Meet Shawna Henderson | Owner: Majestic Mountain Events and Breck Mtn Wedding

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

Hi Shawna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has always been woven into the fabric of my life. As a youth, I craved the adrenaline rush of speeding down ski slopes, leaping off cliffs, and conquering daring mountain bike trails. Adventure sports were my playground, a constant battle against fear and a celebration of pushing limits.

However, the prospect of starting a business and venturing out on my own sent shivers down my spine. While I thrived on physical risks, the thought of investing in a large inventory of rental equipment for events filled me with doubt. I vividly recall the turning point: testing the market by offering items I hadn’t yet purchased. Only after securing commitments from a few clients did I feel comfortable taking the financial leap and launching my event rental business. The butterflies in my stomach, however, remained.

Being your own boss unlocks exciting opportunities unavailable in traditional jobs, but it’s not without risk. Yet, once you conquer that first significant financial hurdle or step outside your comfort zone, things become a little easier. Experimenting and investing in your business are essential for expanding your product and service offerings.

My past experiences with whitewater kayaking, big mountain snowboarding, multi-pitch rock climbing, and traversing exposed mountainsides all equipped me with the composure to navigate moments of high business risk. My best advice for tackling any risk, be it physical, mental, emotional, or financial, is to take baby steps until you feel confident progressing to the next challenge. Eventually, commitment becomes crucial.

As the saying goes, “Do something scary every day.” Failure isn’t the enemy; it’s the lessons learned that propel you closer to self-discovery.

The pandemic served as a stark reminder that the business landscape is in a constant state of flux. Adaptability to these environmental shifts is key to staying ahead. Of course, risk doesn’t guarantee success. Careful consideration of potential downsides and a well-defined backup plan are essential. But for those willing to take calculated risks, the rewards of entrepreneurship can be truly significant.

What should our readers know about your business?
Majestic Mountain Events wasn’t born overnight. It stemmed from a burning desire to create exceptional wedding experience, a commitment that continues to drive us today. I learned early on that meticulous attention to detail, at every stage of the event planning process, makes a world of difference. It’s a philosophy reflected in our unwavering commitment to 5-star client reviews.

Building a successful sustainable business wasn’t a walk in the park. The early days were filled with a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From countless business classes to soaking up every free resource available, especially those at Denver Startup Week. The biggest challenge? Finding the time to implement all those amazing ideas! It’s a constant balancing act, but the lessons remain clear: keep pushing forward with a clear vision.

The heart in our logo isn’t just an image, it’s a promise. We pour our heart and soul into every event, a dedication that translates to happy couples and a thriving referral network from venues and past clients alike. We’re passionate about offering sustainable solutions. Why buy a bunch of single-use items for one day? We customize rental packages, minimizing environmental impact while creating unforgettable experiences.

COVID may have thrown a wrench in the works, grinding our initial momentum to a halt. Venues shut down, and the dream I’d meticulously built seemed to crumble. But that hardship proved to be a crucible. I emerged stronger, more resilient, and even more determined to succeed.

Majestic Mountain Events is your one-stop shop for transforming your vision into a breathtaking reality. We offer a comprehensive range of event rental and design services, from weddings and corporate gatherings to milestone celebrations. Our extensive inventory of high-quality rentals, from outdoor chairs to dance floors and AV equipment, caters to every need. Coordination is still a part of the equation and strive to exceed expectations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Summertime Fun:

Day 1:

Morning: Grab an e-bike rental and cruise around scenic Lake Dillon. Stop by the Dillon Amphitheatre to check the evening’s musical offerings.

Afternoon: Relax on the Breckenridge Distillery’s outside area with a handcrafted cocktail and some outdoor games. (Bonus: This spot is a hidden gem for weddings!)

Evening: Refuel with delicious beers, especially the ginger pale ale (my personal favorite!), at Broken Compass.

Day 2:

Morning: Start with a luxurious breakfast at La Francese. Their almond croissants are legendary, and the view of the mountains with the Blue River trickling by is pure bliss.

Afternoon: Take a water taxi or rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Frisco Marina and explore the islands.

Evening: Grab a seat at the funky round bar in Ember Restaurant and same a delicious craft cocktail. My favorite is the one with passion fruit.

Day 3:
Morning: Grab a coffee and bagel sandwich at either Clints or Cool River and make sure to get a pastry to go.

Afternoon: Enjoy happy hour at Traverse, located at the Lodge at Breckenridge. The deck boasts breathtaking views – perfect for capturing memories.

Night: Embark on a fun, slightly spooky adventure! Head out on the trail to find the troll hiding in the woods. (Don’t tell your friends where you’re going for an extra surprise!)

Day 4 (Sunday):

Morning: Browse the vibrant Breckenridge Farmers Market at Main Street Station and snap a photo by the picturesque Maggie Pond.

Afternoon: Pick up some picnic goodies from The Cheese Shop, like a charcuterie board, and head to the end of Wellington Road. Hike up to the Sally Barber Mine – a recently restored historical gem. Don’t miss peeking over the edge to see the final resting place of some old cars!

Evening: Sit out on the deck at South Ridge Seafood Grill and enjoy the views of Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Day 5:

Morning: Try your skills with SUP yoga on Maggie Pond through Meta afterwards grab a yummy healthy smoothly at Lola Juice

Afternoon: Pick up a Summit Daily Newspaper and see what is happening around town. You might want to check out some of the beautiful homes at an open house or spend the day throwing the frisbee at Carter Park or playing Volleyball.

Evening: Talk a walk down Main Street to the Blue River Plaza. See what might be going on at The Riverwalk Center and then make sure you eat at Radicato! YUM!

Breckenridge has something for everyone, so have fun exploring!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Like many, I’ve always been drawn to adventure. but this thrill wasn’t limited to daring activities; it extended to the world of business. The idea of crafting my own path, being my own boss, and helping others with their wedding day was incredibly exciting. However, the initial leap into full-fledged entrepreneurship felt extremely daunting.

That’s where the beauty of the side hustle came in. It offered a bridge between the security of my regular job and the exhilarating world of business ownership. My chosen side hustle? Wedding Coordination and Planning services.

I saw a need that wasn’t met and after seeing multiple wedding events in chaos, I knew that having someone to take care of the details would help the event run smoothly. The joy of understanding their vision and finding a way to create that dream event, fueled my desire. While it started small, I learned while doing and perfecting my craft through each event.

The side hustle wasn’t just financially rewarding, it was an invaluable learning experience. I honed my design skills, learned the basics of marketing, and even dipped my toes into client management. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to truly believe in my abilities.

With this newfound confidence and a growing portfolio, I started to see the potential for a full-fledged event business including rentals. The skills I’d acquired through my side hustle became the foundation for building my dream. I transitioned from day of coordinating to curating the entire wedding experience, offering a wider range of services like décor, design, and rentals.

Looking back, my side hustle wasn’t just a way to make some extra cash; it was a springboard to launch my dream career. It allowed me to “learn while getting paid,” gaining valuable skills and experience that would have been far more difficult (and expensive!) to acquire otherwise.

I fell into this position as the Wedding Sales Manager at Wyndham Vacation Rentals. The company helped catapult me finally managing my own business. I wholeheartedly recommend the side hustle route. It’s a fantastic way to test the waters, gain valuable experience, and build the confidence you need to turn your passion into your full-time hustle.

Website: https://www.majesticmountainevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckmtnwedding/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-h-b57a3410/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreckMtnWedding/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/majestic-mountain-events-breckenridge

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8T8tAmrsbPKbNZOt52nDyA

Image Credits
Michele DeVries – Once West
Sarah Roshan – Sarah Roshan Photography