Wonder Woman Wednesday- Kirsten Bierlein-Hollenback

Who am I? Well, I have many titles. Founder of The OPAL Affair. Mom. Partner. Daughter. Friend. 

But as for Kirsten? She’s an empath. A girl who has a knack for reading people and situations. An Aquarius and Enneagram 4 who feels pulled towards change-making. A girl who’s dedicated herself to using her voice and talents for building the businesses, ideas, and beliefs that she sees as lacking within her community. 

I’ve always known that I wanted to own my own business. I watched as my dad built a successful company from nothing into something important and well-respected, and always had so much admiration for the grit it takes to make space for yourself in the world of entrepreneurship. After leaving the workforce to primarily stay home with my son for the first two years of his life, a colleague presented me with an idea, and we became a partnership in the wedding industry space. While I’m grateful for the personal, professional, and interpersonal growth and learning that opportunity provided me, it wasn’t until I trusted my gut and went out on my own as The OPAL Affair that I truly found my groove! 

I’m now the proud, sole owner of The OPAL Affair, LLC- a company which provides Wedding and Event Planning Services across the state of Michigan. The other, newest portion of my business is taking on branding and consulting clientele. The OPAL Affair serves as the Community and Events Coordinator for Uptown Bay City, in addition to taking on occasional branding and consulting projects for other entrepreneurs. 

My goals for the long-term include growth, of course (and you’ll just have to follow along for more on that) But just as importantly, maintaining a steadfast dedication to the integrity and values on which I founded The OPAL Affair. 

The best thing about life is that no one gets to live it for you. YOU are the captain of your ship. YOU are the author of your novel. (Insert any number of other cheesy metaphors here!) But honestly, waking up each morning with a whole day ahead of you is a freaking gift. My advice? Surround yourself with the people and influences who also understand- and live- like that. 

Trust your gut. And no, giving that advice is not a cop-out. It’s the simple things we tend to overlook first. We’re taught, particularly as women, from a very young age not to trust ourselves. Unlearn that. You KNOW the right answer in every situation. You’re just ignoring it due to societal standards, family history, pride, fear, and a bunch of other made-up shit. Trust your gut. 

People can follow along with the journey of The OPAL Affair at @theopalaffair on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok. As well as @theopalaffairevents on Pinterest. And visit www.theopalaffair.com to learn more, inquire, and (in the near future!) shop! 

Kirsten