From Classroom to Entrepreneurship: A Journey of PlanIt GVL’s Lauren White
In the city of Greenville, a beacon for progressive women in business shines brightly in the dynamic entrepreneurial sector. The beacon goes by the name Lauren White, a determined business owner on a mission to craft extraordinary events with her company, PlanIt GVL.
Discovering the Dream
Lauren White, an esteemed graduate of the University of South Carolina, embarked on her journey with a master’s degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management. Initially inclined towards the tourism industry, White found a new passion that aligned her academic knowledge with her professional interests – events management.
After relocating to Greenville in 2012, White played with the idea of starting a destination management company, which could bridge her skills and the community’s needs. Leslie Lattimore, a former boss and current mentor, recommended Greenville as the perfect location for White to launch her business.
Adapting to Greenville
With diverse roles, including managing private events and a significant position at the Greenville Convention Center, White adapted to Greenville’s growing environment. Her desire to carve a niche for herself fueled her motivation to start her own business.
The Journey of PlanIt GVL
Observing the city’s increasing global interest and the presence of international industries, White realized it was the opportune time to chase her dreams. Reducing her hours at the convention center, she dedicated several months to launching PlanIt GVL.
But even the best journeys experience bumps along the way. As White reflects on her early entrepreneurial journey, she recalls, “I said, ‘OK, I’m ready to go out on my own,’ things are starting to pick up. It was going great. And then, you know, 2020.” Her business, ready to soar, faced a sudden nosedive due to the pandemic. But with resilience and determination, PlanIt GVL was reborn, striding stronger in the face of adversity.
Rebuilding After The Pandemic
White quickly adapted to the changing environment, managing outdoor events under the constraints of the pandemic. Among her notable events include those organized for the Home Builders Association of Greenville and the annual Southern Home and Garden Show.
Building A Greenville Favourite
From being a one-woman operation, White dreams of expanding her company in the very city she loves. “When you do what you love, it seems a little bit less like work,” she says. “I’m a big supporter of the City of Greenville. I believe in Greenville’s growth and the opportunities and partnerships and relationships I have with other businesses in the community.”
White full-heartedly believes that Greenville’s warmth and inclination to support local businesses played a substantial role in facilitating her business’s growth.
