What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Nicole Kaney? The Planner, the Powerhouse, and the Sarasota Success Story


Listen Later

In this high-energy, behind-the-scenes episode, we sit down with Nicole Kaney — Sarasota native, devoted mother, and the powerhouse founder behind one of Florida’s most sought-after wedding and event planning companies. From her early days as a college-town yoga trailblazer with a cult-following (and $5 classes that packed 50 people into a bike shop), to running 75+ weddings a year with a 13-woman team, Nicole walks us through the grit, grace, and groundedness that built her business.

Nicole shares how scrappiness, strong community roots, smart support systems, and a whole lot of hustle helped her grow from studio owner to event industry standout. She opens up about marriage, motherhood, hurricanes, hiring help without guilt, and the real secret to surviving the emotional roller coaster of wedding days.

This is a masterclass in building a business you love, staying sane while doing it, and remembering that dinner at the table matters just as much as any dance floor.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

  • Growing up in Sarasota and returning to raise her own family
     
  • Building a cult-favorite yoga studio in Gainesville before yoga was “cool”
     
  • The grassroots hustle: flyers, bikes, DJs, art openings, and AOL
     
  • Transitioning into events and creating a planning company brides related to
     
  • Growing from 10 weddings a year to 75+ with a powerhouse all-female team
     
  • Navigating motherhood, marriage, and running a business (with help — proudly!)
     
  • COVID challenges, hurricanes, and the emotional weight of wedding days
     
  • What clients really expect today: bigger, bolder, and more everything
     
  • Marriage longevity: 23 years with her high-school sweetheart
     
  • Building a new home, raising kids in Sarasota, and staying grounded

 

MEMORABLE QUOTES

  • “You can’t be fully dedicated if you’re trying to do everything alone.”
     
  • “I wasn’t a great student. But I’m scrappy — and that’s what helped me build a business.”
     
  • “I’ve always had help — and I’m not afraid to say it. More people should.”

--------------------------

Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8OwglL7nA4g
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan

Connect with Nicole Kaney:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nk_weddings/
Website: https://nkproductions.net/

If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Nicole’s.

Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco
Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com

Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

What's Your Story with Jaime & StanBy Jaime Marco