We were lucky to catch up with De Evans recently and have shared our conversation below.
De, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Vision. What I mean by this is the ability to picture yourself meeting your goals.
It can be easy to give up on your goal if you don’t see yourself in the picture.
Also, it’s important to know what success means to you. Success comes in many forms for many different people. Some feel success means making a lot of money, some view success as being able to do what they love everyday while others view it as having a work/life balance. Don’t compare your success to others. That could create overwhelm, wasted time and unnecessary doubt.
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?
I’m Deanna Evans, Cincinnati’s go-to event planner and the creative force behind De Evans Events. With a background as a corporate event planner in the beauty industry, my early experiences producing extravagant hair & fashion shows sparked a passion for creating exceptional, one-of-a-kind events. It was through these productions that I developed a deep connection to diversity which then fueled a love for creating events that reflect the personal stories of each couple and client.
My style is known for its unique blend of bold luxury and true authenticity, specializing in creating non-traditional weddings and events that are as innovative as they are unforgettable. Whether it’s a fun guest experience, a take on a new trend for a gala, or a completely custom design, I’m dedicated to bringing my clients’ vision to life in ways that go beyond the conventional to something unique, and deeply personal.
A strong network of diverse vendor partners allows me to infuse every event with fresh, inspiring perspectives. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and collaboration, I am helping to shape a more equitable and compassionate event industry, one extraordinary celebration at a time.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
As a matter of fact, my business did start as a side hustle! I had been in and out of the event industry for a little over a decade so when it came to planning my own wedding – I thought I easily had it handled. That is, until 2 weeks before my wedding when I had a complete meltdown. An ugly-cry meltdown! Thank goodness my sister was with me. She took hold of my big wedding binder and demanded that I don’t answer anymore emails or phone calls and basically took charge of the planning from there. For the next two weeks she handled all mishaps, mistakes and conversations. Then on the day of she made sure everything was flowing as expected. There was such a weight lifted off of my shoulders! Because of that, I was present on my wedding day and actually remember so much of the evening.
Later, when my daughter was going off to college, I wanted another income stream to help pay tuition. I remembered how much my sister helped me, so I coupled my event planning knowledge with my love of creativity and decided to go into wedding planning as a part time business. What was supposed to last for the four years my daughter would be in college, has become a full time business 15 years and running . And, yes, my sister and I still work together.
I knew it might be time to think about full time entrepreneurship when my goals got higher. When I hit one goal, another was at top of mind, then when I accomplished that goal, there was still more that excited me. The business wouldn’t let me go! So I began to lean into it. I even started referring to myself as an entrepreneur.
I went to networking events and committed to any and all business education that I could. Even from the company I worked for. I remember the company offering Personal Branding and Public Speaking classes which I happily registered for! I also got a Bachelors Degree in Business while working full time and growing my business. All of the knowledge I’ve learned and business owners I’ve met has made a major impact on my career trajectory.
As a result, I’ve met some of the most amazing people, traveled to some of the most beautiful places and had the pleasure of mentoring others. Today, as the Director of DEI&B [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging] for WIPA [Wedding Industry Professionals Association] has changed my career. This leadership role has opened up an opportunity to serve the industry on a different level. Listening to the industry pro’s, and being a positive part of solutions and change is so fulfilling.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Competition is in the drivers seat! The real lesson is ‘Community over Competition’. Sure, you must know who your industry counterparts are, but keep in mind; there is only one YOU! The moment you realize that, the further you’ll go. I spent way too much time trying to be like the planner next to me. I wanted the followers they had and the clients they had and even the website they had. I was almost willing to sacrifice my personal brand for it.
Rick Ruben (Author of The Creative Act) said “The world is not waiting for more of the same”. Other companies inevitably exist in whatever industry you’re in. They are not there for you to imitate; they’re there to do business alongside you. Don’t be afraid to be YOU. Your peers will respect you more and also have a clear vision of what you bring to the industry. In my business, we’re all creating art, and I’m a part of a beautiful community who’s brush strokes and colors are different.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deevansevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deevansevents/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-k-evans/
- Other: Partyslate: https://www.partyslate.com/vendors/de-evans-events
Image Credits
Planner/Designer: De Evans Events | @deevansevents
Photography: Olga Polo Photography | @olga_polo_weddings
Venue: Renaissance Hotel | @renaissancecincyweddings
Entertainment: Future Luxe Band by Downtown Band Entertainment| @downtownbandentertainment
Entertainment: East Coast Entertainment I @eastcoastentertainment
Linens/Stationary/Signage: J Char Designs I @jchardesigns
Florals: Floral V | @floralvdesigns
Florals: Emily Rose Florist | @emilyroseflorist
Video: Camden & Claire | @camdenclaire_
Content Creator: Content by AE I @alisonepp
Dinnerware/Chairs: PR Rentals | @prrentals.co
Bars/Custom Builds: Oakley & Hyde | @oakleyandhydedesigns
Desserts: Icon Cake and Sugar Flowers| @iconcakecincinnati
Furniture + Lounges: Lost and Found | @lostandfoundrentals
Rentals: All Occasions I @alloccasionseventrental
Draping: Serendipity | @serendipity.designs
Mobile Bar + Signature Drink: Cincy Sips I @cincysipsmobilebar
Dancers: Revolution Dance Theatre I @revolutiondancetheatre
Guest Sponsor: PartySlate | @partyslate
Photobooth: Fauxbooth | @thefauxtobooth
VIP Gifting: Jo Malone I @dillardskenwoodtownecentre
VIP Gifting: Elaine B. Jewelry I @elainebjewelry
Hair + Makeup: The Red Stiletto @redstilettoartistry
Pre-Mixer & After Party Entertainment: Josh Staley Productions | @joshstaleyproductions
Custom Wrapped Dance Floor : Paradise Graphix I @paradisegraphix