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

Camela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I do wish I had started my business in the early 2000s when I was living in Atlanta. I already had the logo and company name—Social Butterfly Events—ready to go. Atlanta’s vibrant event scene back then would have been the perfect launchpad, offering countless opportunities for growth and connection. While I’m grateful for the journey I’ve taken, starting earlier would have allowed me to establish deeper roots and build an even larger network. That said, every step along the way has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today, and I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve gained for anything.

This was before social media, IG and Facebook. I know I am giving my age away now! Ha!

Atlanta in the early 2000s was an entirely different scene—dynamic, thriving, and full of opportunity. During that time, I got my first real taste of hospitality and special event planning while working in the local restaurant industry. As a sales manager for the prestigious Palm Restaurant, I was constantly surrounded by Atlanta’s elite—from political figures and sports icons to cultural influencers and high-profile celebrities. I cut my teeth booking and managing events there, from hosting FAM experiences for travel agents with The Cove Atlantis to coordinating the filming of Bobby and Whitney’s reality show. Each experience sharpened my skills and deepened my industry knowledge. Yet, even then, in the back of my mind, I knew I had a greater dream—to one day produce events for my own business.

I carried that handcrafted Social Butterfly Events! logo around for ten more years, through several career changes and countless learning experiences. During that time, I gained a wealth of knowledge on the operational side of event and wedding planning. I worked as a catering manager at The Ohio State University Stadium and Arena, where I orchestrated large-scale events in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. From there, I transitioned into hotel sales management, then into sales and marketing roles, and eventually became a director of catering and event sales. In that role, I had the opportunity to oversee expansive weddings and milestone celebrations, some with budgets exceeding $100,000. Each position not only strengthened my expertise in logistics, sales strategies, and client relations but also reinforced my passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Throughout it all, the dream of running my own event business remained at the forefront, driving me to continually sharpen my skills and refine my vision.

All while being a single mother.

I do wish I had started my own business back in 2006-2008, but life had other plans—and with it came invaluable experience. Each role I took on during that time allowed me to deepen my expertise in the events industry. While the timing may not have been what I originally envisioned, the journey gave me the skills, insight, and confidence needed to build a successful business when the time was right.

Camela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My discipline, craft, and expertise are deeply rooted in my background in hospitality, shaped by years of working with renowned brands and diverse venues. I’ve had the privilege of building my experience with industry giants like ESPN/Disney, The Palm Restaurant, and several prominent arenas and stadiums. I’ve held roles ranging from Group Sales Manager and Catering Sales Manager to Director of Catering and Events, gaining a comprehensive understanding of sales strategies, event operations, and client management.

I’ve honed my skills as an event manager/director the Ohio State University and ODU orchestrating everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. I’ve also worked with major hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Sonesta, further expanding my expertise in delivering exceptional guest experiences and executing seamless events. This diverse foundation has equipped me with the creativity, adaptability, and operational knowledge to produce unforgettable experiences through my own business.

I’m most proud of my reputation as a seasoned wedding and special events planner, built on years of dedication, creativity, and delivering exceptional experiences. This year, I’m honored to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my business, Camela Lynn Weddings & Events—a milestone that reflects a decade of passion, growth, and unforgettable celebrations. Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of bringing countless visions to life, from intimate gatherings to large-scale, high-budget events. Reaching this milestone under my namesake brand is not only a testament to my commitment to excellence but also a reminder of the trust and support from the incredible clients and partners who have been part of this journey.

While I’ve had the privilege of planning a variety of events throughout my career, weddings have always held a special place in my heart. There’s something profoundly rewarding about being entrusted with one of the most significant days in a couple’s life. I’m drawn to the personal connections, the emotional details, and the artistry of transforming a vision into a reality that reflects each couple’s unique love story. Unlike corporate or social events, weddings carry a distinct intimacy and sentimentality that make them truly unforgettable. From curating meaningful design elements to orchestrating flawless timelines, I find immense joy in creating experiences that leave a lasting impact—not only on the couple but on every guest in attendance. The magic of witnessing those once-in-a-lifetime moments, from the first look to the final dance, is what fuels my passion for weddings above all other event segments.

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

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the wedding industry, forcing couples, planners, and vendors alike to completely rethink how celebrations were executed. With widespread restrictions on gatherings, countless weddings were postponed, downsized, or reimagined altogether. Intimate micro-weddings, elopements, and virtual ceremonies became the new norm, as large-scale events were no longer feasible. The uncertainty and ever-changing regulations required constant adaptability, creativity, and resilience.

For my business, pivoting was essential to sustain and continue serving my clients. I leaned into flexibility, offering customized solutions such as hybrid events that combined in-person and virtual elements. I also helped couples embrace smaller, more meaningful celebrations with personalized touches, while still preserving the magic and significance of their day. Vendor partnerships became even more critical, as we navigated new health protocols and innovative ways to create memorable experiences safely.

Though challenging, the pandemic also reshaped the industry in some positive ways—it highlighted the value of creativity, strengthened client relationships, and showcased the industry’s ability to evolve. Coming out of it, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of both the couples I serve and the event professionals I collaborate with, making each celebration even more meaningful.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

*One of the most defining stories of resilience from my journey as a wedding and event planner is navigating the constant ebb and flow of the industry while staying true to my vision. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented and passionate team members—people who brought creativity, dedication, and energy to every event. Managing and collaborating with them was one of my greatest joys. But as with any business, people move on. Letting go of trusted team members was never easy, and at times, it made me question whether I could continue delivering the same level of excellence. Yet, each time, I adapted—recruiting new talent, refining my processes, and holding out for supportive, reliable collaborators who shared my values and commitment.

*There were moments when I even considered stepping away from the industry altogether. The demands of running a business—especially in a market increasingly saturated with new planners—were daunting. With more competition came the challenge of staying relevant, refining my brand, and continuously finding ways to sell my services. I had to be more intentional about identifying my ideal clients—the ones who valued my expertise, creativity, and collaborative approach. I learned that not every couple or client is the right fit, and that’s okay. My goal became finding clients whose vision aligned with mine, allowing us to build a genuine partnership and create truly unforgettable events.

*Through it all, I’ve remained committed to evolving with the industry—whether by embracing new trends, expanding my service offerings, or finding fresh ways to showcase my value. This resilience has not only helped me sustain *Camela Lynn Weddings & Events* but also strengthened my passion for delivering meaningful, memorable experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camelalynnweddingsandevents.com
• Instagram: @CamelaLynnWeddingsandEvents
• Facebook: @CamelaLynnWeddingsandEvents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camela-jones-hospitality-sales/
• Youtube: [email protected]
• Soundcloud: @camelajones7753

Image Credits

The Comfort Photography
Jehan Photography LLC
Azar Photography
Making the Moment Photography