Life & Work with Lea Rhynehardt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Rhynehardt.

Hi Lea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been the “Go-to” person in my family/friend group when trying to organize an event. Planning and coordinating have come naturally to me since grade school, literally. I was President of the Student body from 5th grade to my senior year in high school, so I was always putting together events: from school spirit weeks to Prom dances. However, it wasn’t until my best friend not only asked me to be her Maid of Honor but also to fully plan her destination wedding in New Orleans, that’s when I had my “light bulb moment.” I turned my hobby into my career, and that’s how Lea Rhynehardt & Co was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Nothing good comes easy,” but it has been going well overall. I started the company in Louisiana in 2021, where I was living at the time, and only had 2 clients, to be exact. So getting a client base was a struggle in the beginning. I think a lot of potential clientele for me was in North Carolina, where I am from. So it wasn’t until I relocated back to North Carolina at the beginning of the summer that my business “took off.” I had to revamp some things, like increasing my social media presence, tweaking my logo, and putting out some advertisements in general. The astonishing part to me, since I relocated in June, business has been working in my favor and everything is going great! I relocated back to Raleigh the first week of June, and I have had at least two events every month since. As of the beginning of August, I was able to begin booking for the 2023 calendar year, which is nothing but a blessing. Currently I cannot go full-time with Lea Rhynehardt & Co. Event Planning, but I trust the process and have faith that I am heading in that direction.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“Lea Rhynehardt & Co is dedicated to the highest quality of event planning to bring together ideas and make memorable moments.” I am the owner and Lead Event Planner. I take pride in being the method to planning madness and the coordinator of, although temporary, calculated chaos. Rather that be assisting with planning a dream wedding or a Paintball Party for a 13-year-old, we are here every step, providing whatever amount of support is needed. We offer full planning services down to just needing event design and decorating. Before getting into this industry I was a Middle Grades teacher, 8th grade specifically, so I have myself the title of being a beast in chaos coordinating. Regarding Lea Rhynehardt & Co. Event Planning and building the brand, I am most proud of how I conduct business which I think is important to being set apart from other event planners. I am authentic and sincere in everything I do from beginning to end. I jump in, being my natural silly self as professional as possible. I take time to develop rapport with my clients and couples and get to know who they are. Ive been told I form a bond with my clients and we become like family. For when I know my clients it helps seamlessly bring their ideas to life. Once you say “I do,” I mean it literally, “I got you,” as in I have your back for all planning needs! I enjoy helping others create great memories!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
When planning an event, it’s a process that many people find stressful and overwhelming, but I love organizing and coordinating. When I was little, I used to play “office” and “teacher” with my cousins. I’d believe I was a receptionist scheduling appointments, entering data on my granny’s old typewriter, and making my little cousins be my students. I would really plan and coordinate activities for them to be a part of my imaginary class. I think it is safe to say I have always been drawn to opportunities of helping people. As a former educator up to now helping clients organize, coordinate, is second nature for me so turning their ideas into an actual event and seeing their responses is utmost rewarding. I think it’s a perk that I am also budget-friendly, nowadays who doesn’t want to save a couple of coins and still get the look of luxury. You know the saying, “Beauty is the eye of the beholder.” “Success is the eye of the beholder” For me, success is when you reach a point where you are waking up and doing something that you enjoy day after day, and it’s a plus when it can provide a stream of income. The rewarding outcome and passion for what I do are most important to my success.

Contact Info:

• Website:  http://LeaRhynehardt.Co
• Instagram:  @LeaRhynehardt_Co
• Facebook:  @LeaRhynehardt&Co

Image Credits
Image credits: DeRaymes Harris