Name: Kristine Colson
Business Name: Wentworth Event Center
Email: kristine@wentwortheventcenter.com
Web Site: http://www.wentwortheventcenter.com
Phone: (207) 930-3630
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWentworthEventCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wentwortheventcenter/
How would you describe yourself?
I am analytic, driven, energetic, outgoing, optimistic, persistent and social. I enjoy collaborating and helping others succeed. I am also realistic, and self aware of my growth opportunities which help me to continuously grow and become a better version of myself.
Tell us a little about your business and how you got started.
I run Wentworth Event Center in Belfast Maine. We host weddings, meetings and celebrations.
The business started in 2009 when my father and I identified the need for event space in Belfast. We already owned the property, and had a vacant building at the time. Each year since 2009 we have made improvements to the building and the property.
How long have you been involved in your business?
I have been involved for 8 years, since we opened in 2009. Some of these 8 years were in a behind the scenes role.
What do you like most about your job?I love weddings! I enjoy helping couples bring their dreams to reality. By the end of the wedding I feel like they are part of the Wentworth extended family.
What keeps you motivated?
My kids keep me motivated, and on my toes! I bring my 9 year old son, and 4 year old daughter to work with me Monday through Friday. They stay home when we have private functions, but they love to help me get ready for the parties.
Tell us a little about your family
My family is great, we strive to make each day an adventure! My husband Jared works for Bank of America. Aiden is our 9 year old son. He loves to play video games, and ride his bike. Michaela is our baby girl, she is 4. She loves to help at Wentworth by decorating the tables. She gets super sad when I ask her to stay home for the private functions. We have one fur baby, dog named Sheema. Even Sheema gets to come to work sometimes. She is super energetic!
How do you prioritize family and business?
Prioritizing family and business is a constant juggling act! I feel like I constantly have to step back and evaluate, always shifting something. I strive to prioritize myself first by getting to the gym, and making time for dates with friends and hubby. Its like putting my oxygen mask on first so that I can effectively care for others. I am fortunate that my business is flexible, and mostly by appointment so I can bring the kids to Wentworth with me. Sometimes they help me clean, or they play outside while I do office work. I definitely log back onto my computer and work late at night once the kids are in bed. I have had to accept the fact that what works this week, may not work next week. Being flexible with my expectation is key for me.
How do you think being a woman in business has affected or will affect your family?
Being a woman in business has provided my family with more flexibility in our lifestyle. I hope that it will provide my children with the skills and confidence to achieve their biggest dreams. I love incorporating them into the daily activities that are required to run a business.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a woman in business?
Being a woman in business I have learned to speak my mind, share my opinion and back it up with why I feel the way I do. I have been invited to the ‘table’ for a reason, so I am not going to stay quiet or be passive.
I have also learned and started to embrace my fears. If there is something I am fearful of, I sit back and figure out why. One of my Mantra’s is: Fear = Face Everything And Rise
All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?
I go back to bed! Just kidding. When I have bad days I try to take some time for me, and be alone. Ideally I will go down by the water, and walk or sit in my car. I like to allow myself a little time to sit with the emotions that I am feeling. Once I have allowed the emotions to be felt, then I put on my wonder woman cape and keep moving forward. I feel its important to have some down time/days, but not to dwell on them for too long. I try to figure out what’s causing them, and adjust accordingly. Always making forward progress in my life.
Tell us about your ideal
My ideal day includes lots of check boxes being checked off. I even put my “me” time on my check list!
This is a quick outline of what daily goals are M-F.
5:00am – wake up – consume Caffeine!
5:30am – Gym
6:30am – Home – Get ready for the day – Kids up, breakfast, household contributions
9:00am – 10:00am – Run Errands with kids, then head to Wentworth Event Center
10:00am – 2:00pm – Wentworth Event Center – Check in with Dad, office work, cleaning, event planning
2:00pm – Adventure time! I try to take the kids to do something fun daily – city park, harbor walk, play at home etc.
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Flexible time to get things done from the checklist
5:00pm – Dinner and family time 7:00pm – Kids in bed (HAHA, this is the goal!)
8:00pm-10:00pm – Adult time and typically some more work
10:00pm – Sleep
