Kelly Lake embodies a classic trait of a small business owner
LUX has been and continues to be the leading and award-winning catering and events company in Utah. Their passion for innovation and drive to create unforgettable memories shows in their work.
Kelly and her teams hard work has paid off. In addition to LUX Catering and Events, they also have LUX Hospitality Group, which focuses on venue management, festivals, fairs, and multi day mass events.
At NFIB’s annual Small Business Day at the Capitol, Grassroots Manager Taylor Criddle sat down with Kelly to learn more about her and her involvement with NFIB.
Q. What is your business?
A. LUX is a boutique, full-service catering and events firm that specializes in creating gorgeous events and lasting memories! Our sister company LUX Hospitality Group focuses on venue management, festivals, fairs, and multi day mass events.
Q. When was it founded?
A. We were founded in 1995.
Q. How did you become a small business owner?
A. Wow! This is a fun question. It’s something I never expected. My husband and I started catering; the business grew and grew. He retired a few years ago and the growth has continued.
Q. How many employees do you have?
A. We have 40 full time employees and over 100 seasonal and part time employees.
Q. Why did you become an NFIB member?
A. I met Casey, our local rep, at our state legislative session. He went out of his way to help with some pandemic related industry issues. I was impressed and wanted to know more.
Q. In what ways has NFIB helped your small business?
A. Very directly, the example with Casey stands out. More broadly, NFIB allows my single voice to be amplified. It lets me have access to people and places where normally I’d never be seen or heard.
Q. What’s the biggest challenge that faces local small business owners like you?
A. We face the challenge of always bringing enough business to consistently support our teams. We pay our staff well above minimum wage and offer benefits to them that rival Fortune 500 companies. To have these perks, we need to have a consistent book of business. Events have a natural ebb and flow of busy and slow times, so trying to bring in business during the slower times can be a challenge.
Q. How are you tackling that challenge in your own business?
A. We have a Marketing Director and Sales Team who constantly brainstorm ways to create new experiences and make the LUX difference. We have deep community ties. We build on years of relationships. We show our passion in everything we do.
Q. What advice would you give new NFIB members to make the most of their membership?
A. Be a joiner! Network. Be aware of what’s happening. Is there some way that you can help someone in your industry? In another industry? And know your elected officials – that’s crucial
Q. What could help your industry grow?
Sensible taxes – reward the small businesses that have weathered up and down years, not just the shiny newcomers. Recognition for Live Events as an entire industry. We realized during the pandemic that we were somewhat left out in the cold. Get DC to understand fully that Main Street matters as much as K Street, if not more.
