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

Gina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

As I reflect on the journey from the inception of my idea to the launch of Lucid Events, it’s remarkable to see how it all unfolded. Armed with prior marketing experience and a deep understanding of the event industry, I had a sense of where to begin. However, the road to execution was paved with countless hours of hard work, self-funding, and resourcefulness.

One day, I just decided it was time to go for it. I wanted a name that was versatile and meaningful, so Lucid Events is what I created. Lucid is defined as “expressed clearly, easy to understand” and this is what we strive for from planning to the event itself. I learned how to create a website, design a brand, dove into social media for business, hired a team, and funded the company myself.

Once the foundation was set, the journey truly began. I dove headfirst into creating venue partnerships, partnering with The Knot and WeddingWire, and developing our digital marketing plan. It was a time of continuous learning, honing my craft, and refining our approach to delivering exceptional service.

Beyond the logistical aspects, I also devoted significant time to understanding the needs and desires of our clients. By conducting market research, staying updated on trends, and listening to the feedback of engaged couples and corporate clients, I ensured that Lucid Events was perfectly poised to exceed their expectations.

In those early days, it was not uncommon for me to work tirelessly, sometimes late into the night, fueled by my passion for the industry and the unwavering belief in the value we could bring to our clients. The journey was filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, but I persisted, always pushing forward.

Lucid Events officially launched, and it was a moment of great pride and joy, knowing that I had transformed an idea into a thriving reality. From that point on, the focus shifted from building the business to delivering exceptional experiences, exceeding expectations, and establishing a stellar reputation within the industry.

Reflecting on my journey, I can’t express enough gratitude for the invaluable experience and knowledge I gained during my time at WeddingWire and Disney. These two powerhouses have not only laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial path but have also forged an unparalleled recipe for success in this venture. The combination of deep industry insights from WeddingWire and my experience in operations management on a grand scale at Disney has positioned me as a trusted expert in the field. Clients can rest assured that they are working with a true professional who understands their needs inside and out.

As I continue on this incredible path, I am indebted to the couples, clients, and industry partners who have placed their trust in Lucid Events. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring their dreams to life, create unforgettable memories, and make a lasting impact on their special occasions. The journey from idea to execution has been nothing short of remarkable,

Gina, 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?

Hi, I’m Gina, the proud owner and CEO of Lucid Events, a premier wedding and corporate planning business serving Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. With nearly 15 years in Florida, I have established a deep connection to this vibrant state and its event industry.

My journey began in 2010, working on Red Carpet Premieres and Movie Events for Disney Motion Pictures in NYC. Eventually, I made my way to Walt Disney World, where I managed large-scale operations like Be Our Guest in the theme parks. In 2014, I joined WeddingWire when it was still emerging in the industry. I played a pivotal role in developing and expanding its presence in over 10 markets, including Florida. This experience has provided me with extensive knowledge of weddings, venues, and vendors.

My personal experience planning my own wedding in 2017 made me realize the value of a reliable wedding planner. While my steampunk Alice in Wonderland wedding was a success, I longed for someone to alleviate the stress and handle coordination on the day itself. The multitude of tasks overwhelmed me, and it hindered my ability to fully enjoy my special day. That experience ignited my passion for wedding planning.

Driven by my love for events, operational expertise, and profound understanding of the wedding industry, I established Lucid Events with the vision of becoming the top event and wedding planner in the business. We offer an exciting, stress-free, and personalized planning experience, with the convenience of on-demand answers. We won’t eat up your budget (and we’ll help you create a budget all the same). Clients appreciate our extensive knowledge, round-the-clock availability, and the fact that we aren’t afraid to have fun! We are dedicated to bringing your wedding or event dreams to realization, while being your trusted partner every step of the way. From enchanting Mendocino Coast weddings to luxurious garden affairs, destination and tropical island celebrations, our capabilities are vast . Moreover, we have successfully planned large scale for esteemed corporate clients such as Drew Estate Cigars and Infosys, assuring our clients their corporate event is in capable hands.

Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by CBS News 6 WPKMG, who honored us as the “Best Wedding Business of 2022.” Additionally, we have been featured in leading publications like Zola, WeddingWire, The Knot, and Love Inc. We have proudly earned the WeddingWire Couples Choice Award and The Knot Best of Weddings for 2023. These accolades reflect our unwavering dedication to delivering the highest level of service to our clients and their guests. We are currently booking events through 2025 and look forward to bringing more unforgettable evenings to life!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been word-of-mouth referrals. There is something incredibly powerful about the personal recommendation and endorsement of a satisfied client. When our clients have an amazing experience with us, they can’t help but share their delight with their friends, family, and colleagues. This organic, genuine form of promotion has been instrumental in attracting new clients to Lucid Events.

In addition to word-of-mouth, we have also invested in building a strong online presence through social media and our website. We showcase our portfolio, share testimonials, and provide valuable content that inspires and informs. This digital presence allows potential clients to discover us, learn about our services, and see the incredible results we have achieved for others. It has served as a powerful tool for generating interest and inquiries from prospective clients.

Furthermore, we actively participate in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. By immersing ourselves in the wedding and event community, we have been able to forge valuable connections with fellow professionals, vendors, and venues. These relationships have opened doors to collaborative opportunities and referrals from trusted industry peers.

Ultimately, the key to growing our clientele lies in delivering exceptional experiences and exceeding expectations. When our clients are genuinely thrilled with the results, they become our greatest advocates, spreading the word about Lucid Events and the quality of our services. Combined with a strong online presence and active involvement in the industry, this powerful combination has fueled our growth and attracted a steady stream of new clients eager to experience the magic of Lucid Events.

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

When I first embarked on this business venture, little did I know that it would evolve into the incredible journey it is today. With almost eight years of experience in the tech industry, primarily as a Customer Success Manager and Head of Partnerships, I found myself yearning to dive into the world of wedding and event planning. It was a passion that burned within me, and I thought, “Why not try my hand at it and see where it takes me?”

In the beginning, I simply aimed to pick up a few weddings and events here and there, leveraging my extensive knowledge and expertise in the field. Little did I anticipate the magnitude of what lay ahead. As they say, when you pour your heart and soul into something you truly love, the possibilities are boundless. It’s true, 10/10 highly recommend.

Before I knew it, our business began to scale rapidly, reaching the remarkable milestone of nearly 50 weddings within the span of just one year. It was an exhilarating ride, and one that demanded countless late nights and relentless dedication. There were no days off, as we poured our energy into every detail and strived to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

The journey was far from easy, but with unwavering determination and a burning passion, we overcame every obstacle that came our way. The sleepless nights and relentless hustle were mere stepping stones on the path to success.

And then, almost in a blink of an eye, it happened. I found myself transformed into the captain of my own ship, the boss of my own destiny. The transition from side hustle to full-time career was both empowering and liberating. It allowed me to fully embrace my passion, to immerse myself in the world of weddings and events, and to realize the immense satisfaction that comes with making dreams come true.

Looking back, the key milestones that paved our path were a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our team. Each successful event, the smiles on faces, each hug at the end of the night, and each glowing testimonial reaffirmed our commitment to excellence.

Today, as I reflect on the extraordinary journey that led me here, I am humbled and grateful. What began as a humble side hustle has blossomed into a thriving career, allowing me to bring joy, love, and unforgettable memories to countless couples and clients.

We will continue to push boundaries, surpass expectations, and create truly remarkable experiences, we stand proud, knowing that our passion and dedication have shaped Lucid Events into the remarkable success it is today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lucideventdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucideventdesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-nicole-damato/

Image Credits
Dovetail Photo, Juliana Montane, Tim Ryan Photo, HANNAH BJORNDAL PHOTOGRAPHY, Sweetbay Photogrpahy, Jess Marie Photo