Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Reitsma.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to Chicago 12 years ago from Miami, Florida and received my BFA in Acting from Columbia, Chicago. I have been a performer since I was 10 years old, and I’ve been lucky to perform in countless plays and even do some voice over and commercial work! Amidst auditioning and performing around Chicago, I would produce events and theatrical productions. I founded a theater company called: The LIVINGroom which is a collective of writers who create nonfictional stories and perform them with a heightened activity often interacting with the audience.
I was producing events, acting, and working a day job that didn’t challenge me or excite me. I realized – I love organizing, I’m super creative, and I’m extremely resourceful. I’m going to start a business. And so, I started Fierce Productions, an event planning and production company that specializes in bold, out of the box events. I try to incorporate my love of theater into every event I can. I love working with businesses and people who dare to be different and I love to create my own events.
My newest event is called The Parlor, an immersive theatrical night out in a mansion where you can have a cocktail in hand and watch a monologue from Shakespeare’s Cleopatra. This is my passion project and I hope to create more of these events around the city and the world!
Has it been a smooth road?
Quitting my day job was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. I felt like I must be crazy to give up consistent income and start something that didn’t exist. But, I also felt like if I didn’t commit 100% to this goal then it would just be a hobby and I wouldn’t make a living out of it.
The first year was tough especially when it came time to sell myself. I have a huge history in sales, but I always sold someone else’s product. To sell yourself, you really have to be clear on what you’re providing and your worth. The more events I worked, the more I realized why an event planner is so important. I was scared to ask for what I was worth at first because I was telling myself things like “this is too expensive”. I was going through imposter syndrome quite a bit telling myself “You are a phony, you don’t know what you’re doing” but all my clients were happy and telling me I was doing great.
Start a business is a mental game. Self-care is more important than ever in my life. It’s easy to get caught up in anxiety and fear when there are so many unknowns. So, I do my best to practice daily affirmations and gratitudes, boundaries and turn my phone off, so I can be present when I’m with friends or family. Trust and faith are also a HUGE factor. Trusting yourself, your ability, and having faith in the universe is key.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Fierce Productions is an event planning and production company specializing in unique and bold weddings, social, and corporate events. I love to surprise event goers by challenging their expectations of how they think an event should be. We are known for events that feature performative, interactive experiences. Fierce is dedicated to supporting the Chicago theater and arts community by including performers in as many events as possible. Fierce is also proud to support Women/LGBTQ owned vendors by recommending them to as many clients as possible.
I’m a unique event planner because I look for what sets you apart and dare you to be different. I encourage you to let your story be told, perhaps in a way you never have or never thought you could. I give you, my couples, my clients, permission to let your freak flag fly and show the world why you are special.
I am proud to work with couples who don’t identify with the binary wedding world that they are told they should fit into. I am mindful of gender pronouns and implement this into all of my planning and execution.
And, I love to create my own events. One event I created that I am super excited about right now is called The Parlor. I produce, plan, and curate the talent for this event, which takes place at The Colvin House, a historic mansion in Edgewater. I get to work with incredibly talented actors, musicians, and dancers as well as florists, caterers, and unique vendors like millineries and vintage collectors. The Parlor is an evening where you can come dressed in your favorite gown, flutter a fan, and drink a signature cocktail, all while being surrounded by immersive performances of some of the best talents in Chicago. Oh and I’m currently in the works of creating the coolest Halloween Party ever.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago has one of the biggest markets in the country for events. If you are curious about a career in events, I would reach out to an event planner, florist, design production company and see if they have an internship. (I am always looking for interns!) This is a great way to get to know others in the industry and see if this is a career for you. I know hundreds of other event planners and there is plenty of work to go around!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1510 N Rockwell St.
- Website: www.fierce-productions.com
- Phone: (872) 588-1542
- Email: laura@fierce-productions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierce.productions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercepros
Image Credit:
Anna Sodziak, Adam at Tuan B Co, Hella Positive Pin Up
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