We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabriela Oviedo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabriela, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Viva Events started with three friends (Gabriela, Mariana and Nathalia) working together in a different company, each with plans tied closely to that steady job. It was a stable position—base salary, predictable routine, and a comfort zone we had grown accustomed to. But deep down, we all shared something in common: the ambition of becoming entrepreneurs.
There was always this little voice telling us we were meant for more. It wasn’t that we weren’t grateful for what we had, but we felt a calling that we couldn’t ignore—a desire to create something of our own, to bring our vision of event planning to life. So one day, after many conversations and late-night brainstorming sessions, we made the decision to trust our gut and take the leap.
There were fears, doubts, and financial challenges, and even today, obstacles continue to appear along the way. But we believed that if we didn’t try, we would always wonder “what if?”
That leap was risky, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Every event we plan, every client we meet, reminds us that dreams are worth chasing. And what keeps us going is knowing we’re building something meaningful—together, on our own terms.
Gabriela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Viva Events is the product of shared dreams, passion, and a strong belief in the power of meaningful moments. Founded by three friends—Gabriela, Mariana, and Nathalia—with diverse backgrounds but a common goal, we set out to create unforgettable experiences for our clients. What started as a leap of faith evolved into a full-fledged event planning business in Las Vegas, a city known for its energy and endless possibilities.
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, handling everything from logistics and design to day-of coordination. Our goal is to take the stress off our clients’ shoulders so they can be fully present and enjoy their special moments. Whether it’s crafting the perfect timeline, coordinating vendors, or designing personalized experiences, we solve the challenges of event planning with creativity, care, and precision.
What we’re most proud of is the trust we’ve earned from our clients. Each event we plan is treated as if it were our own, and nothing brings us more satisfaction than seeing our clients’ vision come to life. One of the moments that holds a special place in our hearts was planning our first wedding—it was an incredible learning experience and reinforced why we chose this path.
At Viva Events, we go beyond simply organizing events—we create experiences tailored to who you are and what you envision. We are committed to being your partner every step of the way, transforming your ideas into reality with seamless execution and a touch of magic. Our mission is simple: we want your event to be remembered for all the right reasons, and we’ll do everything we can to make that happen.
As for us, the founders of Viva Events, we each bring something unique to the table. Gabriela, 27, is the visionary who first came up with the idea. A Venezuelan with an ambitious and happy personality, she has a natural drive to push our business forward. Mariana, 27, is incredibly passionate about what we do and has a love for learning, particularly in marketing and business. A sweet and thoughtful Colombian, she plays a crucial role in shaping our brand. Nathalia, 24, is a hard-working Colombian who not only excels in planning but is also the talent behind the stunning photography at Viva Events, capturing all the magical moments that make each event special.
Together, we are more than event planners—we are creators of extraordinary memories.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Something we all have in common at Viva Events is that we are immigrants. Leaving your home country is not just a one-time decision, it’s a choice you reaffirm every single day. You leave behind everything familiar, your support systems, culture, and comfort-and begin building a new life from scratch, often alone. Living abroad transforms you; it can either break you or shape you into someone stronger.
For us, this journey has been both beautiful and tough. There have been moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but each time we’ve fallen, we’ve found a way to get back up stronger. This resilience has been key not only to our personal growth but also to the creation of Viva Events. The challenges we’ve faced as immigrants have given us the tools and courage to pursue our dream of entrepreneurship.
We came to the U.S. with a purpose: to grow, both mentally and financially. And while the path hasn’t been easy, we wouldn’t choose any other way. It’s this very journey—the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between—that has prepared us to navigate the challenges of building a business. Just like with life abroad, every mistake we encounter with Viva Events becomes a stepping stone, teaching us something new and helping us come back stronger.
At Viva Events, we bring that same spirit of resilience to everything we do. Every event is a reflection of our journey—crafted with care, passion, and the belief that no matter the obstacles, we have what it takes to turn dreams into reality.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons we had to unlearn was the idea that everything needs to be perfect for an event to be a success. At the beginning of our journey, we believed that flawless execution was the only way to meet our clients’ expectations. We obsessed over every tiny detail, thinking that anything short of perfection would mean failure.
That mindset quickly became exhausting. During our first wedding, despite our best efforts, unexpected situations popped up—vendors running late, last-minute changes from the couple, and little hiccups that were beyond our control. In those moments, we realized that no matter how well we plan, perfection isn’t always achievable, and the pursuit of it can drain the joy from the process.
We had to shift our mindset and learn that flexibility is far more valuable than perfection. What truly matters is how we handle challenges when they arise—staying calm, adjusting quickly, and making sure our clients feel supported throughout. Now, instead of aiming for perfection, we focus on creating meaningful experiences, knowing that it’s okay if not everything goes exactly as planned.
Unlearning this idea has not only made us better event planners but has also allowed us to enjoy the process more. It’s taught us that success isn’t about flawless execution but about ensuring our clients feel seen, heard, and cared for—no matter what surprises come our way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivaeventslv?igsh=cXEzNXl3b2ZsMGc2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivaeventslv?_t=8qgwtYufZzK&_r=1
Image Credits
Nathalia Quintero