Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Piper
Hi Kaylee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Cuyahoga Falls native and grew up in this city riding my bike around town with friends. I’ve lived in CF my whole life with the exception of a couple years and now life has come full circle owning my home here with my husband, Brian, and my two boys, Mason + Zack.
I went to KSU and majored in Hospitality Management knowing I’ve always gravitated towards planning and creating experiences. After graduation, I explored various areas of hospitality, marketing, and live events. I’ve gained knowledge and experience while working alongside mentors and professionals at Rock the House Entertainment learning production + client coordinating, opening the Cleveland Aquarium + creating/hosting signature events, learning the world of sports with Cleveland Monsters AHL + Cleveland Gladiators AFL as the marketing + community relations coordinator, planning conferences globally with Experient Inc/Maritz Global Events, and assisting with the planning and execution of the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland.
COVID crushed the hospitality industry – something I never could have thought would waver. I was furloughed as hundreds of contracts for conferences and events were cancelled, many I had been working on for years. For the first time, I questioned my career in hospitality.
Life has a funny way of surprising you as a local friend of mine sent me the job posting for the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership as they were seeking a new Executive Director. It checked all my boxes (even new ones) and after several intense interview rounds, I was named the next ED of DTCFP. I have led DTCFP for almost 4.5 years!
This blends my previous experiences with the nonprofit / main street / tourism world. I love Cuyahoga Falls and having the chance to directly support and impact my hometown through our growing downtown has been the most challenging yet fulfilling role!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Besides COVID, everything has fallen into place organically. I have met so many amazing people through Kent State University that have opened doors for me, even to this day.
With all that being said – there were times I was working three different jobs and have always had an insane schedule. I’ve never had a 9am – 5pm job and have typically worked evenings and weekends because that’s when people are available to experience. While this was/is exhausting, I love it. It allows me some freedom outside “normal” work hours for other things.
My favorite practice that I have learned is to take a 30-60 second pause before each event and then another pause during the event. The calm before the storm, seeing your event come together before the doors open. Then taking it all in + seeing your event in all it’s glory as people are experiencing as you envisioned it. An idea to reality. I feed off that energy and that feeling makes the insane schedule + long hours worth it. That’s what I love about this industry – you build your A team to create beautiful moments filled with energy + intention for lasting memories.
Every day is different and I love meeting new people along the way. Life is all about who you know. Learning from people that inspire me and seeing them in their craft while soaking in and savoring the moment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Now being 35, I am at the point where I have 15 years of my career under my belt with so much more life to live. I love creating whether it’s personally or professionally. We all get caught up in the hamster wheel of life – and I say this as a mom of two littles that are 7 and 3. I’m in the thick of trying to keep up while also trying to slow down to not miss it all. My kiddos remind me to pause and enjoy the little things.
Quoting one of my inspirations – Judi Holler – “Life is improv! The world is your stage. And sometimes we need a remix.”
I want balance and meaning in everything I do. As a wife, mom, friend, colleague, and as my own person. So being at this point, I am focusing on quality over quantity and finding the magic in the mundane. This spills into my work as I elevate and expand on initiatives + events while ensuring our mission is always present in everything we do. I am proud of where I am today and all the steps I’ve taken to get here. To be able to melt my personal with my professional.
My goal is to leave this world and the people I interact with better. To create safe spaces and meaningful connections. I like to create beautiful things which I have found in gardening, painting, writing, and music. Blending those in my work as I create events, support our small business community, connecting with partners + stakeholders while honoring our roots and natural amenities.
You are the only YOU in the world and that is your superpower! Be the artist of your life and create amazing things. I follow what feels aligned and lights me up then go from there.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
BOOKS: ACOTAR & Harry Potter (love to unwind with my fantasy books!) The Mountain Is You, Fear is my Homeboy, Greenlights
PODCASTS: Holler at your Dreams, The Mel Robbins Podcast, EmpowerHER + (shameless plug for my husband’s podcast, Trail Theory for the outdoor enthusiasts!)
OTHER: Mastermind classes have been great for microlearning in several areas. Definitely worth the annual subscription!
Music is my go-to outlet. A song can change my mood. Sharing music is my love language and let’s just say, listening to my playlists is an experience ha!
I can’t advocate enough for therapy, yoga, and personal training/working out. I have been doing all three regularly for over two years and I cannot recommend them enough. To be able to connect yourself – mind, body, and soul. This trio has kept me sane and has helped me explore my life in ways I never would have been able to by myself.
Shout out to Alternative Therapeutics, HARVEST Yoga + Wellness Studio, and Coach Juice with Akron Athletic Collective.
It really does take a village and nothing works if you don’t so INVEST in yourself!
Pricing:
- Join DTCFP as a Business partner for as low as $21/month | www.downtowncf.com/partner
- Join DTCFP as a Community partner for as low as $25 to receive exclusive “partner perks” | www.downtowncf.com/partnerperks
- Volunteer with us through events, clean ups, committees, and more! | www.downtowncf.com/volunteer
- Support our small businesses + keep your dollars local!
- Follow us on socials for updates, giveaways, guides, and more!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downtowncf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtowncfpartnership
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownCFPartnership
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@downtowncfpartnership2429
- Other: Sign up for our weekly newsletter for events, promos + more! – https://mailchi.mp/a9161713bd5e/dtcf
