Her Story
About Phoebe
Phoebe Lovett is a senior at the College of Charleston, where she is completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on hospitality, expected to graduate in May 2027. Her path into the industry began early, with roles in food and beverage that grew from high school jobs into positions at higher-end, fine dining establishments. That foundation in guest service has since expanded into the world of wedding planning, where she has taken on internships with both Charlotte Grace Wedding Design and Intrigue Design & Events, giving her exposure to client relations, event logistics, and day-of coordination from two different vantage points in the field.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Lovett has prioritized building a resume that reflects both persistence and adaptability. She credits much of her growth to watching how older graduates and mentors have handled career transitions, and she has carried that lesson of resilience into her own approach to the job market. Beyond her wedding planning experience, she has also developed operational skills through order fulfillment work, learning firsthand how a small business runs day to day.
At the heart of Lovett's career choices is a long-standing desire to help others, something she traces back to childhood. That drive shows up in how she supports clients through major life celebrations and in the practical advice she offers newcomers to the industry, such as the importance of writing personal thank you notes to stand out and stay connected professionally. Looking ahead, she remains attentive to the realities facing the hospitality field today, particularly the tension between clients' expectations for extravagant events and the rising costs of labor and food that make those visions harder to deliver within reasonable budgets.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Phoebe
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strength of my resume and my resilience in navigating the job market. I've learned to stay adaptable and creative, especially by watching how older graduates and advisors have handled career changes. That perspective taught me the value of persistence and of learning from setbacks along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received came from Chelsea Harp of Intrigue Design and Events, who has shared valuable skills and expertise with me throughout my internship.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women starting internships to write personal thank you notes when they submit their resumes. This small gesture has helped me secure internships and build lasting professional connections.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in event planning and weddings is the gap between what clients expect and what's realistic given today's economy. Clients often base their expectations on lavish weddings they see on social media, but rising labor and food costs mean actual expenses can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Balancing those expectations with reasonable budgets is an ongoing challenge in my field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My motivation for working in hospitality comes from a desire to help people that I've had since childhood, and that value continues to guide both my work and personal life.
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