Entrepreneurship and COVID-19: An Interview with Lynzie Kent, Entrepreneur
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for young, self-identifying women in career and business. We want to highlight women entrepreneurs rising to meet challenges but also new opportunities.
A few short weeks ago, the amazing entrepreneur and expert of all things events and weddings, Lynzie Kent, spoke at our International Women’s Day event. She is the Owner and Creative Director of Love by Lynzie; a Toronto-based planning and design agency that brings bold, original, artistic weddings, events, spaces and social content to life.
Since that event, our city and society has been practicing social distancing to flatten the curve and avoid transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, events like ours are being postponed, cancelled, or moved online. We’re feeling the disappointment of not being able to connect in-person, and we know many others are too. Those working in the event industry are also looking at challenging decisions, big changes, and new opportunities.
We wanted to chat with Lynzie to hear about her evolving experience and perspective regarding the COVID-19 outbreak; as a young entrepreneur and professional in the events/wedding industry. Here’s what she had to say;
How has the COVID-19 outbreak affected your business and industry?
The event and wedding industry is directly affected by COVID-19 because events simply cannot go forward. With government-mandated closures and cancellations, the entire industry is at a standstill and is struggling to accommodate displaced couples, postpone events, reschedule vendors and rebook events into 2021. With the busiest time of year just beginning for us, this means a complete loss of revenue for a number of companies, cancelled sponsorships, cancelled contracts, and laying off staff. The industry is currently turned on its head wondering "if people can't gather, how can we serve them? Are there new opportunities to be found?"
How has social distancing impacted your productivity as an entrepreneur?
I'm navigating working from home, leading a team through virtual meetings, full-time childcare, and sharing work days with my partner who is also expected to work full-time from home. It’s a daily negotiation with myself- What needs to get completed today? How can I give my children my full attention when I am with them? How can my partner and I be fair to one another today? How can I lead my team with positivity and inspiration? Right now, I'm working half-days and some evenings.
“There are ups and downs but I'm learning to accept this new reality.”
So far, what have you learned about yourself from this experience?
I am certainly not a multi-tasker, and I am not productive when my focus its pulled multiple places. As a person with anxiety, I also struggle with times of uncertainty and loss of control. I've surprised myself with how emotional I am right now. On the positive side, I am not willing to give up during times of strife. Despite everything that is against us, I've continued to look for opportunity in the struggle. We're pivoting and continuing to remain positive.
What has been the most encouraging thing(s) you've seen?
Many of our couples and clients have been incredibly understanding and warm through this process. We've been proactive with policy changes and communication with our couples and they've been responding with gratitude and hopeful attitudes which is encouraging daily. My team, despite being separated, have really stepped up to the challenge as well. They are all remaining productive and committed and are communicated daily with each other about how we can protect the work we've done so far and keep forging ahead, despite all the unknowns.
What advice would you give other young women entrepreneurs whose businesses have been impacted by COVID-19?
Make a schedule that makes your mental health, your family life and your business equally important. Remember that despite the negativity and uncertainty surrounding this global crisis, there are still people out there who can benefit from working with you and whose problems you have solutions for. Rather than selling with your marketing practices, continue to simply engage with people and keep your messaging warm and sensitive. When things feel hard and dark, take a break.
“When you have a moment of optimism and energy, look for opportunity and work on that.”
I don't claim to have all the answers at all, but I believe following the above is what is helping and working for me right now.
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