Lauren Frappier Shoemaker

Lauren Frappier Shoemaker

Owner, LS Planning & Co

The words “are you sure you can handle that” became a driving force for me. I hustled.

Lauren Shoemaker is up.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Lauren Frappier Shoemaker and I am the Owner of LS Planning & Co.

Execution. That’s where things can fall through, right? In fact, the whole reason for starting my business was based upon that very word. It was based upon failure. I knew I had what it took to plan my own wedding. I meticulously planned out every detail, down to the minute things that only I would know were there. Every detail was perfectly planned, the problem was the execution.

I did not hire a month-of coordinator to oversee that the details that I had spent months perfecting, were played out. At 7 AM on my wedding day, I unloaded cars, set up a dance floor, ironed linens, set out decorations, place settings and chairs. At 9 AM, just as everything was coming together, it poured down rain (…oh, did I mention I was getting married outside?).

As I sat on my dance floor, feeling defeated and overwhelmed, I knew in that moment I wanted to help other brides’ visions come to life. LS Planning & Co.‘s mission statement is “perfectly planned. perfectly executed.”

What did it take/how did you get started?

The very first thing to come out of my mentor’s mouth when I told her I was starting my business was “are you sure you can handle that?” I remember sinking back into my seat with my blood rushing into my face. I had practiced my delivery of this news over and over again.

I had anticipated her reaction to be something different…something not…that. My thoughts immediately went from: “Have I given the impression that I would be incapable of this new venture?” and naturally spiraled into self-doubt: “Can I actually do this?” Granted, I know her intention behind those words was not how I received them. I’m positive the intention was out of genuine concern. However, it hurt. I wanted her to be excited for me. I wanted her to be proud.

The words “are you sure you can handle that” became a driving force for me. I hustled. I felt as though I had something to prove, not to my mentor, but to myself. September 28th, 2024 will be LS Planning & Co.’s one year anniversary. In those 365 days, I had the privilege of managing 15 weddings, booking 21 weddings into the following year and generating six figures of revenue. Now, I’m the mentor, I get the opportunity to help people every day and I couldn’t ask for more.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

Creating magic for others, always.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

My passion for the wedding industry sparked when I was just 17 years old while I was working as a bridal stylist. It was then where I realized I had a servants heart and I not only wanted to help people, but I needed to. Nothing gives me more fulfillment than knowing I had a very small part in making someone else's dreams become a reality.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

Never be the smartest person in the room.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

Self-doubt.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

Schedule "mini" vacations for yourself, or blackout time periods and LOOK FORWARD to them.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

"You are a badass" - Jen Sincero

"Get Out of Your Own Way" - Mark Goulston M.D and Philip Goldberg

"Atomic Habits"-James Clear

The STATS

  • Founders: ITEM
  • Hours per week worked: ITEM
  • Employee count: ITEM
  • Company founded: September 28, 2023
  • Cost to start: Saved capital of $3,500
  • Annual revenue: $100k
  • Projected revenue: $120k
  • ITEM: I will need to budget time to hire and train an associate planner