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

Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The largest risk I have ever taken was leaving a full-time position as the Director of Events at a seattle venue to focus solely on my business.

I started Amethyst Events in 2019, but I was simultaneously working full-time through 2023 as event staff, event manager and, ultimately, Director of Operations at a Sole Repair Shop in Capitol Hill, Seattle.

Initially, my goal was to wait until 2026 to go solo, but I decided to follow my heart and believe in my mission to put all of my energy into my business. I knew that it would be financially risky, but I had faith that if I could direct all of my attention to my clients, instead of being spread thin while working 60+ hours a week at the venue, I would be able to support myself and follow my dreams.

I have spent the last year rebranding, building a website and web presence, community relationships and clientele. I am currently booking into 2026 and planning to bring on additional team members in 2025. What may have been a risky move ended up being the best decision I have ever made!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Danielle Weil, and I am the Founder and CEO of Amethyst Events LLC. I founded my business in 2019 after planning my own wedding in 2018.

I have been in the service/hospitality industry for 25+ years, with experience ranging from food service, bartending, staff management, venue and event management and finally as Director of Events. Through all of these roles, I fell in love with customer service and the community that works so patiently, tirelessly, and passionately to bring joy and positive experiences to the client(s).

I have a BA in Anthropology and worked as a Field Archaeologist for 6 years. In between field sessions, I would work in event bartending and catering to fill my schedule. It was here that I decided that planning events was where all of my experience in the industry was going to be best applied. I jumped head first into planning my own wedding, and moved onto getting a job as an event manager in Seattle.

Flash forward to the present day, where Amethyst Events is successfully heading into its 7th year! Right now, I am the lead planner and have a team of assistants to help with events. Within the next two years, I plan to add at least two additional lead planners. I have assisted in planning over 500 events – loving every single minute and every single client!

We specialize in crafting personalized, stress-free wedding experiences that reflect the couple’s individuality. Whether they need support from the initial planning stages or just for the day of the event, we offer a spectrum of services from day-of coordination to complete wedding design and execution.

I am a highly organized, energetic, and creative individual, which is why I absolutely love my job. It speaks to both sides of my brain and allows me to help others where they need it. Sometimes my clients are hyper-organized but aren’t design focused. On the flip side, I have very creative, DIY clients that hate planning, reading contracts and budget spreadsheets. My mission is to connect personally with all of my clients so that we can co-create an event that reflects their vision, all without a bit of stress. Letting them enjoy the planning process and be present with their guests on the day of the event.

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

Building relationships with other like-minded business owners and vendors within my industry (and sometimes outside of the industry!) has been one of the most important ways that I have built my reputation within my market.

The wedding industry is so vast, and there are so many talented planners and coordinators to choose from. I thrive off of the referrals I get from vendors that I work closely with and trust. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working beside some of the best in the wedding industry – including florists, venue managers, catering teams, photographers and DJs (to name a few). I have been inspired by the determination, skill and grace with which they connect with clients and have grown their businesses through the years.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I lean heavily on continued education and mentorship to broaden the way I think about and approach running a business. I am a member of The Planners Vault (founded by Megan Gillikin) as well as Wedding Pro CEO (founded by Brandee Gaar). Both of these industry experts have helped me build a profitable business without second-guessing myself and my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amethysteventsllc.com
• Instagram: @amethystevents_ or https://www.instagram.com/amethystevents_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystevents
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/dmweil
• Youtube: @DanielleWeil

Image Credits

Vera Pash Photo
Rodel Studios
Sound Originals
Lynn Phillips
Marissa Elgarico Photography
Almida Meyer Photo