Meet Kelli Bielema | Event Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Bielema and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It’s been a major part of my life. I’ve always been perceived as someone who takes risks, even if I don’t personally think it’s risky. I’ve moved to cities where I don’t know anyone and managed to find my way. I spent a good part of my 20s and early 30s not being very confident. Once I founded my first event business I had a real “fake it til you make it” mentality but as it turns out, I didn’t really need to fake it. I knew what I was doing, I just didn’t have the confidence. That belief in myself and my ability to grow a business increased over the years. I continue to take risks but they are a bit more calculated. I’ve definitely made a few risky mistakes that have taught me that hard lesson.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my life out as an actor and believed theatre, film & TV would be my life forever but as I experienced the industry more, I knew behind the scenes was more my jam. I thrive on process – the life cycle of a production of any kind. I wouldn’t say it was easy but it was kind of a natural progression from the entertainment world to events. So many skills from producing are transferrable and prepared me for the live events world. I think the only regret is that I would have recognized it sooner. But here we are and I think every step along the way has been necessary to get to this point. Experience is worth its salt and what I know about client needs and audience desires culminated into what I’m doing now with The AirScream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Lodge the first few days downtown at a cool hotel like The State. See all the city things like Pike Place Market (it’s not just for tourists), the whole Seattle Center campus (catch a live show at KEXP). Tons of incredible places to eat on Capitol Hill like mainstay Osteria La Spiga and newcomer Dough Joy for the best doughnuts you’ve ever had. The International District is also full of great shopping (I’m obsessed with Uwajimaya) amazing eats including the best pho at Pho Bac Sup Shop. We’ve got a bunch of cool neighborhoods to explore like Georgetown (get you a tattoo!), Ballard (the Sunday Farmer’s Market for so many great finds & not just food) and endless parks to enjoy anywhere in the city. Be sure to take a day trip or overnight to Vashon (staying at The Lodges at Vashon is a must!) or Bainbridge but we also have some breathtaking spots out on the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands. Be sure to bring your doggo as we are a very pet-friendly city. We even have dog bars like Dogwood Lake City where you can have a few adult bevvies while Fido frolics.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Creating a business can be terrifying but being surrounded by like-minded people who have led the way has been super helpful to me. The Seattle events community is one that has been encouraging and supportive from day one for me. After 15 years in the PNW I still count on my unofficial board of advisors who have been a great sounding board whenever I need it as well as mentors in helping me recognize where I can stretch my talents.

Website: theairscream.com

Instagram: the_airscream

Linkedin: The AirScream

Facebook: AirScream Karaoke

Youtube: The AirScream

Image Credits
Wedding Photo – Into Dust Photography Kelli hugging person – Barbie Hull Photography