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

Alright, Maurisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Plain and simple—my hero is my mother, Tami Brown. She is the living embodiment of resilience, grace, and unwavering determination. When I was fourteen, my mother became a single parent to three children, and in what felt like an instant, our lives were turned upside down. We went from a comfortable, upper-middle-class life to barely scraping by. Yet, through it all, my mom never faltered.

I vividly remember her taking on extra hours at work to ensure my siblings and I could still pursue our passions—dance lessons, private school education, and all the little things that seemed impossible in the midst of financial strain. She worked tirelessly, day in and day out, and at the time, I didn’t fully grasp the enormity of the sacrifices she was making. She could have easily told us that our hobbies, our sports, and our passions were no longer within reach, but instead, she made them happen for us, no matter what it took.

Now, as an adult, I look back and see the quiet strength behind her every decision. On my hardest days, when the weight of my own responsibilities feels overwhelming, I think of her—how she never gave up, how she put in the work, and how she trusted that doing the right thing, even when it was the hardest, would eventually lead to better days.

My mother has taught me that success isn’t about shortcuts or luck; it’s about perseverance, sacrifice, and believing in the process. Everything I am, and everything I’ve achieved, is a direct reflection of her love and unwavering support. Her strength is my foundation, and I carry her lessons with me every day.

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?

My name is Maurisa Collis, and I’m the founder of Collis Co., a luxury wedding and event planning company located on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. At Collis Co., I specialize in crafting bespoke, unforgettable celebrations, with a particular emphasis on multi-day events. My path into the wedding industry was anything but conventional. I originally started my career as a high school teacher, but after a few years, I realized I needed a more creative outlet—one that would allow me to blend my love for design, storytelling, and meticulous planning. This realization led me to pursue my passion for wedding planning, and I haven’t looked back since.

At Collis Co., what sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to exclusivity. Since we partner with only ten clients annually, I am able to work intimately with our couples to create a celebration that reflects their unique story. One thing I’m particularly proud of is the way we’ve been able to carve out a niche in Hawaii for South Asian weddings, bringing the grandeur and multi-day celebrations to the islands in a way that blends tradition with the natural beauty of the Pacific. I’ve had the privilege of working with multicultural couples who trust me to honor their cultural traditions while bringing fresh, modern twists to their events.

What I want potential clients to know is that I’m more than just a planner—I’m your advocate, your creative partner, and your support system throughout the entire process. My goal is to take the stress off your shoulders, allowing you to enjoy the moments leading up to your wedding day while knowing that every detail is being meticulously handled. I truly believe that weddings should be a reflection of who you are, and I’m here to bring that vision to life in a way that feels both effortless and extraordinary.

Have you ever had to pivot?

We recently made a significant pivot in our business. Previously known as SLH Weddings & Events, we focused heavily on the quantity of weddings rather than quality. While I’m incredibly grateful for that phase of my career, I quickly realized that managing over thirty weddings a year wasn’t sustainable in the long run. In May 2024, we rebranded as Collis Co., shifting our focus to luxury weddings and events in Hawaii, with an emphasis on multi-day celebrations. By choosing to work with fewer clients and host more immersive events, I’ve been able to dedicate the time, attention, and creative energy that each wedding truly deserves. This change has not only elevated the level of service we provide but also allowed me to achieve a much healthier work-life balance.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

When we were transitioning from SLH Weddings & Events to Collis Co., I knew I needed to find a way to position our brand as a leader in luxury weddings, and a 5-star resort had just opened in my town. I knew immediately that getting my foot in the door there could be the catalyst to launch my company into the luxury wedding market. I teamed up with a photographer I greatly admire, and together we designed a styled shoot concept specifically for the resort.

After carefully crafting our pitch, we presented it to the resort’s team, and to our excitement, they approved it! This was a huge moment for us—it felt like a major breakthrough. Producing a styled shoot at such a high-end venue wasn’t just about the visuals, it was about proving we could deliver the level of sophistication and creativity expected in the luxury market. We worked tirelessly to bring the concept to life, ensuring every detail was perfect.

The results were incredible. The promotional material we created during that shoot not only captured the attention of the resort but also landed Collis Co. our first two high-budget, luxury clients. That one bold move—taking the risk to pitch to the resort and putting our all into the shoot—truly set the tone for the future of Collis Co. It was a pivotal moment that solidified our place in the luxury wedding industry and reinforced my belief in taking calculated risks to elevate the brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wedcollis.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collis.co/

Image Credits

Ashley Purple
Alexandra Masihy
Shelly Lynn
Hello Miss Lovely