Eighteen years ago, I launched Howerton+Wooten Events. I was eager, hopeful, and just a little bit terrified. Since then, I’ve navigated some of the most beautiful highs and the toughest lows, including a recession, two government shutdowns, a worldwide pandemic, and the loss of two parents. Through it all, my business has grown, shifted, and endured. Today, in honor of my 18-year milestone, I am sharing 18 lessons I’ve learned. Here’s what I’ve learned about building a business that lasts. I hope they help you, whether you’re in year one or year twenty-one.
1. Hire a bookkeeper, attorney, and accountant you trust.
They are part of your foundation, so they make sure they are solid.
2. Accept that bad stuff is going to happen.
Plan for resilience. The storms will come, so build your roots deep.
3. Find a way to meditate.
Whether it’s church, yoga, hiking, or quiet mornings, stillness sharpens your clarity.
4. Not all clients are going to love you.
And that’s okay. Have a graceful process for parting ways when the chemistry is off.
5. Your clients care about your personal life until it affects their event.
Share wisely, but keep your focus on serving them with excellence.
6. Stop worrying about people stealing your ideas.
Execution matters more than secrecy, and no one can deliver your vision exactly like you can.
7. Hire before you’re desperate.
If you wait until you’re drowning, you’ll grab the first lifeline instead of the right one.
8. What is cheap is expensive.
Cutting corners almost always costs you more in the end. And, when I say “costs,” I mean money, reputation, and peace of mind.
9. Honor your business hours.
You train your clients how to treat you. Protect your time and your energy.
10. Stop trying to assimilate.
Blending in won’t make you more profitable. Your uniqueness is your competitive edge.
11. Maintain enough savings to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses.
A financial cushion is oxygen for your business in hard times.
12. If your gut says something isn’t right, listen to it.
That little voice is there to protect you.
13. Set goals, develop a plan, and implement it daily.
Consistency is what turns dreams into results.
14. Protect your creativity like it’s priceless.
Burnout will rob you faster than a slow sales season.
15. Your brand is not your logo.
It’s the lasting impression people carry after they’ve worked with you.
16. Never stop learning.
The moment you think you’ve “arrived” is the moment your relevance begins to fade.
17. Relationships are currency.
Invest in them without always expecting a return.
18. Your peace is worth more than any paycheck.
Walk away from anything that threatens it.
Eighteen years has taught me that success is not just about strategy, sales, or social media likes. It’s about showing up, staying true to your vision, and refusing to lose yourself in the process. If you’re reading this and you’re in the thick of building, keep going. Protect your heart. Guard your mind. And remember that the real win is not just in making it to the next year, but in loving what you do when you get there.
Here’s to your next chapter and to building a business that lasts.
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Love and Soul Always, Kawania
Photography: Renee Hollingshead Photography
Kawania Howerton Wooten
With 30+ years of experience shaping conferences and high-end events for Washington DC’s elite, Kawania Wooten seamlessly blends her expertise in event management with her early culinary industry experience. As a recognized wedding industry expert, Kawania brought her knowledge to the classroom for eight years, where she taught courses at Prince George’s Community College. Her award-winning contributions to the event industry and her company’s celebrated client care have solidified her reputation as a driving force within the industry.
