We were lucky to catch up with Janet Abbey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janet, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

or years, I supported myself through the planning side of events—logistics, timelines, vendor wrangling. And while I’m proud of that foundation, it’s what that structure unlocked that truly lights me up: the creative design side.

Today, most of my events allow me to fully step into that creative space—bringing a vision to life, layering in thoughtful details, and crafting environments that feel personal and unforgettable.

It brings me so much joy to collaborate with my clients, listen closely to their stories, and use my creative energy to help design moments that reflect them. That’s the heart of Sterling Events—and of why I do what I do.

Janet, 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?

Meet the Founder, Planner, and Creative Director of Sterling Event Services
Janet Abbey

I’m Janet Abbey — founder, lead planner, and the creative heart behind Sterling Event Services. My journey into event planning didn’t start with a Pinterest board or a dream wedding. It started with civic pride, a stadium auction, and a city that refused to lose its team.

Back in the mid-90s, I was working on the Save Our Browns movement and Issue 5. In the thick of that civic action, I discovered something that lit me up: the power of a well-executed gathering. From there, Sterling Event Services was born in 1995, and I’ve never looked back.

What I Do:
I specialize in full-service planning and creative design for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate events in and around Cleveland, Ohio. Whether it’s an elegant backyard wedding, a 60th birthday blowout, a corporate gala, or a heartfelt celebration of life — I bring structure, style, and soul to every detail.

My events are known for their personal touches and smooth execution. I solve the problems my clients don’t even know they have yet — vendor overwhelm, timeline confusion, design paralysis, or simply the emotional weight of hosting a meaningful event. My job is to take that weight off your shoulders so you can actually enjoy the experience.

What Sets Me Apart:
Three decades of experience. This isn’t my side hustle or a second act. This is my life’s work.
I tell it like it is — with kindness. You won’t get fluff or fakery here. I’m direct, grounded, and here to serve.
Creativity meets calm. I balance clear planning with imaginative design — so you get both beauty and order.
I become part of your story. Most of my clients become repeat clients — because when we create something special together, we build a relationship that lasts.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
• Planning a surprise opera performance for a private birthday dinner where guests cried happy tears
• Helping a bride serve her late grandmother’s favorite cookie recipe at the reception
• Transforming a basic corporate space into a disco-inspired, mirrorball-studded celebration of community
• Creating events that feel effortless for my clients — even though the behind-the-scenes choreography is anything but

The Heart of My Work:
What matters most is that your event feels like you — or your family, your love story, your brand. That it’s not just beautiful, but meaningful. That you walk away saying, “That was exactly what I hoped for — and more.”

When I’m not designing timelines or sketching table layouts, I’m usually walking in the woods with my dogs, Lucky and Mr. Teddy Wiggles, sharing a meal with friends, or exploring someplace new. I believe in deep conversations, handwritten notes, and dancing at the end of the night.

I’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you bring your vision to life.

Let’s create something unforgettable.

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

A Story of Resilience from Janet Abbey, Founder of Sterling Event Services

People often assume this business is all champagne toasts and sparkler exits — but the truth is, being an entrepreneur, especially in events, takes serious grit.

There have been seasons when I’ve stepped away from event planning — when I thought maybe I was done, or when life pulled me in another direction. But somehow, I always find my way back. Because the truth is, this work fuels me. Creating moments that matter, helping people celebrate with heart and meaning — it’s not just a career. It’s a calling.

But calling doesn’t pay the mortgage.

There have been lean months. Times I wasn’t sure how I’d cover the bills. I’ve learned to get scrappy — to cut expenses, tighten up operations, and stretch every dollar when needed. And yes, when the money flows? I know how to enjoy it. But the biggest lesson? Live lean so you can live your dream.

One of the turning points in my journey was learning I didn’t have to do it all alone. Building a team — people I trust, who bring their own talents to the table — has allowed me to take on bigger events, offer a higher level of service, and grow in ways I never could have solo.

Resilience doesn’t always look shiny. Sometimes it’s quiet — choosing to stay the course, to rebuild again, to believe in what you’re creating even when it’s hard.

And every time I walk into an event — whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate celebration — and see the joy on my clients’ faces, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience Isn’t Always Glamorous — But It’s Always Worth It
By Janet Abbey, Founder of Sterling Event Services

People see the beautiful events, the custom cocktails, the overflowing florals — and assume this business has always been smooth sailing. Truth is, it’s taken everything I’ve got — and then some.

Yes, I’ve built a successful event planning company over nearly three decades. Yes, I’ve created unforgettable weddings, corporate galas, and milestone celebrations. But there were seasons where I didn’t know how I’d pay the mortgage. When events dried up, and things got lean, I got resourceful. I did what I had to do — from brand ambassador gigs at Walmart to side hustles — just to keep things afloat. I found the money to make ends meet. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary. And it kept the dream alive.

I kept showing up for the vision — even when it didn’t show up for me right away.

I kept learning. I still do. I read. I take online courses. I stay curious and engaged because I want to grow — for myself, and for my clients. I work a lot, but I love my work. It energizes me. It gives me purpose.

This business isn’t about faking perfection. It’s about showing up with heart. Building relationships. Listening deeply. And creating something meaningful from scratch — over and over again.

If you’re someone chasing a dream, hear me loud and clear: You can do this. But it takes grit. You may have to get creative to pay the bills. You may have to reinvent yourself. You may feel like giving up — but don’t.

Resilience isn’t about never falling. It’s about standing up, dusting yourself off, and still believing that you were meant for more.

And I do believe that — for myself, and for you. Please follow and Like me on. my Instagram acct fabsterlingevents _.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sterlingeventservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabsterlingevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabuloussterlingevents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-sterlingeventservices/

Image Credits

Caroline Abbey

Dennis Crider