"I realize that balance is a daily activity that must be monitored and managed," with Carolyn Howell

Carolyn Howell is President and Co-Founder of Orange Wall Enterprises, a safety solutions company that was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is also Owner and CEO of EventsUSA and events planning professional for three decades.  Her expertise is sought out by companies looking for a special event that employees and clients alike will appreciate and enjoy.

Her ongoing desire to help companies resolve challenges within their workforce through strategically crafted events has earned her high praise from human resources professionals and business leaders.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I am a native Marylander who spent the first 18 years of my life in a little town called Brandywine.

I am the oldest of six children. After high school, I went right into the workforce and it was as Head teller at People’s National Bank that I met a customer would become my future boss then business associate.

I have been married for over 45 years and am the mother of two daughters, one son and I actually had children born in 3 different decades, the 70s, 80 and 90s. My career path in tourism, hospitality, and planning made event management and logistics a natural progression.

What inspired you to start your business? 

It is interesting that I never ever wanted to own my own business, that was not my plan. But I definitely had a purpose, a goal. I wanted a happy family life and a home of peace and rest. When I had my first daughter in 1978, I knew that she had to be my focus, and raising her with the appropriate time and attention was my priority. That is when I started my very first home-based bookkeeping business. This business was a stepping-stone to ultimately starting Fun Company Events which became EVENTS USA.

Where is your business based?

In the great state of Maryland.

How did you start your business?

I was already managing partner of a corporate picnics company that I had helped co-found in 2004, and on April 1, 2011, I started Fun Company Events which rebranded as Events USA and expanded beyond picnics into meetings, conferences, galas, large ceremonies, and celebrations. 

What were the first steps you took?

Settling on the right name, securing my URL, and creating the company structure.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Creating a reputation for delivering on our promises.

Becoming a member of WBENC.

Becoming a member of the WPO, the Women Presidents Organization.

Networking with the high caliber WBE entrepreneurs in those organizations.

Using social media platforms responsibly, especially LinkedIn. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

Money - Of course access to capital has always been a challenge. With the aid of my accountant and attorney Paul, we have been able to create a scenario where self-funding became a viable solution until we could qualify for conventional funding. 

COVID-19!!! In response to the pandemic, I along with another savvy entrepreneur co-founded a brand new company Orange Wall Enterprises LLC which specializes in COVID-19 anti=spread solutions.

How do you stay focused?

I keep in mind my original and constant goal of having a home of peace and rest and realize that it does take cash to fuel this effort. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

By providing an extra layer of wrap-around services that they may not or cannot do as well.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

Email marketing campaigns and social media.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Sell your strengths and buy your weaknesses. An amazing businesswoman from Canada dropped that little nugget at a conference and I always think about it. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

App: Memrise

Blog: Smitten Kitchen

Book: The Bible

Why? I have been working hard at learning Russian/I love cooking and all things kitchen/The Bible has answers to life’s big question and its always a best seller. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

All things APPLE! MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone you name it. They connect my world seamlessly@ 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I do love how Richard Branson thinks at times. 

How do you balance work and life? 

I realize that balance is a daily activity that must be monitored and managed. I try to do something meaningful every day and always try to capture some offline time.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Cooking, eating, watching blooper reels on Youtube, and crocheting.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

Finding a COVID free getaway by the water and substantially reducing my work hours,

How can our readers connect with you?

On Linkedin @Carolyn E. Howell

and Instagram - @carolynehowell