Rising Stars: Meet Kelsey Rausch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Rausch.

Hi Kelsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was ten years old, I would take all of my dad’s office employee’s lunches out of the communal refrigerator and sell them back to them at what I dubbed “The Pit Stop Cafe”. That spirit has carried through in so many forms over the years. However, once my corporate event job was taking off it was terrifying to leave the comfort of a paycheck and benefits, not to mention a 401K program. Then in February 2020 COVID made its way to the states and events were cancelling at alarming rates. By March 2020, there were no more events, I was laid off and a bit panicked about what to do with my career. I shortly thereafter realized I was handed a very unique opportunity; to follow my dream of being a business owner and I was able to receive a government paycheck to support this ambition. Honeybee Events, LLC was born in May 2020 at my kitchen counter with the idea of bringing a unique and immersive approach to events; the crazy, outlandish, I’ve never seen this before ideas. With that approach, our team is able to bring so much happiness, excitement and ultimately togetherness to our community. Today Honeybee Events has been finding success in creating, promoting and producing original events (& event series). We are excited to see where this path takes us.

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?
Honeybee is different from other event companies because we refuse to be the same. I always want there to be new ‘magic’ that most people have not had the pleasure of experiencing before in every event we do. When I see laughter and smiles on everyone’s faces, I know we were successful.

Event Planning can be a very stressful and taxing career. However, if you are a person that is positive, organized and creative you might just fall in love with events like I did. Overcoming hiccups and challenges in events will become rewarding and exciting. Then each time you learn and grow and your forsite gets a little further each time. The most important phrase I learned along the way when someone comes to me with an issue at the event to manage is, “Okay what’s the problem, let’s find the solution.” Everything can be solved with the right attitude!

The biggest lesson I have learned in event planning and management is, 9/10 nothing will ever go completely according to plan. Even when you think you’ve thought through everything and have an A, B & C plan, life happens baby! It’s how you handle the disruption smoothly that is important.

My biggest takeaway from starting a company in a pandemic is that passion and love for what you do conquer all. Never give up because when there is a will, there is a way to make it happen.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of our new drag show series (“The last Sunday of every month darling!”) in partnership with The Herb Box called HBxHB Drag Brunch. They are light, whimsical and full of laughter & community.

We have found true joy with creating and producing our own events. In doing so we identify niches and revolutionize events within the local Arizona market.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
1) The name Honeybee Events, LLC, was inspired by the song “Honeybee” by The Head & The Heart.

2) Honeybee Events does all original graphic creation for our original events and for our clients

3) Kelsey Morgan Rausch, Owner + Design Revolutionist – served on the board of ILEA (International Live Events Association) for five years, two years as President and is currently serving as the Chair of Special Events for JLP (Junior League of Phoenix) a women’s charity and leadership organization

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@myhoneybeeevent.com
• Website: www.myhoneybeeevent.com
• Instagram: @myhoneybeeevent -and- @kelseymorganr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.morgan.r
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/honeybee-events-phoenix

Image Credits
Harley Bonham Photography Trauscht Media LLC Mindy Deluca Photography