We were lucky to catch up with Hope Whitworth recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hope, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Our family has always had a shared love for entertainment and a knack for creating unforgettable moments. Our journey has been a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and the sheer thrill of turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences, not just for our family but friends as well! You see, our roots go deep in the world of celebrations, where weddings became fairy tales and family get-togethers transformed into cherished memories. But it was more than just an event for us. We were the ones who’d show up way before anyone else to others’ events, excitedly helping set up and to make sure every detail was just right. The turning point came at our grandfather’s 90th birthday. In the planning process, a pact was born between my cousin and me – if we could conjure such an event for our own family, we’d take the plunge and turn our passion into profit. We started a business and so, the adventure began. That year was a rollercoaster of learning and creativity, as we dived headfirst into the industry. We orchestrated events that left us in awe, and with each success, I realized this was my true calling. This wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life. As time passed, our paths diverged a bit. My cousin found their niche in crafting, designing props that added that extra touch of magic. On the other hand, I delved deeper into event planning and design, becoming obsessed with every detail that goes into creating seamless celebrations. I knew this is where I belonged and I haven’t looked back since.

Hope, 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?

I’m Hope Whitworth, the brains and heart behind Emagined Events. Picture this: a kid who always had an eye for how spaces could tell stories. Fast forward, and now I’m the owner and event stylist, crafting experiences that speak volumes. The journey? It’s been anything but a straight line. I mean, who plans this stuff out perfectly, right? It’s been a mix of gut feelings, learning curves, and moments of sheer inspiration. But you know what? That’s what’s made it all real and raw. Emagined Events? It’s a one-stop shop where luxury vibes meet event dreams. No more outsourcing headaches, no more mismatched elements. Here, we fuse design, creation, and execution into a seamless flow. From envisioning a concept to nailing every detail, we’re in it for the entire ride. I’m all about dialing up the sophistication, but keeping it stylish. Effortless luxury? That’s the vibe we’re bringing. And I have to say, the journey has been a rollercoaster, watching Emagined Events grow from a passion project to a dynamic brand that still feels like family.

What’s got me buzzing? The pride that comes with every event that hits the mark. It’s that feeling when clients look around and realize their vision has come to life – that’s the magic right there!

So, if you’re into a luxury look with a touch of elegance, if you’re ready to take your event to the next level without the fuss, then we need to connect. Emagined Events isn’t just about business; it’s about creating moments that resonate. Let’s bring your vibe to life!

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

It’s kind of wild how all of this unfolded – I wasn’t exactly sure where I was heading, but I knew I needed a starting point. The journey began when I thought about getting into the industry. My initial plan was to get a photo booth and kick things off from there. But fate had other plans.

It all started with my son’s 4th birthday party. I had ordered treats from a local maker, excited to see what would come out of it. To say I was taken aback when I saw what was delivered would be an understatement. It was nothing like what I had envisioned or requested. That’s when something clicked – I could do better.

Right then, I made a decision. I took a leap and began crafting treats myself. I started designing treat tables that were truly special, and that’s how Sweet Temptations LV came to life. I’d work on these treats after my day job and over the weekends. It wasn’t easy, but I was passionate and determined to create fabulous themed tables for various events.

This phase went on for two years, and things escalated faster than I could imagine. The demand grew, and I found myself needing help. So, I trained my daughter to join the venture, and together we kept the momentum going. Somewhere along the way, I picked up balloon artistry to add another layer to our offerings, and that’s when things really took off.

I eventually passed on the treat business to my daughter and took a leap of faith. I left my job to fully focus on developing Emagined Events. It was a decision I made with my heart pounding, but it felt like the right step. The journey had prepared me, and I was ready to embrace this new chapter.

From treating tables to crafting memorable events, it’s been a ride full of twists and turns. My daughter now takes the reins of Sweet Temptations LV, and I get to pour my energy into Emagined Events. It’s all about growth, learning, and following the trail that life lays out for you. So, if you’re wondering if a side hustle can turn into a full-blown adventure, the answer is a resounding yes. You just need to grab onto those opportunities and ride the wave.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Navigating the creative journey has been a ride, and there are definitely resources I wish I had known about sooner. For starters, let’s talk about social media. I’ve never been the kind of person who lives for the spotlight online. I’ve always lived my life on a more personal level. When it came to putting myself out there in the digital realm, I’ll be honest – it was a challenge.

I grappled with those classic worries: fear of judgment and not feeling like I was the absolute best at what I offered. Oddly enough, my clients consistently loved my work and had nothing but praise for my efforts. But there was this reluctance in me to flaunt my crafts, to showcase what I could do. I guess it was a mix of self-doubt and nervousness.

In those early days, I completely missed the boat on the power of building a community and a following online. My portfolio was like my hidden treasure, tucked away in my phone and accessible only to a few. Back then, I relied solely on referrals to get my name out there. And while that worked to an extent, I realized the potential I had been missing out on.

If I had a chance to sit my beginner self down, I’d have one piece of advice: Show the world who you are. Let them in on your journey, your talents, your quirks. It’s not just about boasting; it’s about authenticity and connection. The truth is, people want to be part of something real. They want to know the faces and stories behind the magic.

So, to anyone starting out on their creative journey, remember this: You’ve got something unique to offer, and the digital world is your stage. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Share your journey, share your creations, and let the world in. Because showing up authentically is the first step toward turning dreams into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: Emaginedevents.com
• Instagram: Emagined_Events
• Facebook: E-Magine
• Linkedin: Emagined Events
• Other: Google!