Proud College of Business alumna Kinley Tucker Pruett has taken her small-town values and big ambitions to carve out a successful career in event planning. 

Raised in Cabool, Missouri, Pruett appreciates the unique way of life that growing up in a small town offers.  

An MSU foundation  

After graduating from Cabool High School in 2018, Pruett came to Missouri State University to further her studies. 

She graduated in May 2023 with bachelor’s degrees in business administration management and entertainment management. 

“The business college at MSU was always buzzing with energy, and it kept me motivated every semester,” Pruett said.  

She added her time in the event management program gave her invaluable opportunities to learn and grow, fueling her passion for event planning. 

Becoming an entrepreneur  

From the outset of her journey at MSU, Pruett knew she wanted to be a wedding planner.  

“I always loved weddings as a little girl. Wedding movies, the dresses and that it brought family together. I genuinely love seeing people in love. I didn’t realize I wanted to do this as a career until I was a senior in high school,” Pruett said.  

Her aspirations were solidified during a summer internship in 2022 with Misty Willinger Events, a company that specializes in wedding planning services in the Midwest. She gained practical experience and industry insights.  

Determined to turn her dreams into reality, Pruett launched her own business, Kinley & Co. Events in August 2022, while she was still a student. 

“Running a business while also going to school was not easy, but I learned so much,” Pruett said. “I have so much room to keep growing and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” 

To budding entrepreneurs, Pruett advises to be persistent and patient. You will not only endure the initial doubts and challenges of setting up a new business, but it also takes time to build a successful business, one that people can trust and recommend.   

“Do not let social media defeat you or make you feel less than. Most social media posts are extremely exaggerated or fake,” she added.  

Taking on a new challenge 

Pruett has not forgotten her roots and her dedication to her community remains unwavering.  

Earlier this summer, she moved back to Cabool and was hired as the new director of the Cabool Chamber of Commerce.  

“I’m super excited about my new position. My small town means a lot to me, and I’m so happy they trusted me with this task,” Pruett said. 

“My goals are to cherish our existing traditions and possibly start some new ones. I also want to help local businesses market themselves and show them that giving back to the community matters.”  

Do something you love  

Based on her personal experience, Pruett stresses the importance of choosing a career you love. 

“It’s never too late to change your mind. If something doesn’t feel right for you, then it’s OK to find something that does feel right,” said Pruett, who started out in hospitality. “Find something you truly love doing every day and make it your job.” 

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