We recently connected with Judy Aguilar and have shared our conversation below.
Judy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for All Events Judy actually started as a personal need that grew into something much bigger. I’ve always had a passion for creating memorable experiences – whether it was organizing family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just helping friends with their events. But as I found myself helping more and more people, I started to see how much stress and confusion can come with event planning. It wasn’t just about picking a venue or finding vendors; it was about pulling together all the little details that can easily be overlooked, and for many, it became overwhelming.
I knew that there had to be a better way to streamline the process, to make it not just easy, but enjoyable. I started by organizing my own events and testing out different approaches – balancing a mix of creativity and organization. I quickly realized that there was a gap in the market for event planning services that focused on creating a personalized, stress-free experience for people. Many event planners had a formulaic approach, but there wasn’t anyone focusing on the client experience, their unique needs, and the emotions that come with big moments in their lives.
It was during this period of reflection and experimentation that I knew I had something special. I wanted to offer more than just a service – I wanted to offer peace of mind. I wanted to become a trusted partner in helping people celebrate, connect, and create lifelong memories, no matter what the occasion. And that’s how All Events Judy was born. The idea excited me because it wasn’t just about helping with logistics; it was about understanding people, their vision, and their emotions, then turning that vision into reality.
I truly felt that there was a gap in the market for an event planning business that really listened to clients, went above and beyond, and offered a seamless, personalized experience. I wanted to combine my love for creating meaningful moments with my natural ability to organize and manage complex details. I believed – and still believe – that the joy of celebrating with loved ones should never be overshadowed by stress, and All Events Judy was my way of making sure that didn’t happen.
What made it worthwhile was knowing I could solve a real problem for people – the overwhelming nature of planning an event. And what excited me most was that this wasn’t just another event planning business; it was a chance to truly make a difference in the lives of my clients. Creating that spark of joy in their lives, while handling all the behind-the-scenes chaos, is what made me realize this was something worth pursuing.
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?
Hi, I’m Judy Aguilar, the heart behind All Events Judy, based in Chicago. With over a decade of experience in the event planning industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for crafting memorable experiences that truly reflect my clients’ unique vision. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, I’m here to bring your ideas to life with creativity, precision, and a personal touch.
My journey into event planning started unexpectedly. I began volunteering at my church, assisting with wedding rehearsals. Many couples mistakenly thought I was a professional planner, and that sparked a realization—I could turn my natural organizational skills and passion for bringing people together into a full-time business. Over time, I transitioned from managing corporate events to focusing on personal celebrations, and it quickly became clear that this was where my heart belonged.
At All Events Judy, I specialize in creating seamless, stress-free events, whether it’s a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate gathering. I’m not just about managing logistics; I focus on understanding my clients’ needs, alleviating stress, and building trust so that they can truly enjoy their special moments. I take pride in offering a personalized approach—every event is unique, and I work closely with my clients to ensure that every detail reflects their style, personality, and vision.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to exceptional service and my ability to turn a stressful process into a smooth, enjoyable journey. I’m not just a planner; I’m a partner who listens, understands, and goes the extra mile to make sure everything runs flawlessly. My goal is to ensure my clients have peace of mind and can be fully present, knowing I’ve got everything under control.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients over the years. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when everything falls into place is the most rewarding part of my job. It’s about more than just executing a plan—it’s about creating memories and moments that last a lifetime.
What I want potential clients to know about me is that I truly care about your event. My work is not just a job—it’s my passion. I’m here to make your special occasion a celebration, not a stressful ordeal. I believe in the power of collaboration, attention to detail, and creating an experience that you and your guests will never forget. Let’s work together to make your next event truly exceptional.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly illustrates my resilience happened with a couple I was working with, just a couple of months before their wedding. They had booked a venue, but unfortunately, the venue had ghosted them for months. They couldn’t get ahold of anyone to discuss their next steps or confirm the details for their big day. On top of that, the venue had promised them a discounted hotel code for their guests, but when it came time to provide the code, the event manager left the company. The venue failed to communicate that staff changes had occurred, and the new manager didn’t reach out to introduce herself or provide any updates.
My clients were understandably frustrated and discouraged, especially as their wedding day was quickly approaching. They were considering canceling the venue altogether due to the lack of communication and the broken promises. Thankfully, they reached out to me for guidance, and that’s when I jumped into action.
I immediately contacted the director of catering at the hotel, scheduled a meeting, and made sure to clarify everything with them. I set the expectations going forward, ensuring that all commitments made to my clients were upheld. From that point on, I became their point of contact for all communications with the venue, managing the situation closely to ensure everything went according to plan.
Though it was a stressful and difficult situation for my clients, I was able to take control, manage the communication, and turn things around for them. The wedding ended up being a beautiful, seamless event, and my clients were beyond grateful. It was a huge relief for them to have someone in their corner who could navigate such a challenging situation with confidence and open communication. This experience reminded me of the importance of staying calm under pressure and being proactive to solve problems, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant times I had to pivot in my career was when I transitioned from working in corporate event planning to starting my own business. I had spent years planning high-profile business events, managing logistics, and working with teams to execute flawless corporate functions. While I enjoyed the work, I realized I was missing something—I wanted to focus on personal events, like weddings and milestone celebrations, where I could make a deeper emotional connection and create experiences that truly reflected the unique stories of my clients.
The pivot wasn’t easy. It meant stepping away from the stability and routine of corporate work and venturing into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. I had to adjust my mindset, take on new challenges, and invest in learning about running a small business. I also had to build up my personal brand and gain the trust of clients who were looking for more than just someone to handle logistics; they wanted someone who could help bring their dreams to life.
The shift was difficult at first, but I’m so glad I made it. Now, I have the privilege of working closely with couples, families, and businesses to create unforgettable moments. This pivot has not only allowed me to align my work with my passion, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding to see the impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives. It taught me that sometimes, making a bold move and embracing uncertainty leads to growth and fulfillment beyond what you can imagine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alleventsjudy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alleventsjudy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565182312234
Image Credits
Gia Dragoi Photography, https://www.giaphotos.com/