We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Banks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa , thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea started with a spark—one I couldn’t ignore. I had always loved celebrating others and creating memorable experiences. But turning that passion into a business? That took faith, a lot of learning, and a willingness to grow. I remember sitting at my kitchen table with a notebook full of ideas and dreams, thinking, “What if I really did this?”
The next day, I started researching everything I could about event planning—what it really takes to run a business in this space, the legal side, the logistics, the client experience. I didn’t have it all figured out, but I knew I had to start somewhere. I registered my business name, got my licenses, and began reaching out to people I trusted to let them know what I was doing.
The first few months were filled with both excitement and overwhelm. I created my first packages, built a basic website, and said yes to every opportunity that allowed me to gain experience—even if it meant volunteering or working with a small budget. Every single event taught me something new, and I poured those lessons back into the business.
I also had to figure out how to market myself. That meant investing time into building a brand—from designing my logo to creating promotional materials to showing up consistently on social media. I had to become a student of both business and creativity.
Within the first year, I started to see momentum. Word of mouth began to spread, and I started booking larger events. I learned to balance creativity with contracts, timelines, and the behind-the-scenes work that no one sees but is critical for success.
Looking back, twenty six years later, it wasn’t one giant leap—it was a series of intentional, sometimes scary steps. But every one of those steps mattered. The idea was the beginning, but the execution came through commitment, resilience, and trusting the process even when the path wasn’t clear.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Melissa Banks—an award-winning Master Event Planner, Speaker, Author, and Creative Entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the event industry. My journey began with a deep love for bringing people together and creating memorable moments. Early on, I planned events for friends and family simply because I loved the process—seeing ideas transform into unforgettable experiences. Over time, that passion grew into a business that now spans event planning, branding, custom products, and creative coaching.
Through DMD Event Planning & Design, I offer services for all types of events—weddings, corporate functions, social gatherings, and virtual experiences. I also provide one-on-one business and event consulting, branding packages (like media kits and promotional graphics), and a signature product line that includes inspirational items such as our Dream Box Collection, the Signature Pearl Jewelry Line, and hand-poured candles. Most recently, I launched “The Dream Vault”—a virtual gift shop that celebrates purpose, passion, and empowerment.
What sets me apart is the heart I put into every aspect of my work. I believe in helping people bring their dreams to life, whether it’s through a perfectly executed event or the spark of confidence they gain from a coaching session. I specialize in creating high-touch, meaningful experiences that reflect each client’s unique vision and story. My approach is both professional and personal—I listen, I guide, and I care deeply about the outcome.
I’m especially proud of hosting two empowering shows:
“Dream by Design with Melissa Banks”, a podcast that highlights inspiring voices and shares tools for purpose-driven living; and “The Melissa Banks Show,” a broadcast featuring thought leaders, creatives, and changemakers from around the world. Both platforms allow me to amplify stories that encourage others to dream big and act boldly.
If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I believe that dreams are valid, and with the right support, they are absolutely achievable. Everything I offer—from services to products to speaking engagements—is designed to uplift, empower, and inspire.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Right before the world changed, I had just accomplished a major milestone in my business—I founded and executed my very first Women’s Empowerment Conference. It was a dream realized and an incredible success. Heading into 2020, I was filled with excitement, energy, and big plans. Everything pointed to it being my best year yet.
Then March 2020 came—and the pandemic hit like a gut punch. In a matter of days, everything changed. As the reality of what we were facing began to unfold, I had to confront a hard truth: my business model, which was nearly 100% based on in-person interactions, was no longer sustainable. My calendar was filled with live events, speaking engagements, training sessions, and conferences. Suddenly, they were all gone.
But I also knew I couldn’t just wait for things to return to normal. I had to pivot. I began to ask myself: How can I still serve my clients even if we can’t be together in person? That mindset became the foundation for my shift. I immersed myself in learning the technology needed to move my offerings online and reimagined how I could deliver value in a virtual space.
The first major step was launching an online Certification Program for aspiring Event Planners. At the same time, I added Virtual and Hybrid Event Planning to our core services. This pivot opened doors I hadn’t even imagined before. We were able to create powerful event experiences using technology, and we supported clients in various industries as they adapted to the new normal.
What felt like a devastating setback became an opportunity for transformation—and a chance to expand our reach and impact in ways we hadn’t considered before.
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Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been—and continues to be—a vital tool for our business. It’s where we connect directly with our audience, and it allows them to connect with us, not just locally but globally. It’s truly a space where relationships are built.
What I’ve learned is that the key to success on social media is consistency. Show up regularly. Share your story. Present your brand the way you want it to be known around the world. Let people see not only your products or services but also your passion and purpose.
Another important lesson is to focus on the platform that feels most natural to you. For me, it was about identifying where my audience was most engaged and showing up there with intention. I also make a point to study the platform—learning what works, reviewing analytics, and adjusting when needed. Social media platforms provide valuable insights that help you understand your followers and what content resonates most.
Building an audience takes time, patience, and persistence. But if you stay true to your message and keep learning, the results will come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themelissabanks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelissabanks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themelissabanks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabanksco/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dmdeventplanninganddesign