We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Jakes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about spending on the little things / small joys when finances are tight?

In the early days of Rescue Event Planning—especially during the lean times—I had to be brutally honest about every dollar spent. Coffee runs, beauty appointments, or even networking lunches were no longer casual habits; they became strategic decisions. If it didn’t directly impact my mindset, productivity, or client-facing image, it was cut or postponed. But I also recognized that certain forms of self-care, like a solo coffee to reset or investing in a polished appearance before a pitch, weren’t luxuries—they were part of how I showed up in business. I didn’t spend emotionally; I spent intentionally. Every expense had to either recharge me, help me deliver excellence, or drive revenue.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Melissa Jakes, and I’m the CEO and Founder of Rescue Event Planning, where we specialize in turning bold visions into unforgettable experiences. I started my career in the nonprofit and government sector, organizing mission-driven events long before I realized I could build a business around it. My background gave me a deep understanding of how logistics, storytelling, and purpose intersect—and that’s the energy I bring to every event we touch. Rescue Event Planning was born from a desire to not just “plan” events, but to elevate them—with strategy, innovation, and intention.

We offer full-service event planning and production for everything from corporate conferences and galas to brand launches and social celebrations. Whether it’s managing sponsorships, curating immersive decor, or creating seamless run-of-show logistics, we handle it all—so our clients can stay focused on their mission or simply enjoy the moment. More recently, we’ve expanded our offerings to include digital products like planning toolkits and fundraising kits, designed to help everyday people and small business owners execute professional-level events on a DIY budget. We’re also building out our Rescue Rentals line to provide stylish, curated decor solutions for clients who want luxury without the hassle.

What sets us apart is our ability to blend strategy with creativity. We don’t just make things look good—we make sure they function flawlessly and generate real results, whether that’s revenue, brand visibility, community impact, or client retention. We also understand how to scale events to match different budgets without compromising on excellence.

I’m most proud of the fact that Rescue Event Planning has created space for women, especially mothers and entrepreneurs, to see that you can build a profitable, fulfilling business while honoring your family and your truth. I’m a dance mom, a storyteller, and a strategist—and I bring all of that to the table.

If you’re looking for a partner who doesn’t just execute events but elevates them, who sees the big picture and the smallest details—you’ve found her. Rescue Event Planning is more than a service—it’s a solution. And we’re just getting started.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most defining pivots in my journey happened when the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Rescue Event Planning was thriving—our calendar was packed with in-person events, from weddings to conferences. Overnight, everything was either canceled or indefinitely postponed. Like so many in the event industry, I was faced with two choices: wait it out or adapt fast.

I chose to pivot—hard.

Instead of sitting still, I transitioned Rescue Event Planning into the digital space. We began offering virtual event planning, helping clients transform galas, workshops, and celebrations into online experiences that still felt intentional, engaging, and elevated. I also saw the need for people to still feel connected, so we built out digital planning resources and began offering consultations for DIY clients. At the same time, I invested in growing our social media presence, which significantly expanded our reach and brought in new streams of revenue.

But the pivot wasn’t just about business mechanics—it was personal. I was navigating motherhood, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship all at once. That experience sharpened my time management, deepened my empathy, and reminded me why I built this business in the first place: to create meaningful experiences, no matter the format.

That pivot not only saved my business—it redefined it. It showed me that Rescue Event Planning isn’t tied to a venue or a moment in time. It’s about transformation, resilience, and showing up for people when it matters most.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I started Rescue Event Planning, there was no big investor, trust fund, or six-figure loan. The initial capital came from a combination of personal savings, side hustles, and pure hustle energy. I was working full-time in the nonprofit sector and planning events in the evenings and on weekends—sometimes unpaid—just to build a strong portfolio and prove my value.

I was intentional about reinvesting everything I earned back into the business. That meant using my own funds to build my first website, buy software tools, and get basic branding done. I leveraged free resources wherever possible, built relationships instead of paying for ads, and said yes to opportunities that gave me experience and visibility, even if they didn’t pay much at first.

I also practiced financial discipline—cutting back on personal luxuries, prioritizing only the tools and services that would help me grow, and building slowly but strategically. The process wasn’t glamorous, but it was real, grassroots entrepreneurship. I started small, stayed consistent, and built a business that now funds itself—and creates opportunities for others.

That journey taught me that capital isn’t just about money—it’s about creativity, community, and being willing to invest in yourself before anyone else does.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rescueeventplanning.com
• Instagram: Rescue_events
• Facebook: Rescue Event Planning
• Linkedin: Rescue Event Planning
• Youtube: Rescue Event Planning

Image Credits

Monique Micheal Photography