The Debrief: Lessons That Built the Work & the Woman
A space for real talk, smart tools, and behind-the-scenes lessons from life in events - and beyond. Come for the insight. Stay for the systems. Leave with something that *actually* works.
I’ve done the work. Here’s what I learned, and what you can use.
(Why) We Are Gathered Here Today…
Usually, I would only share a slice of my life with you.
It would be the bits I’m willing to have you see, explore, like, and even judge. (I mean, don’t we all indulge in a little bit of that…) But then, after a while, I felt like it wasn’t the whole picture; we’re not sharing everything that made the successes real, the mistakes undeniable, and the lessons so much more valuable. The truth is we’re made up of different parts that run autonomously, but still seem to create a whole person on the other side of it. I’m exploring that here…
And - thank you for diving into this, ready to hear all of it. The exploration, the assumptions, and the wins along the way. It’s nice to meet you, and it’s nice to have you.
How are you?
What’s new?
What’s going on in your life?
In hindsight, it was all a perfect mistake.
For me, it started in a small town, but I held some big city dreams along the way. In the process of becoming - I learnt so much about myself, naturally mostly through mistakes and detours, and I would love to say I loved all of them - and I’m sooooo grateful, but I don’t - and I’m not. (and that’s okay.)
What I can say is I accept all of them as it is, and that’s about it. Perhaps the gratitude would phase in later in my life, and I promise I’ll tell you when that happens.
I’ve built a very unique space for myself in Business, Events, Hospitality, and Sponsorship. So unique that it’s so rare to find something that *really* makes me tick! What people don’t know is the Events Industry is big - so many things you could be doing in it, but sadly, we’re all benchmarked as an Events Planner.. or Wedding Planner..
(And of course, no shade if you are indeed loving being just an Events Planner - but even then, you’re actually a client service manager, brand manager, best friend, their go-to person, fixer, yes person, designer, creative lead - everything…)
There’s a lot more to it.
And there’s more you can do, be, say, or experience from it.
I wish I knew that going in.
Something I am truly grateful for is that I had the opportunity and space to experience various slices of it. Venue Management, Weddings, Conferencing, Events, Polo Events - client events vs owned events.
It showed me so much, and I nestled into a spot I loved - Building Events as brands, lifestyle entities, and commercial machines with event owners, and as the representative to the event owner.
Sweet spot! 👌
And then there was me.
As I unraveled this part of the industry, I completely dedicated myself to the cause. So deeply in love with the business of events, I kinda forgot to fall in love with the business of me.
It’s not a complete train wreck - but I think life does come along and humble you at some point to remind you that there’s more, there’s enough, and there is a you separate from this other thing you might find yourself engorged with.
When you get to that point and you unpack the Merry Poppins carpet bag that is your life - you get all kinds of bits and pieces - odds and ends. It can be messy, uncomfortable, and strange - but it’s the part I love thinking about the most.
I keep thinking about the things I wish I knew
I wish someone told me - the moves I should have made - the things I should have said. But the truth is - at least in my case, you learn the life-altering lessons the hard way.
And to be honest, I’m happy to carry that cross alone. I know we all get super busy taking care of ourselves, that is, quite frankly, one of your biggest responsibilities in life. But I like to indulge in the idea that sharing the “formula” is my business.
There is enough for everyone.
Then there’s you.
My greatest wish is that there’s value for you here. In whatever segment you find yourself in - planning a wedding and needing guidance, looking for something to laugh at, a thought piece, or some perspective on your next move in your career. I hope you can see and enjoy the value for yourself in this space.
Life is insanely busy, and there’s so much incoming traffic as it is. I’m always so deeply humbled and grateful when someone takes their time to reach out, read something I wrote, or listen to my podcast - whatever it is. They took the time from their day and chose some part of me that they wanted to hear more about - absolute bonus if it gave them something to think about, perspective, joy, and I’ll even take an eyeroll.
Whatever you need babes.
A Reminder
We’re all imperfect, and that’s okay.
The more we share with each other, the more we can grow.
The more we ask and listen, the more we will have in the end.
And the more we create, the more someone has to consume it.
So what will you create?
What are you choosing to consume?
And how are you deciding that for yourself?
That’s me - it’s going to be a wild one.
I Do A Couple of Things
As you know by now, I'm in the Events and Hospitality Industry - and I’ve been around for about 15+ years. I’ve done Weddings, Events, Celebrations, Hospitality Suites, and Polo Events - and have developed incredible world-renowned commercial events running till this day. My job was more than just planning the event - but running it as head of Operations and lead Strategist on all commercial entities - it’s what makes me tick!
Elsj • Events and Planning Specialist
I own an Events Business - we take care of all and any events, weddings, or celebrations. This is Client-owned or celebrated events - meaning this is their vision, their objective, and their party. We love this because we see something different every single time, but we have key principles always in play!
Everything you need to know or work together is here ➡️ www.elsj.co
I have an Online School
We share guides, templates, and toolkits to move the needle in your Events career or Wedding Plans. Bottom line = I want to see you win, so I'm sharing what helped me along the way with you.
I'm so passionate and excited about this - I want this to be the space and resource hub I wish I had about 15+ years ago when I started. It's my take on making events & hospitality education accessible.
My promise is that if you don't find what you need here or in my shop, and it's in my field of experience, I'll create the toolkit or guide for you, for free. Just email me 📩
Visit the How To Plan Events Website ➡️ www.howtoplanevents.com - I’m starting an Events Planning and Sponsorship Academy real soon. Sign up and be part of the next level in your career!
My Playbook inside the Online School
I had a wild past - many avenues explored, many ideas to be shared. For now, I’ll unpack 3 of my favorite things.
Events and Sponsorship Academy: showing you how to plan events, how to get sponsors for your event, how to manage the money, and some.
Celebration Coach Couples: I’m all for the couples who want to plan their own wedding - their way! So let’s make that happen. I’ll share information that will help you build your budget in a way that works for you, where you can save, what to look out for, and how to avoid mini meltdowns around the big day!
Celebration Coach Business: I was a Wedding planner first! So I’ll show you how to be the best wedding planner, guiding couples to create a day that’s truly theirs! All while running your own business, or plugging in as a Freelance Wedding resource. (I also worked at a super prestigious Events and Wedding venue, so I might just drop a couple of nuggets on how to optimize and scale your income.)
✨Bottom line: I’ll be sharing the gems on how to optimize your systems, scale your income, navigate the industry, and plan smart and successful celebrations.
My Sweet Spot is Growth Strategy
I love developing events and brand properties into incredible sponsored spaces, hosting hospitality lounges, and creating killer marketing campaigns to get us to SOLD OUT status. And I have been part of some *big* magic..
I can consult, strategize, or step in as your Operations Director to make it all happen. ➡️Read all about it on LinkedIn.
In this space, we play to win, and I love being part of the roots to take things to the next level!
I meant it …
I did mean it when I said there’s so much more to this world. And I’m so excited to share more with you!
This phrase might be on repeat, but there is enough for everyone! I’ve seen this industry (and know so many others) where the information is clenched with a tight fist, or the journey to climbing the corporate ladder seems harder than it *really* needs to be…
I’m sharing what I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Final Top Five from me
(good) Coffee. Always.
Sunshine, seaside, and sand heal everything….
Cozy winters, a fireplace flickering, and books have my name written all over it…
I create and bake for joy, and get takeout for happiness.
Simplicity and peace above everything and everyone else.
*PS - Did I mention I have cats (I’m obsessed) and you’re going to see a lot of them on here….
I would love to have you join me
Never miss an update, never miss a rant - or a new toolkit. Be part of the community, participate in the comments - I want to hear from you!
Share this with someone who would enjoy the world you’re about to step into. If they’re on the journey and can relate, or they’re about to enter it and need some help, they’re welcome here.
