Hidden Gems: Meet Jes Barkman of Knotted Consultations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jes Barkman.

Hi Jes, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have a very unique personal and professional background that allows me able to do this very specific niche in the wedding industry in a way no one can. Anyone who knows me would describe me as a Mountain Town Expert – there isn’t a single mountain town in Colorado in which I can’t tell you where to eat, sleep, hike, and of course, find the best thrift store.

I pride myself on the knowledge of undercover local whatever you can think of in every town and have been a local in many of Colorado’s most beautiful small towns. My parents used to worry about all this moving around, but it is what has provided me with the resources and connections to fully customize couples and their guest experiences. The goal for me is to provide everyone with one of those WOW memories from every wedding.

I got my start in the industry by being in the right place at the right time and got a job at one of the busiest wedding venues in CO – Lionsgate Events Center. When I started there they had been in business 26 years and were doing close to 400 events on a property that had 3 venues onsite. As I’m sure you can imagine, the experience I got there as the Sales and Marketing Director within only a few short years is unparalleled.

I had my hand in hundreds of events of all shapes, sizes, and budgets and was able to meet amazing vendors, many of whom I still work with today! The majority of my role at the venue was in educating couples on what a realistic budget would look like, envisioning their perfect day, and creating the initial action plan to make it all happen!

From there I followed my heart back to the mountains where I helped start a few ranch wedding venues before launching Knotted, at the time as a wedding and proposal planning company in January 2020. That first summer was… tough… but I successfully ended my season with 36 events.

Three years later, I have cried happy tears at almost 100 events and counting and still know – THIS is what I am passionate about. I have planned weddings and elopements all across the state, in Utah and even Mexico, and have continued to make lasting vendor relationships with some of the best in the industry. No other planners I know have worked such with such a vast array of clients, budgets, or locations.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a business owner is never a smooth road, if it was, everyone would own a business. But every single challenge, and there have been many, has led me to my new niche in the industry as a wedding consultant and I am so grateful it has!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Doing things a little bit differently in this industry, new and out-of-the-box ideas for Colorado weddings and elopements, and saving couples headaches and money where I can is kinda my thing. I offer consultation based vs in-person planning for couples at any point in the planning process whether you’re just getting started or a week out from the big day and coaching for wedding pros who are looking to level up their businesses or just getting started in our industry.

Think of me as your soon-to-be new best friend who happens to have attended more weddings than anyone else you know – I have the experience and connections that separate me from the rest, making me your go-to wedding matchmaker for one of the most important days of your life! I’m here to guide you through what we all know can be an overwhelming process, let’s get you on track! Oh, and we’re going to have fun while doing it!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As a wedding pro and business coach I am always obsessing over She Creates Business Podcast and Talk with Renee Dalo, but the biggest resource for me over the last year has been Allison Carter. Even business coaches hire coaches of their own and she has been an absolute GAME CHANGER for me!

Pricing:

• Couples: Wedding Planning Bootcamp – for couples who are just getting started in planning $750. https://www.knottedevents.co/weddingplanningbootcamp
• Couples: Planner In Your Pocket Session – for couples just needing a little help along the way $395. https://www.knottedevents.co/planner-in-your-pocket
• Vendors: Single Coaching Session $275. https://www.knottedevents.co/vendors
• Vendors: Coaching On Retainer Pricing starts at $500 https://www.knottedevents.co/vendors

Contact Info:

• Website: knottedevents.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knottedevents.co/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/JesKnottedEvents/ 

Image Credits
Meredith Soy Photography, Sarah Soul Seed Photography, Whitney Rae Photography, Amanda Olivia Photo, and CB Yates Photo