We recently connected with Chelsea Quintanilla and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chelsea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, to me, isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the experience you create along the way. As the founder of Creative Events by Q, I’ve learned that true success is rooted in intentionality, resilience, and service. In the events world, you don’t just plan parties—you design memories. That requires vision, consistency, and the courage to stand out in a saturated space.

It takes grit to build something from the ground up, especially when you’re the creative mind, the logistics brain, and the emotional anchor for clients all at once. But what sets you apart is the ability to listen deeply, care genuinely, and deliver excellence—whether it’s for a luxury wedding or a milestone birthday. Success is showing up with integrity, creating impact through your craft, and building something meaningful that reflects your unique voice and values.

At Creative Events by Q, I measure success by the joy on my clients’ faces, the stories they tell afterward, and the fact that they trust me to bring their most important moments to life. That’s success that lasts.

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

Hi, I’m Chelsea Quintanilla, the owner and creative force behind Creative Events by Q. This business was born in a moment that changed everything—sitting across from my best friend, venting about wanting to escape the corporate world and finally do something for me. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “Let’s figure this out. What are you good at? Where does your heart light up?”

That simple question launched a dream. We mapped it out right then and there—what I loved, what came naturally, and what made me feel most alive. I realized that my whole life had prepared me for this. I grew up surrounded by creativity—watching my grandmothers sew, craft, and decorate with love and intention, and learning from my mom how to make any space beautiful with heart and hustle. It wasn’t just about decor; it was about the joy of creating moments that mean something.

Today, Creative Events by Q is a full-service event planning and design company specializing in weddings, milestone celebrations, curated rentals, and event coordination. We also offer day-of services, custom backdrops, and are expanding into signature rental collections and elevated client experiences.

What makes us different? We don’t just plan—we design with meaning. We listen to your story, your vision, and even the feelings you’re hoping to create—and then we bring it to life with intentionality, creativity, and care. Our work is known for being stylish yet personal, layered with thoughtful details and rooted in who you are.

I’m most proud of how much heart this brand holds. Every event we touch reflects someone’s legacy, joy, or love story. I’ve built this from the ground up—step by step, mistake by mistake, and moment by moment—with a mission to serve and celebrate others well.

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

Yes! Creative Events by Q started as a side hustle while I was still in the corporate world. After a heartfelt conversation with my best friend, I realized my passion for creating meaningful, beautiful events was more than a hobby—it was my calling. I began taking small gigs on nights and weekends, slowly building my skills and client base.

The turning point came when I had to choose between my job and my dream. I took the leap, invested in inventory, built relationships, and trusted the process. Since then, the business has grown steadily—from intimate gatherings to full-service weddings and curated rentals. What started as a side hustle is now my full-time career, and I’m proud to create unforgettable experiences that truly reflect my clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation has been a combination of strategic relationship-building, consistent hustle, and authentic presence. Social media has played a huge role—it’s where I showcase my creativity, share behind-the-scenes moments, and connect directly with potential clients and collaborators. But beyond that, creating genuine relationships with other planners, vendors, and industry professionals has been invaluable. Meeting people face-to-face, showing them what Creative Events by Q has to offer, and consistently delivering quality work helped me build trust and credibility.

At the core, it’s been about never giving up—even when challenges arose—and showing up every day with passion and professionalism. That persistent hustle, combined with an authentic desire to serve my clients well, has truly helped me carve out my space in a competitive market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativeeventsbyq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeeventsbycq/profilecard/?igsh=bXAxYWpxM2Vwd210
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B44tj72bt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Photography: Christina Paige Photography & Lavender & Sage Photography