Community Highlights: Meet Kirsten Bierlein-Hollenback of The OPAL Affair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Bierlein-Hollenback. 

Hi Kirsten, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey to entrepreneurship began in March 2020 when I left a job that I loved due to lack of consistent childcare and the vast unknowns of the early days of COVID. Given my event planning history, organizational skillset, and marketing background, I embarked on a journey of assisting ‘COVID Brides’ with replanning and rescheduling their weddings from the ground up. While the original intention was simply to work with the clients of one local wedding photographer, I quickly realized the vast need within Michigan’s wedding market and was able to expand my services statewide into a solely owned and operated LLC.- The OPAL Affair. 

In 2022 alone, The OPAL Affair, LLC. Planned and coordinated 36 weddings in locations ranging from Downtown Detroit to Leelanau Penninsula to Mackinac Island. In 2023 we’ll take on our biggest challenges yet, starting out the wedding season with our first out-of-state wedding in New Orleans, LA. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is most definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s also not for the noncommittal. Here’s the realest thing I can say about owning a small business: when you’re the CEO, CFO, and CCO of your one-person operation, there is no one else to hold you accountable- there is no one else to keep the checks and balances- besides YOU. I think a lot of people get into business thinking that it’s going to give them a certain freedom, an opportunity to “be their own boss,” if you will. But the truth of it is, it’s crucial to always remember that your clients are really your employers. They’re the ones allowing you to give this crazy thing called entrepreneurship a shot. 

As you know, we’re big fans of The OPAL Affair, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The OPAL Affair, LLC. is a Wedding and Events Planning company based in Michigan. OPAL was born out of the 4 things that I do best: Organize, Plan, Advise, and List-Build. It’s a love affair between the timeless and contemporary. I’m inspired by the fluidity of tradition and innovation, and I try to reflect that in everything that I do. 

When I set out to build a recognizable brand within this industry, I knew I could only be truly successful if I kept it raw, authentic, and close to my heart. That’s why you’ll see the words “Bold, Stylish AF, and Slightly Irreverent” splashed across our website and socials. I’m not a frills, lace, pinks, and pastels type of gal, and knew that I could set The OPAL Affair, LLC. Apart from the standard wedding branding by leaning into my own sense of style. 

The branding also directly reflects my style of planning and coordinating. At The OPAL Affair, you can expect direct, no-nonsense communication. We’re clear, concise, calm, and we get the job done with immaculate craftsmanship and an unparalleled attention to detail. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was…probably considered slightly odd. I was the girl with her nose in a book, her head in the clouds, and her feet in the dirt. I would spend my weekends running through fields with my dog or accompanying my dad to one of his many jobsites (he’s also an entrepreneur and has had a prolific 30-year career as a carpenter.) For the first 10 years of my life, I was an only child, and it wasn’t truly until my own two young children (ages 3 and 5) turned, well, 3 and 5, that I was able to truly appreciate what a quiet and relaxing childhood I really had! 

Interest-wise, I took inspiration from books like Anne of Green Gables, old tv shows like I Love Lucy, and of course, those weekends spent hanging out with my dad. To relate back to entrepreneurship, I do think I was always destined to take the road less traveled, or as I like to call it, the scenic route. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theopalaffair.com/
• Instagram: @theopalaffair
• Facebook: @theopalaffair
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/theopalaffairevents/ 

Image Credits
Kirsten
Jenna Joann Photos
Bouquet and Jimmy
Mary Shelton Media
Alive Today Studios
The Smiths