple passions of mine, cattle and event planning. I was an Event Coordinator for the American Angus Association. Fast forward a few years, and I was in a different career, in a different state, doing something totally different (except cows were still involved!). While I loved the career that I was in, somewhere in me, a little light dimmed leaving the event coordinating profession.
So I thought “what could I do to get that light bright again?”. Then it hit me. Start my own event company.
Just like any event I work on, my thoughts were very “big picture” at first. I thought of all the events I could do and plan, I thought of all the social media and marketing, website design, and travel. I couldn’t wait to get started. But then I had to get practical and think of the finer details of what was going to make this business successful.
After having a lot of various, successful events, I realized I needed to specialize. Keep in mind at this point in time, I was doing all kinds of events, having a “regular job”, and then building and running a trailer bar, all at the same time. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep the pace, and my quality of work was about to suffer. I knew I needed to focus my scope. Which any entrepreneur will tell you, it’s easy to overdo it. And when you overdo it, it can take the passion and fun out of what you’re doing. I recognized what I was doing, because I had done it in my previous businesses. I took a step back and asked myself: 1) what part of this company makes me the happiest? 2) what part of this company is most profitable? And 3) what part of this company is going to brighten that light back up?
The answer to all three of those questions was Day Of Wedding Coordinating. It was the perfect niche for me to hone in on. I could control my hours, and still have a regular job that I loved, I could travel on weekends, I could meet new people, and I could be a helping hand to couples on their most memorable day. And that light got brighter, and the rest is well… history!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hermosa Events, LLC started as an event/wedding planning company, then grew and included a mobile trailer bar (called the “Crazy Cow”) entity, and now has become solely a Day Of Wedding Coordinating company. Isn’t it crazy how businesses evolve so drastically and so quickly? It’s a wonderfully infuriating, challenging and brilliant part of the process. Any business owner will surely agree with that! If you aren’t in the wedding business, or you’re not planning a wedding, let me explain what I do. And if you don’t know, it’s okay! Even my mom didn’t understand it at first! A day-of wedding coordinator is simply a couple’s best friend on their wedding day. While the couple prepares for, and enjoys the day, it’s my role to make sure everything goes according to plan. I focus on everything from making sure everyone is seated and ready for the ceremony, to creating and distributing the timeline to vendors… Put simply: I am here to make sure they get hitched, without a hitch! My work typically starts about 2-3 months before the big day. I contact vendors, I work with the venue, and I consult with the couple about any questions or concerns they may have. As the day gets closer, I create and distribute timelines and make sure all systems are a go. And on the day of, I’m everywhere doing everything people didn’t even know needed done. Steaming dresses, pinning boutonnières, laying out decor, pressing linens, paying vendors, holding the bride’s train, wrangling the groomsmen, easing the mother-of-the-bride’s emotions, assisting the photographer, whatever needs done. The only thing the couple needs to think about that day is each other, and enjoying their friends and family who came to celebrate.
How did I get to where I am today? That’s a tough question with no direct answer. A lot of grit, some tears, a heap of drive, a pinch of luck, a little talent and skill, and a ton of support. I’ve learned through my businesses and years of life experiences, that there’s always going to be challenges. I mean heck, I started an event planning company during a pandemic. But in those challenges, you find out what you’re made of, and I’ve learned I love the material that I consist of.
I love what I do, and it’s so rewarding to be a small part in someone’s story the way I get to be a part of my couple’s. It’s been a wild ride, but in the best possible way. The people I get to meet, the places I’ve gotten to travel, and the memories I get to help create… that’s the dream I’m out here living!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here’s an oxymoron for you… I love to wing it when people come visit. I know, I know. I’m a planner by trade. But this part of my life, I don’t always plan! There are so many places to see, so many things to do, and so much food to eat, sometimes you can’t plan all the opportunities out there! I will say, anywhere I can be with a view of the mountains is where you’ll find me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I simply wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without my parents. They are my rock, moral compass, support system, cheerleader, fan club, disciplinarian and the most hard working, intelligent loyal and generous people I know.

I also have the most amazing friends that have become my family. There are too many to list, which is such an awesome problem to have!

Website: www.HermosaEventsLLC.com

Instagram: @hermosaeventsllc

Other: Check out my podcast! Mimosas with Hermosa anywhere you get your podcast!

Image Credits
Kaitlyn Trainham Photography Joined Purposely Photography Cam Storie Photography KaitlynDiana Photography