Krista McFall

I attribute much of my success to the relationships I've built throughout my career. I've always believed that networking isn't about collecting contacts—it's about creating genuine connections and maintaining them over time. I make a point to stay in touch with former clients, colleagues, and industry partners, whether that's through LinkedIn, a quick check-in, or simply wishing someone happy holidays. Those small, consistent touchpoints build trust and keep relationships authentic. Many of my opportunities have come from referrals and people I've worked with years ago, which reinforces something I deeply believe: people do business with people they know, trust, and enjoy working with. Investing in relationships has been one of the most valuable things I've done, both personally and professionally.

The best career advice I've ever received is: "There's never a perfect time to start. Don't wait until you feel ready—say yes, then figure it out."

That mindset has shaped almost every step of my career. It's pushed me to move across the country, launch my own business, pursue opportunities that felt intimidating, and confidently step into roles that challenged me to grow. I've learned that waiting until you feel completely prepared is the fastest way to stay stuck. The greatest growth comes from taking the first step, even when the outcome isn't guaranteed. Skills can be learned, systems can be built, and confidence comes through experience. What matters most is being curious, adaptable, and willing to take action. I don't strive to know everything—I strive to be someone who can figure anything out. That approach has helped me build trust, solve problems under pressure, and create meaningful experiences for clients and teams alike. The biggest opportunities in my life haven't come from feeling ready—they've come from being willing to start.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to never be afraid to be yourself with your clients. They aren't just hiring you for your expertise—they're hiring you.

Be honest, even when it's not what they expect to hear. Tell them what is worth investing in and what isn't. If there's a better solution, recommend it. Your job isn't to say yes to everything; it's to guide people toward the best outcome, even if that means saying no. Lean into your personality, trust your instincts, and don't try to fit someone else's version of success. The clients who are meant for you will appreciate your honesty, your perspective, and the confidence you bring. And if you have a dream that scares you a little, chase it anyway. Growth rarely comes from playing it safe.

One of the biggest challenges in the event planning industry today is the current economic climate, which has made many couples and clients more cautious about investing in large-scale celebrations. As a business owner, another challenge is continuing to build brand awareness and establish a strong presence in the Phoenix market while determining the best path for long-term growth. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities to make a positive impact by embracing more sustainable event practices. I am passionate about reducing waste by donating floral arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice organizations, and memorial services after events, allowing them to bring joy beyond the celebration. I also believe in preserving menus, décor elements, and keepsakes as sources of inspiration for future designs, demonstrating that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The values that guide both my work and personal life are authenticity, excellence, relationships, and trust. I believe people will forget what centerpieces looked like or what was served for dinner, but they'll always remember how they felt. That's why I approach every event with the mindset that every detail matters—not because it has to be perfect, but because every detail contributes to the overall experience. Relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I value honesty, clear communication, and showing up for people long after a contract is signed. I want my clients to feel like they have someone in their corner who genuinely cares about their celebration as much as they do. I also believe in doing things with excellence. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve, think creatively, and solve problems before they become problems. My goal isn't just to execute an event—it's to create an experience that people talk about for years. Above all, I value kindness, integrity, and creating moments that bring people together. Those values are the foundation of both KLM Events & Designs and the way I live my life.