We had the good fortune of connecting with Laurie Kirby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laurie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
After working for others and having struggled with those challenges, I knew that with 35 years of work of experience, I could do this! I decided I would never treat people unkindly, that I would not lie or misrepresent myself or my company, that I would try never to beat myself up for mistakes and that I would make amends when I did, that I would seek the best and brightest people to surround myself with in partners, staff, sponsors and speakers. I also swore I would never lose money and I haven’t. I decided I would work as hard as I had to in order to succeed. That isn’t a single decision but they are intertwined as integrity and hard work is everything!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own the only b2b company in the US solely devoted to festival education and networking. We have every type of festival there from music, film, art, books, food, wine, wellness and more. It wasn’t easy but it was necessary to carve out a place for professional development, networking and resources. It is also a lot of fun! I have overcome challenges with hard work and sensibility. I have a long career in the law, with festivals and nonprofits. The festival community welcomed this and have been so incredible in participating. I’ve learned to stay transparent, open, humble, grounded, kind and funny. Funny is big! I love my family and friends and my sponsors are friends, my staff are friends and my children are friends. Even my grandchildren are buddies!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my area- Santa Barbara is a wealth of exciting things to do and see. There is hiking, golf, live music, great places to eat, great architecture and great tasting rooms! LotusLand, The Lobero Theater, The Riveria, City Hall, Lucky’s and Glen Annie Golf Course are a few of my favorite spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Andam McKaig and Melissa Borders of Adams Angels in Santa Barbara

Website: FestForums.com

Instagram: @FestForums

Linkedin: @FestForums

Twitter: @FestForums

Facebook: FestForums

Youtube: @FestForums

Image Credits
Chris Jensen

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.