Daily Inspiration: Meet Essence Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Essence Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey started with a love for creativity, organization, and making people happy. I’ve always been the go-to person for planning special moments, whether it was family gatherings, birthday parties, or celebrations with friends. But it wasn’t until **2017** that I decided to turn that passion into something bigger—I founded **Events by Monet** with the dream of helping couples and families create unforgettable experiences.

With a background in **Business** and experience as a former **American Airlines gate agent**, I naturally gravitated toward **destination weddings**. I loved the idea of blending travel with love stories, making sure couples could celebrate their big day stress-free, no matter where in the world they chose to say “I do.” Over time, I expanded into planning **bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, and corporate events**, each one unique and special in its own way.

But my creativity didn’t stop there. I’ve always loved designing, and that led me to launch **Monet Tee and Things**, a brand that allows me to bring custom apparel, accessories, and journals to life. Whether it’s event planning or crafting personalized gifts, everything I do is centered around celebrating life’s beautiful moments.

Every challenge, every lesson, and every success along the way has shaped me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. 💕

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has made me stronger and more resilient.

When I started **Events by Monet** in **2017**, I was passionate about event planning, but growing a business from the ground up came with a learning curve. Finding clients, building trust, and establishing myself in the wedding industry took time. There were moments of doubt, slow seasons, and times when I wondered if I was doing the right thing.

One of the biggest struggles was balancing everything—being an entrepreneur, managing client expectations, and still making time for myself. **Destination weddings** come with unique challenges like coordinating vendors from afar, handling unexpected travel hiccups, and ensuring every detail is perfect despite being miles away. My background with **American Airlines** helped, but every wedding brought new lessons.

Launching **Monet Tee and Things** added another layer of responsibility. Managing product designs, marketing, and sales while running an event planning business was overwhelming at times. There were moments when I felt stretched thin, but my passion for creativity kept me going.

Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle has pushed me to grow, adapt, and become even better at what I love. The key has been staying **focused, organized, and passionate**—and reminding myself why I started in the first place.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
*Events by Monet**, a boutique event planning company specializing in **destination weddings and luxury celebrations**. By day, I work as an **administrative assistant**, and by night, I bring dream weddings to life with my passion for event planning.

At **Events by Monet**, we create **unforgettable wedding experiences**, whether it’s an intimate beachfront ceremony or a grand ballroom affair. What sets us apart is our commitment to **stress-free planning, seamless execution, and personalized details** that truly reflect each couple’s love story.

One of my proudest accomplishments is helping couples bring their vision to life, no matter the location. From coordinating logistics to curating breathtaking designs, I ensure every detail is handled with care so my clients can fully enjoy their big day.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m always looking for ways to grow and elevate **Events by Monet**! In the future, I plan to expand my **destination wedding services**, curating more luxury experiences for couples who want a seamless, stress-free wedding anywhere in the world. I’m also working on refining my brand, growing my client base, and eventually transitioning into full-time wedding and event planning.

One of my biggest goals is to **own my own building** for Events by Monet, where I can host weddings, events, and client consultations in a beautifully curated space. Creating a dedicated venue has been a long-term dream, and I’m excited to take the steps to make it happen!

I’m looking forward to connecting with more couples, building unforgettable events, and continuing to turn wedding dreams into reality. The best is yet to come!

Pricing:

• Day Of Coordinator Starting $750

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eventsbymonet.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_eventsbymonet_/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EventsByMonet/