Howdy!

We’re Katie, Cortni, and Lauren—three college besties in our 20s with a shared passion for event planning and supporting small businesses.

What started as a small idea for lasting change in the vendor market industry has grown into Cowgirl Capital Events, a thriving business that allows us to pour our hearts into empowering entrepreneurs through unforgettable markets!

Meet the Cowgirls

  • Katie Shirley, Director of Operations! 🛍

    With a background in wedding planning, Katie has a passion for creating seamless, memorable events. Now working as a communications coordinator for The WARM Place, a nonprofit that supports children and adults coping with the loss of a loved one, Katie brings her heart for helping others to every event she touches. As our Director of Operations, she’s the mastermind behind the logistics of every event. From preparing the technical details to creating the perfect vendor map and handling any and all emergencies, Katie ensures that every part of the day flows seamlessly. Her dedication to making people feel cared for and supported is at the core of everything she does!

  • Cortni Farr, Director of Vendor Relations! ✨

    As a former boutique owner, Cortni became immersed in the vendor market scene and quickly fell in love with it. Now, as our Director of Vendor Relations, she’s the go-to person for all things vendor-related. Cortni handles everything from reviewing applications with our team, conducting all market related communications, crafting our newsletters and ensuring all vendors are taken care of. Having been a vendor herself many times, she understands exactly what vendors need to thrive and always delivers that with her top notch service! On top of it all, Cortni is expecting a little Cowgirl later this year, adding a whole new layer of excitement to her already full plate!

  • Lauren Gajdica, Creative Director! 💖

    While running her own cottage bakery, Lauren developed a deep love for the small business community and all the creativity it inspires. Now, as the heart behind Cowgirl Capital Event’s branding and design, she pours that same passion into every aspect of our shows. From curating the event’s look and feel to crafting content and managing our social media, Lauren’s goal is to bring a unique and inspiring experience to every vendor and attendee. When she’s not designing, you’ll find her working full-time in event marketing, connecting with fellow small business owners, and fueling her passion for creativity and community!

A Brand New Vendor Experience

When our team first met, it just clicked! Three women with BIG dreams, all passionate about our small businesses. We crossed paths in college and instantly bonded over our love for entrepreneurship and event planning.

Years of being vendors at markets opened our eyes to something we couldn't ignore—this industry needs a change.

And that’s how our dream was born! We’re creating a brand new vendor experience—one that’s focused on community, collaboration, and lifting each other up.

We’re not just throwing together any market—we’re curating an experience that’s unique, intentional, and designed with YOU in mind!

No more endless rows of the same products over and over. Each show will feature a carefully selected mix of vendors, making sure that your business stands out and gets the attention it deserves.

We put your brand, front and center! Throughout the market, we highlight gorgeous photos of vendors on big, beautiful screens, giving shoppers a closer look at what the market has to offer.

We invest a large portion of our budget into targeted marketing, bringing in as many shoppers as possible to support you.

Plus, we’re not just focused on the event—we’re dedicated to showcasing YOU and your business on our social media, giving every vendor the opportunity to shine and connect with our audience.

And because we know show days can be long and tiring, we’ll keep you energized with snacks and water from our Southern Hospitality Station, so you can stay focused on what matters most—your business! 

Here’s to creating, connecting, and celebrating our new community!