Kylie Kiehl

My family has supported me in countless ways. My dad has been there from the beginning, helping me think through ideas and offering advice that has stayed with me. He also opened doors early in my career; while I was in high school, I had the opportunity to intern for a member of Congress and for a lobbying firm. Those experiences helped pave an early path for me.

My family has supported me through many career endeavors and has been there when I needed help getting back up. When I have faced mental health challenges, they have always helped me see the other side. I am incredibly fortunate to have a family, a team, that has been rooting me on since day one.

While I was at Temple University, I worked in the library, which remains one of my favorite jobs to date. During that time, my boss told me that my greatest weakness was my inability to say no. I spent a great deal of time trying to understand what that meant. I had always said yes to anything I was asked to do at work, so I wondered how that could possibly hold me back. Over time, I learned that saying no allows me to focus my efforts, protect my energy, and work more intentionally toward my goals. I value having opinions and expressing them when I see fit, even when that means disagreeing. Learning to do so thoughtfully has made me a strong team member and employee.

Be bold and take up space. The wedding industry can be competitive and difficult to break into, but when you have an idea, you deserve to speak about it and be heard. Too many individuals, especially young women, are overlooked despite having ideas that could positively impact their own career growth and the growth of the company. In each role I have been fortunate to learn from, I entered with the goal of making a meaningful contribution. I hit the ground running by creating processes, expanding organizational efforts, and using my knowledge and skills to benefit the company. At the same time, I recognize how much I still have to learn from others. Growth comes from sharing ideas, communicating with your team, and making space for everyone’s voice. When you have an idea, I want to make sure you are heard.

One of the biggest challenges facing my field is the economy. My generation, in particular, has struggled to make ends meet, support themselves, and build a stable future. These pressures have affected many people, and during an economic downturn, nonessential expenses are often the first to be reconsidered. Weddings can fall into that category, but love deserves to be celebrated in any capacity, whether through an intimate elopement or a larger affair. It is understandable that couples may choose to reduce wedding costs, not only in this moment but at any point in their lives. I understand that decision personally, as I am eloping in part because of the costs associated with weddings.

Mental health is something we have come a long way in understanding as a society, but there is still much more work to do. I was diagnosed with OCD at a young age, and that diagnosis shaped many of the challenges I faced throughout my life. More recently, after years of advocating for myself, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These experiences have brought real hurdles, but I have also been fortunate to have an incredible community supporting me both personally and professionally. Life has not always been easy; however, I do not see my mental health as something negative. I see it as part of what has shaped me into the woman, I am today, given me the ability to help others, and helped me develop qualities that have allowed me to grow and excel in my career.

Far too many people are not given the same opportunities to access support that I was. In my experience, mental health challenges are still too often viewed as a flaw or weakness, especially when it comes to career growth. That belief is not only untrue, but also harmful. I had to pour into myself in order to thrive, and that took time, patience, and immense effort. Too often, mental health is treated as an afterthought instead of a priority. I want to help change that stigma and support others as they navigate their own hurdles.