We recently connected with Kelly Awani and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

As a small business owner, ordained minister, new mom, and wife, I wear many hats, each with its own set of responsibilities and expectations. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the most profound failures are often born from losing sight of who we are at our core. This realization struck me deeply when I faced a moment of doubt and defeat, one that challenged everything I believed about myself and my work.

In the world of event planning, Kelly Denise Events had built a reputation for excellence. Every event was a masterpiece in my eyes, a reflection of my passion and commitment. However, the moment came when I was tasked with planning my very first gala of significant size. I poured my heart and soul into it, believing it to be a success. But then, the client’s harsh criticism hit like a ton of bricks, shattering my confidence. I was devastated, questioning my skills, my passion, and my very identity.

To make matters worse, I had recently endured a miscarriage, a loss that left me grappling with grief and sorrow. It felt as though life was throwing one challenge after another at me. The once vibrant world of unicorns and rainbows I lived in was now clouded by dark storms. I spiraled into a deep funk, questioning my worth and my purpose. Was this what failure looked like? To many, it might seem like a small bump in the road, but to me, it was a monumental defeat. I began to forget who I was, allowing myself to be defined by the criticism and the losses I had faced.

During this time, I took a pause from event planning to focus on myself. The journey was not easy. Even as my husband and I found joy in becoming pregnant again through IVF, the first trimester was fraught with difficulty, and the depression I faced only deepened. I felt as though life had lost its meaning, and I struggled to find a way out of the black hole I was in.

But then, one day, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that I am more than the sum of my failures. I am the best version of myself, not because I am perfect, but because I am resilient. I had to remind myself that I am great at what I do, and that I have the strength to overcome whatever challenges come my way.

This awakening led me to create a “Congratulations Board,” an idea I saw on Instagram. The board became a daily ritual, a space where I could manifest the things I wanted in my life and express gratitude for them in advance. Each day, I would go to the room where the board hung and thank God for the blessings yet to come, for the strength to endure both the sorrow and the joy. It was a reminder that in my weakest moments, God’s strength would shine through.

This practice of gratitude and encouragement shifted my perspective on failure. What once felt like an insurmountable defeat now seemed bite-sized in comparison to the blessings that awaited me. The client who didn’t like my work, the loss of my first child, the moments of doubt and despair—they were all part of a larger story, one in which I would emerge stronger and more determined than ever.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that failure is not the end. It’s a stepping stone, a lesson, and an opportunity for growth. We may stumble, we may fall, but we can always rise again. Our skin is tougher than we think, and our spirit is stronger than we know. So to anyone who feels like they’ve failed, remember this: there is always room for improvement, always a chance to take the test again. Don’t stay in the place of defeat—rise up, keep going, keep striving, and most of all, keep chasing your dreams.

This is who I am—Kelly Denise Awani. A small business owner, a minister, a wife, a mother, and a woman who knows that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey toward it.

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

Meet Kelly Denise Awani: The Visionary Behind Kelly Denise Events
At Kelly Denise Events L.L.C. (KDE), our mission is simple yet profound: to transform your vision into a reality, no matter the budget. My name is Kelly Denise Awani, and as the Chief Executive Officer of KDE, I’ve spent over a decade in the event planning industry, turning dreams into unforgettable experiences. From intimate baby showers to lavish weddings and grand conferences, my passion for event planning drives every detail, every decision, and every moment of the events I craft.

How It All Began

My journey into event planning wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling that started in 2016. My older sister, Dana, saw something in me before I even realized it myself. She believed in my passion so much that she handed me the first step toward my dream—a business EIN number in my name. That was the moment Kelly Denise Events was born, and I haven’t looked back since.

What We Do

At KDE, we take pride in offering a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re planning a small dinner party or a wedding extravaganza with a $100,000 budget, my team and I are here to bring your vision to life. We believe that no budget is too small and no idea too grand. For instance, we recently planned a wedding for 200 guests that was nothing short of spectacular, while also taking on more intimate projects like a cozy dinner party that left our clients just as delighted.

One of our proudest moments came in October 2019 when we welcomed Def Jam Recordings, an American multinational record label, to our clientele list. We hosted their Internship Program “Trap & Paint,” a vibrant event that became a highlight for all involved. The feedback we received—like Christopher Davis’s review, calling our leadership “absolutely AMAZING”—reaffirmed that we were on the right path. Pulling off a large-scale event in just ten days and leaving such a lasting impression was a testament to our dedication and expertise.

What Sets Us Apart

What makes KDE stand out in the crowded world of event planning is our deep commitment to our clients. We don’t just plan events; we build relationships. Many of our clients become like family, and that connection fuels our passion even more. We take the time to understand your vision, your desires, and your concerns, ensuring that every event we plan reflects your unique style and personality.

As a Reverend of Mt. Calvary CME Church in Mount Vernon, NY, my faith also plays a significant role in how I approach my work. It’s not just about the business; it’s about serving others, bringing joy to their lives, and creating moments that matter. Whether it’s the excitement of a bride on her wedding day or the satisfaction of a corporate client, knowing that I’ve helped make someone’s dream come true is the greatest reward.

Our Pride and Joy

One of the things I’m most proud of is the ability to handle events of all scales with the same level of care and detail. For instance, when Whitney Felder and her now-husband entrusted me with their backyard wedding, I took their vision and elevated it to new heights. From a custom dance floor to a “take a sip & take a seat” welcome wall, we created an intimate yet grand celebration that exceeded their expectations. As Whitney put it, we gave them “what we wanted plus more,” and that’s exactly what we strive to do for all our clients.

A Dream Chased

Event planning is more than just a source of income for me—it’s a dream that I’ve chased with all my heart. The love for organizing, the thrill of focusing on the intricate details of design, and the joy of seeing an event come to life are what keep me going. I take immense pride in the relationships we build, the memories we create, and the smiles we bring to our clients’ faces.

At Kelly Denise Events, we’re not just planners; we’re dream-makers, and we can’t wait to help you bring your vision to life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The Early Days: Learning the Hard Way

In the early stages of my event planning career, I was so passionate about delivering the perfect event that I often found myself spending my own profits to cover extra details that the client’s budget couldn’t accommodate. I believed that every event had to be flawless, down to the smallest detail, even if that meant going beyond what was financially feasible. I thought that by adding these extra touches, I was enhancing the client experience and setting myself apart from the competition. But what I was really doing was setting myself up for burnout and financial strain.

There were times when I didn’t fully account for the cost of materials or services and ended up covering the difference myself. While the clients were thrilled, I was left with little to no profit, and in some cases, I even took a loss. It became clear that this way of operating wasn’t sustainable, and I needed to make a change.

Reevaluating the Process: A New Approach to Budgeting

The turning point came when I started to reevaluate my process. I realized that I needed to become more disciplined about budgeting and managing client expectations. This meant paying closer attention to my design projections, obtaining quotes in a timely manner, and presenting detailed, realistic proposals to clients.

One of the key changes I made was developing a more structured approach to client budgets. I began to focus on working within the client’s budget, rather than supplementing it with my own funds. This shift in mindset helped me maintain the integrity of my business while still delivering exceptional events. If a client’s budget couldn’t accommodate a particular design element or feature, I learned to present alternatives that would still achieve their vision without exceeding their financial limits.

The Importance of Realistic Expectations

What I ultimately unlearned was the idea that I had to go above and beyond at any cost. Instead, I embraced the philosophy that it’s okay to say “no” when something isn’t financially viable. It’s more important to be transparent with clients about what’s possible within their budget and to focus on delivering the best possible event within those constraints.

This approach doesn’t mean compromising on quality; rather, it’s about being realistic and responsible with resources. If you can find a way to add something extra within the budget, then great—celebrate that win. But if not, it’s still possible to deliver an outstanding event that meets the client’s needs and expectations.

Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs

For anyone in the event planning industry or any client-focused business, my advice is this: always check the budget before making promises. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver within the constraints of the budget than to overextend yourself trying to achieve an unrealistic vision. By doing so, you’ll protect your business’s financial health, maintain your peace of mind, and still create beautiful, memorable experiences for your clients.

This lesson has been crucial in helping me grow Kelly Denise Events into a sustainable, thriving business. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and that true success lies in balancing creativity with financial responsibility.

Any advice for managing a team?

As a small business owner, managing a team and maintaining high morale is something I had to learn through experience—often the hard way. In the early days of Kelly Denise Events (KDE), I was quick to hire friends and family to help on event days. It seemed like a smart way to save money and keep things close-knit. However, I quickly realized that not everyone shares the same passion for events as I do, and that’s where the challenges began.

Learning from Early Mistakes

The first lesson I learned is that friends and family, while well-intentioned, may not always be the best fit for the job. They don’t necessarily care about the events as deeply as I do, nor do they understand the level of detail and effort required to make an event successful. This led to frustration on both sides. I found myself overwhelmed and disappointed by the lack of attention to detail, which often resulted in arguments and tension, especially with my core team, including my best friend, sister, and even my husband.

Listening to Your Team

After a few challenging experiences, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate how I was managing my team. I began by asking for feedback from my core team, wanting to understand what aspects of event planning they felt comfortable with and how we could better align their skills with the tasks at hand. This shift in approach made a world of difference.

Instead of demanding perfection, I started listening and learning from my team. I recognized that everyone has their own strengths and areas where they can excel. For instance, my husband, who has a strong background in finance, became an invaluable asset in managing profits and losses, client budgets, and financial planning, rather than just helping with the physical setup. Another team member, who was naturally personable, was moved to a concierge role, where they could engage with clients directly, ensuring they felt supported and valued throughout the event.

Empowering Your Team

One of the key strategies I implemented was delegating tasks more effectively and ensuring that everyone understood the “why” behind their roles. I started sharing the backstory of each client and the importance of specific setups, so my team felt more invested in the entire planning process, not just the event day. This made them feel like they were truly part of KDE, rather than just temporary help.

Before each event, we began holding huddles to assign tasks based on each person’s skill set, while also offering motivation and a reminder that, although things may not always go perfectly, we could strive to do our best. I encouraged my team to take the initiative to problem-solve if I was unavailable, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership.

One of the most meaningful traditions we developed was our prayer circle before every event. This became a moment that everyone looked forward to—a time to center ourselves, focus on the day ahead, and remind each other that we’re in this together.

Balancing Leadership with Empathy

Managing a team requires a delicate balance of being supportive, stern, a teacher, and a learner all at once. It’s crucial to remember that while this business is my dream, it’s not necessarily theirs. I’ve learned to breathe, be patient, and give my team the same respect I expect in return. It’s about treating them as an integral part of the company, not just as “the help.” By fostering this environment of mutual respect, understanding, and empathy, I’ve been able to build a team that’s not only efficient but also deeply invested in the success of each event.

In the end, maintaining high morale is about more than just managing tasks—it’s about creating a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. When your team knows that their contributions matter, they’re more likely to go above and beyond, making your events—and your business—shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kdeplans.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdeplans/?__d=1%2F

Image Credits

Florist: Diva Blooms, My Lovely Stems
Photographers: Christopher Fox-Kelly, Trevor Felder, Christopher Smith