Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaclyn Watson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jaclyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

I practically grew up on the stage, mastering the art of paddle ball and juggling, learning to captivate audiences with laughter and craft immersive sets. This performance background laid the foundation for my journey into the world of wedding planning—a seamless transition, thanks to my ability to collaborate with diverse vendors and orchestrate seamless experiences.

Interestingly, the spark that ignited this path came from a single person who saw something special in me. Years ago, when I was preparing for my own engagement, my husband insisted on hiring a planner for our wedding to ease the stress. Little did I know that the planner would fall short, leaving me to take charge of every intricate detail. During that process, several vendors praised my organizational prowess and warmth, pointing out the scarcity of exceptional event planners in Vermont. Their encouragement planted the seed that eventually blossomed into my thriving career.

It was the amalgamation of my performance background, coupled with the firsthand experience of navigating through an imperfect planning scenario, that propelled me into this exhilarating realm of wedding planning. Recognizing my knack for orchestrating flawless events and my genuine rapport with vendors, the path became clearer—a path I embraced wholeheartedly.

As my wedding planning journey unfolded, the planner I’d hired approached me with an unexpected proposition—she believed I could elevate her company to greater heights. Taking that leap of faith, I stepped into the world of entrepreneurship and acquired her company, marking the genesis of my own venture.

Driven by a hunger for knowledge and growth, I delved back into academia, pursuing a dual degree in business management and psychology. Armed with newfound expertise, I rebranded the company from its initial identity, VIP Consulting, to the name of Vermont Enchanted Events.

My ambition, which is always increasing, danced hand in hand with patience. While I aspired to curate experiences for clients with opulent tastes, I understood the value of taking measured steps. Scaling to the realm of luxury demanded not just an aspiration but an understanding honed through experience. I wanted to grow alongside my company to immerse myself in every facet of its evolution before diving headlong into the deep end of high-end clientele.

A little over a decade ago, I embarked on this thrilling entrepreneurial journey, an inseparable part of my business’s inception and evolution. The road to success was peppered with challenges—navigating the labyrinth of social media, mastering the art of marketing, deciphering the complexities of budgets, and untangling the enigma of tax impact. The learning curve was steep, but the lessons were invaluable.

Every passing year wasn’t just about expanding my clientele; it was about elevating my worth. With each milestone, I found a newfound appreciation for the value I brought to the table. As I fine-tuned my skills, I discovered the language to articulate what sets me apart from the rest.

It wasn’t merely about numbers on a balance sheet; it was about understanding my worth, my expertise, and my unique approach to crafting unforgettable experiences. As my craft evolved and sharpened, so did my ability to convey to clients what makes my brand of planning an extraordinary journey unlike any other.

So that brings us to the current day, where I am now a luxury wedding planner taking on only 8-10 clients a year with budgets starting at $200k and going over a million!

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

Jaclyn Watson Events is more than just an event planning and design company—it’s a culmination of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences. My journey into this captivating world began in the realm of performance, honing skills in paddle ball and juggling that ultimately fostered an ability to captivate audiences with laughter and creativity.

My foray into event planning stemmed from a convergence of talents and a fateful encounter. Amidst planning my own engagement, a lackluster experience with a hired planner propelled me into taking charge, earning accolades from vendors for my meticulous organization and genuine rapport. That pivotal moment sparked the inception of Jaclyn Watson Events.

What sets us apart is our dedication to redefining excellence in event planning. We offer a spectrum of services—ranging from intimate weddings to extravagant galas—all infused with personalized touches that reflect our client’s unique visions. Our forte lies not just in orchestrating events but in curating immersive experiences that linger in memories long after the last guest departs.

At the heart of our brand is the solution we provide: the alleviation of stress and the transformation of visions into extraordinary realities. We navigate the intricacies of planning, seamlessly integrating design, logistics, and coordination, ensuring a flawless experience for our clients.

What makes me proudest is our journey of evolution. Starting from the ground up, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous learning, refining our services, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. The growth of Jaclyn Watson Events mirrors my commitment to excellence and the unwavering pursuit of crafting moments that transcend expectations.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Jaclyn Watson Events is more than a planner—it’s a curator of dreams. We blend innovation with a personal touch, creating bespoke events that speak volumes about our clients’ stories. Our brand thrives on collaboration, taking our clients’ visions and weaving them into an enchanting tapestry of experiences that leave a lasting imprint.

Ultimately, Jaclyn Watson Events is about more than just planning events; it’s about crafting narratives, weaving emotions, and transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories that stand the test of time.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Oh, let me tell you about the journey I’ve been on. Living with lupus and navigating its uncertainties it was a constant battle. Some days felt like a mountain to climb, energy drained, and challenges at every turn. But amidst this, I discovered something remarkable—a passion for event planning and design that ignited a spark within me.

Starting Jaclyn Watson Events wasn’t just a business venture; it became my sanctuary, my source of boundless joy. The more I poured myself into crafting these incredible experiences, the more my spirit soared. And something miraculous happened—I found myself gradually slipping into remission. I went from always being sick in one way or another to feeling on top of the world.

It’s as though the joy, the sheer exhilaration of creating something magical for my clients, acted as a healing balm. The creative process, the fulfillment of bringing dreams to life, became my strength, propelling me forward. Lupus seemed to take a backseat as I dived headfirst into this vibrant world of event planning.

The resilience I’ve discovered through this journey isn’t just about battling an illness; it’s about the transformative power of pursuing what sets your soul on fire. My passion became my shield, my guiding light, fostering a space where adversity took a backseat to the flourishing joy of my work.

Today, as I stand before you, I don’t just see the success of Jaclyn Watson Events; I see the resilience that defines me. It’s a testament to the profound impact that finding joy and purpose can have on our lives. Through the twists and turns of life, I’ve learned that passion and determination hold the key to extraordinary transformations and triumphs.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event industry faced unprecedented challenges. When the world came to a standstill and weddings were put on indefinite hold, fear and uncertainty loomed large. But for me, giving up was never an option. It was a moment that demanded resilience and adaptability.

As the industry fell quiet and many stepped back, I chose a different path—I amplified my presence. Amidst the chaos, I refused to fade into the background. Instead, I doubled down on efforts to stay relevant, putting myself out there even more than before.

With weddings on hold, I pivoted. Instead of cancellations, I worked tirelessly to reschedule, navigating the storm alongside my clients. I sought every available lifeline, applying for grants and loans to ensure not just my survival, but the survival of my team. I was committed to keeping our ship afloat, refusing to let anyone on my team go.

Thinking outside the box became my modus operandi. I didn’t just weather the storm; I became a voice in the industry. Taking on the role of a speaker, I shared insights, strategies, and hope with others facing similar challenges. I knew that staying visible and relevant during this trying time was crucial.

Every action I took was a deliberate effort to keep my name, my brand, at the forefront. It was about more than just surviving; it was about emerging from the chaos with resilience, relevance, and a renewed sense of purpose. Because I knew that when the storm passed, and it did, I wanted to be standing tall, ready to continue crafting unforgettable experiences for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaclynwatsonevents.com
• Instagram: @jaclynwatsonevents
• Facebook: @jaclynwatsonevents
• Linkedin: @jaclynwatsonevents

Image Credits
Photo: Andy Madea Photo: Kate Seymour