WOMEN TO WATCH

Rachel Haynes

Owner
Rachel Haynes Events

We are a full-service event company based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our team manages a variety of special occasions from weddings and destination events, to corporate and nonprofit galas. The goal we set for every event is to create a custom design that represents each client or organization, while celebrating their gathering in an extraordinary way.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I have truly always loved weddings. I knew I wanted to be in the industry after shadowing several event planners during my first year of college. During that time, I fell in love with the excitement and adrenaline of wedding days.

Best moment of your career so far?

Getting married! Being on the other side of a wedding helped make me better at my job. Understanding the stress and emotion of a bride’s wedding day allowed me to relate with clients in a tangible way.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

I think I would tell myself that making mistakes isn’t failure. Quitting is failure. Furthermore, that business isn’t personal and nothing is more valuable than a good name. Always choose kindness and respect over personal gain.

What is a typical workday like for you?

Calls … emails … meetings … repeat! More than anything, our goal is to create personalized events for our clients, so whether it’s designing a reception room or creating a custom menu, we do everything in our power to make sure every event is unique.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

We always spend about five minutes in the finished reception room with our brides before guests arrive. My favorite part of the day is seeing the looks on their faces as they see all of our planning come to life!

Who is your role model?

My dad! He is successful in marriage, family and business. Nothing is more important to him than his faith, and he is never too busy to invest in others, whether personally or professionally. I’m still saying I want to be like him when I grow up!

Best advice you've ever received?

I know its cliché, but the best advice I’ve been given and live by is: “Just be yourself; trying to be who other people want you to be is exhausting.”

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

Being so close to my family and friends! My husband and I have so much community here and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. We are Arkansans through and through!

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

West Little Rock

Hometown

Little Rock

Last good read

“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green

Favorite Food

Sushi

Favorite Lunch Spot

Local Lime

First thing you do at the office each morning

Make coffee … obviously

Last splurge

Artwork for my house

Hobbies

Being with my husband and baby girl!

Dream Vacation

Anywhere tropical

Favorite Song

“Desert Song” by Hillsong

SPONSORS

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