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

Chloris , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea behind my business was really rooted in both passion and purpose. Over 30 years ago, I began shadowing a wedding designer and florist, and I was instantly drawn in. Watching her bring spaces to life with flowers, color, and creativity sparked something in me—I didn’t have the words for it then, but I knew I loved the art of celebration.

At the same time, I’ve always loved creating meaningful moments for my family. I didn’t grow up with big, elaborate birthday parties, and that left a mark on me. So as I got older, I made it a point to change that. I wanted my husband and children to feel celebrated—whether it was with thoughtful details, a beautiful setting, or simply the feeling that someone cared enough to make it special.

That spirit carried into my role as the Events Coordinator for my former church, where I found myself planning and designing events regularly. It didn’t feel like work—it felt like purpose. After some conversations with my family and doing research, I realized there was a real need for heartfelt, quality-driven event design and planning, especially for people who wanted elegance without having to manage every detail themselves.

I’ve always loved all things beautiful and elegant, and I genuinely enjoy hosting and creating warm, welcoming environments. So starting this business wasn’t just about filling a gap—it was about sharing something that’s deeply personal to me. That combination of creativity, service, and celebration is what makes this work feel so meaningful—and why I knew it was worth pursuing.

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?

For those who may not have heard of me or my business before, I’m the owner and lead designer behind C. Lewis Wedding & Event Design, LLC, where we specialize in wedding and event design, floral artistry, and planning services. My journey into this industry has been a long time in the making—one that started over 30 years ago when I began shadowing a wedding designer and florist. I was fascinated by how she could take an ordinary space and turn it into something elegant and emotionally moving. That early experience planted a seed that’s grown into a full-blown passion and purpose.

Over the years, I found myself naturally drawn to celebrations and thoughtful details. While serving as the Events Coordinator at my church, I began designing events on a larger scale and truly fell in love with creating beautiful, meaningful spaces that bring people joy. That’s when I knew it was time to turn my passion into a business.

At C. Lewis Events, we work with busy professionals who desire elegant, polished celebrations but don’t have the time to manage the details themselves. They trust us to design and execute stress-free, seamless events while giving us creative freedom to bring their vision to life. What truly sets us apart is our personal approach—our clients are never just a number. We prioritize building real relationships, because we understand they’re trusting us with one of the most memorable days of their lives. We treat that responsibility with honor and care.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve experienced in this business—not just in skills and clientele, but in the confidence to lead with intention and authenticity. We’re also very intentional about the number of weddings and events we take on each year, because we want every client to feel like our only client. Personalized attention, thoughtful design, and heart-led service are the foundation of our brand.

A little more about me—I’m the proud wife of a retired Air Force airman, a mother to three incredible adult children, and a pet mom to our miniature Schnauzer, Charlie. I’m a southern girl through and through, and I absolutely love hospitality. Whether I’m planning a wedding or hosting friends at home, making people feel welcome and cared for is what I do best. I enjoy traveling, going to the movies, and I’ll never turn down a good slice—or two—of pepperoni pizza.

In the end, C. Lewis Events is about more than just flowers and timelines—it’s about crafting experiences that feel personal, elegant, and full of heart. We don’t just create events. We help people celebrate life in the most beautiful, stress-free way possible.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, my biggest piece of advice is to lead with heart and communication. My team may be small, but I treat them like family. That sense of connection and belonging makes all the difference—not just in how we work together, but in how we show up for our clients.

I believe in constant and open communication. I make it a priority to hold regular meetings where we discuss upcoming events, share ideas, and make sure everyone feels informed and involved. I always want my team to know their voice matters. They’re not just assisting—they’re an essential part of the C. Lewis Events family, and I want them to feel that.

Another big part of keeping morale high is being generous with knowledge. I don’t believe in gatekeeping what I’ve learned. Whether it’s sharing floral design techniques, coordination procedures, or setup tips, I love pouring into my team. When they grow, we all grow. And when they feel supported, confident, and respected, they bring their best selves to each event—and that energy is felt by our clients.

Ultimately, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and excited to be part of something meaningful. That’s the heart of our team culture, and it’s what helps us deliver exceptional service time and time again.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, the best source of new clients for C. Lewis Events has been good old-fashioned word of mouth. Some of my most amazing clients have come from referrals—whether it’s past clients who were happy with their experience, vendors I’ve worked alongside, or even people in my circle who simply believe in what I do and how I do it.

It really means a lot to me, because when someone refers you, it’s more than just a name being passed along—it’s a reflection of trust. They’ve seen how I show up, how I care for my clients, and how much heart I pour into every event. That kind of referral hits different, because it’s personal.

I do share my work on social media and love showcasing what we create, but more often than not, it’s the conversations happening behind the scenes—at weddings, in vendor circles, or around dinner tables—that have brought new clients to my door. And I’m so grateful for that. It reminds me that when you treat people well and give them a great experience, they’ll remember you—and they’ll tell others. That’s been the foundation of how we’ve grown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clewisevents.com
• Instagram: clewisevents
• Facebook: clewisevents
• Linkedin: clewisevents

Image Credits

Visions Entertainment Studios, Bridy Photography, Robert Tyree, Alexis Michelle, First Avenue Studio