Technically, my company launched when I was in second grade. It was then my itch for entrepreneurship endeavors transformed from making hair bows as a hobby to selling them to my classmates at school for profit. As if hand-making my doll furniture and presenting my parents with "blueprints" for my dream bedroom remodel weren't enough…I thought covering my bedroom walls with Mylar balloons and posters was truly innovative. That phase moved swiftly into the floor-to-ceiling sunflower stage and finally: the all-burgundy walls stage. I'm not sure how many actual design principles were put into place within my four-wall bedroom, but I do know I was overwhelmed with creative energy. Thankfully though, my tastes have evolved!
Sure, every adult challenged me to answer the ubiquitous question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I knew the right thing to say to keep them nodding in approval – you know, the usual 6-year-old response: doctor, lawyer, architect. However, as I approached my college years, I became acutely aware of my desire to create. I would often hear my Dad's voice, "figure out what you love to do and then figure out how to make money doing it." Looking back, I realize my passion for creation, art and design was never something I sought, but something that captured me. So I knew I wanted to work in a design related field, but how would I encompass all the things I love in my career: fast-pace ambition, architecture, design, marketing, public relations, business, families, posh papers and finishes, luxe details, intricate fabrics…I knew there was something for me to expel the constant stream of creative thoughts flowing through me and it took one moment of clarity to know exactly what I wanted---no, what I needed---to do with my life.
Feeling pure joy while arranging place settings for a college dance team banquet, I knew in an instant what I needed to do with my life. As quickly as my moment of clarity came, I began working towards my goal. My junior year in college I changed my major from Environmental Design to Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a Business Minor. A crazy, impulsive decision to some (including myself!) but at the time, I knew what I wanted to do, I already had many design hours and this way I would have a well-rounded education and graduate sooner. After all, if I wanted to own a business, why not take some business classes?
Sure, every adult challenged me to answer the ubiquitous question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I knew the right thing to say to keep them nodding in approval – you know, the usual 6-year-old response: doctor, lawyer, architect. However, as I approached my college years, I became acutely aware of my desire to create. I would often hear my Dad's voice, "figure out what you love to do and then figure out how to make money doing it." Looking back, I realize my passion for creation, art and design was never something I sought, but something that captured me. So I knew I wanted to work in a design related field, but how would I encompass all the things I love in my career: fast-pace ambition, architecture, design, marketing, public relations, business, families, posh papers and finishes, luxe details, intricate fabrics…I knew there was something for me to expel the constant stream of creative thoughts flowing through me and it took one moment of clarity to know exactly what I wanted---no, what I needed---to do with my life.
Feeling pure joy while arranging place settings for a college dance team banquet, I knew in an instant what I needed to do with my life. As quickly as my moment of clarity came, I began working towards my goal. My junior year in college I changed my major from Environmental Design to Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a Business Minor. A crazy, impulsive decision to some (including myself!) but at the time, I knew what I wanted to do, I already had many design hours and this way I would have a well-rounded education and graduate sooner. After all, if I wanted to own a business, why not take some business classes?
My senior year in college I joined the International Special Events Society (ISES) and furiously soaked up all the event planning information I could find. I instantly fell in love with the industry, so much so my college graduation gift was a week of lectures and seminars at an event planning convention. I met and learned from some of the best planners and designers in the world.
After graduating with my Journalism BS from Texas A&M University, I moved to Dallas to work for an event rental company. I learned all of the ground-up logistics of an event, from silverware to china, to huge tent installations. Whether it was a baby shower, or a wedding for 500, I knew exactly what was needed for the success of the celebration. I loved the countless possibilities – linens, chairs, chargers, server ware, lounge furniture, décor props, lighting – all fabulous! From there I was blessed with a career opportunity to plan parties and youth activities at a country club in Dallas before transitioning into their Marketing Director.
After graduating with my Journalism BS from Texas A&M University, I moved to Dallas to work for an event rental company. I learned all of the ground-up logistics of an event, from silverware to china, to huge tent installations. Whether it was a baby shower, or a wedding for 500, I knew exactly what was needed for the success of the celebration. I loved the countless possibilities – linens, chairs, chargers, server ware, lounge furniture, décor props, lighting – all fabulous! From there I was blessed with a career opportunity to plan parties and youth activities at a country club in Dallas before transitioning into their Marketing Director.
Early into my young career, I realized the performance bug poison had not quite left my body completely. After all, I have been dancing since I was three. I decided to audition for the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. After five years in boots and smiling on the field, I am still representing the team for a total of seven amazing years with the DCC! During the five years I cheered on the sidelines of one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world, I met some of my best friends, attended many heart-warming charity events, learned the true meanings of "teamwork", "hard-work", "leadership" and "excellence." I traveled around the world to nine different countries, performed in three United Services Organization tours and had experiences of a lifetime. I sat through many media training sessions, etiquette classes, team-building and leadership seminars, countless workouts where we thought there was no way we would survive, and had too many hilarious backstage moments to count. It was the most challenging, thrilling, fun and rewarding experience of my life. (Okay, we can throw skydiving in the mix of challenging and thrilling). There are definitely elements of my performance and stage production background in my events and event design style. Every bit of passion I have for the DCC organization, as well as the instilled desire to be the best person I can be with the highest standards in all I do, carries over into my work now. The visual appeal and logistical aspects of an event are one-in-the-same with a stage performance – bringing many elements together to captivate an audience, make memories, and create a lasting impression.
Soon after retiring from DCC as a cheerleader, (although you might still catch me in uniform as I continue to work for the Cowboys as an All-Star Cheerleader), and after a decade in the event industry in some form, I was elated to begin my event planning and design career under my own name through Misty Duncan Events. The journey of my life has always encompassed dancing, performing, and creative endeavors – these are not just things I love, they are all part of who I am. I believe our celebrations are personal to us and the people our events bring together create priceless memories. To me, nothing is meaningful without making it personal and nothing is personal without a passion behind the purpose.
Now you know my story and I want to know all about you and how we can make your celebration an event to remember.
Now you know my story and I want to know all about you and how we can make your celebration an event to remember.
