LaShawn Early, CWEP

I attribute my success to faith, resilience, and the people who chose to pour into me when I needed it most. There was a time in my life when I didn't fully understand the power of entrepreneurship until mentors helped me see what was possible. That guidance ignited a passion that continues to drive me today. I've experienced both success and significant personal setbacks, but each chapter strengthened my resolve to keep building. Those experiences taught me that success isn't measured solely by revenue or accomplishments—it's measured by the lives you impact, the opportunities you create for others, and the legacy you leave behind.

The greatest piece of advice I have ever received was to never feel like I don't belong in the room.

Years ago, a mentor told me, "Walk into every room as if they were waiting for you." At first, I didn't fully understand what she meant. Then I began finding myself in spaces that felt intimidating—rooms where I questioned whether I was experienced enough, accomplished enough, or qualified enough to be there.

My mentor reminded me that those thoughts were exactly what would hold me back. She told me that when I walk into a room, I should carry myself as if I belong there, as if my presence was expected. When you enter with that mindset, you stand taller, speak with confidence, and stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable. You show up as the person you were called to be, even when it's your first time in the room.

That advice has opened countless doors for me. It has given me the courage to pursue opportunities that felt bigger than me and to step into spaces that once seemed out of reach. I've learned that confidence doesn't mean you're not afraid—it means you move forward despite the fear.

So whenever I find myself facing something new or intimidating, I remind myself of those words: Walk in like they were waiting for you. Then go for it anyway.

My biggest piece of advice to a young professional entering the event production industry is to find what excites you right now and pursue it wholeheartedly—but remain open to where the journey may lead.

I emphasize the words "right now" because your interests and passions will evolve as you gain experience. When I first started my business, I was convinced I only wanted to produce social events. I specifically said I would not do weddings. Then I planned a wedding, fell in love with the work, and eventually built a successful wedding-focused company. Later, I was introduced to corporate events and discovered an entirely new passion that ultimately shaped the direction of my business.

That experience taught me an important lesson: you don't know what you don't know.

It's easy to decide what you think you do or don't want to do before you've actually experienced it. Sometimes the very thing you say "isn't for me" becomes the opportunity that changes your career. That's why I encourage young professionals to have a vision, but not rigid boundaries. Be intentional about your goals, but stay curious enough to explore new possibilities.

Go after what you want, but don't close yourself off to what you haven't discovered yet. The more experiences you're willing to embrace, the more opportunities you'll create for yourself. Growth happens when you're willing to learn, adapt, and expand beyond what you thought was possible.

One of the biggest challenges in the event production industry is client education. While our corporate clients often have a clearer understanding of budgets, logistics, and operational requirements, many social clients are experiencing the planning process for the first time.

Clients come to us with incredible ideas and inspiring visions, but they don't always realize what it takes to bring those ideas to life. Behind every successful event is a significant amount of planning, coordination, labor, logistics, vendor management, setup, execution, and teardown. There are countless moving parts that most people never see.

A large part of our role is helping clients understand the relationship between their vision, their budget, and the resources required to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes that means helping them prioritize what's most important, adjust expectations, or identify creative solutions that align with their goals.

While those conversations can be challenging, they are also one of the most valuable services we provide. Our job is not simply to execute an event—it's to guide clients through the process and help them make informed decisions that ultimately lead to a successful and meaningful experience.

Honesty, transparency, and trust are the core values that guide both my personal and professional life. I believe trust is earned through consistent actions, clear communication, and delivering on your commitments. Whether I'm working with clients, partners, or my team, I understand that people need to trust me—and I take that responsibility seriously.

I hold myself and my team to a high standard of accountability. If we commit to something, we deliver. In fact, I often tell my staff that if we promise a level 10 experience, we should strive to deliver a level 15. Exceeding expectations is how lasting relationships are built.

Transparency is equally important to me. I believe people deserve honesty, even when the conversation is difficult. With clients, that might mean having candid discussions about budgets, timelines, or expectations. I've found that when people understand the "why" behind a recommendation, they're much more receptive and confident in the process. Transparency creates alignment, and alignment builds trust.

Outside of business, my greatest priorities are family, friendship, and creating meaningful experiences. My husband and I are blessed with a large family, including eight children and five grandchildren, and spending time with them is one of life's greatest joys. I'm also a self-proclaimed foodie who loves exploring new restaurants and cuisines—especially Indian food, which happens to be one of my favorites. And if there's water involved, I'm there. Whether it's the beach, a waterfront destination, or simply being near the ocean, my husband and I are happiest when we're surrounded by water.

At the end of the day, the same values that guide my business—connection, trust, and meaningful experiences—are the values that matter most in my personal life as well.