We recently connected with Melissa Klatt and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I started MK Events after one too many experiences in the workplace made it clear that motherhood was seen as a liability, not a strength. I had spent years in customer-facing and hospitality roles — spaces where multitasking, emotional intelligence, and stamina were essential. But when I became a mom, I quickly realized how unforgiving and inflexible those environments could be. I knew I had more to offer, and I wanted to build something that didn’t force me to choose between being a present parent and a driven professional.

The early COVID shutdowns gave me the rare gift of time — time to reflect, reset, and go all-in on what I really wanted. I used that period to earn my Event Planning certification through NYIAD and started laying the foundation for MK Events. I booked my first wedding not long after — it was stunning, joyful, and I knew right then that I had found something worth building.

Three years ago, the business grew again when Kourtney joined the team as our next planner and coordinator. Now, we’re proud to have two amazing teams and the ability to double-book weekends — something I wouldn’t have imagined in those early, quiet days of dreaming.

More than anything, this business has been about proving that women — and especially moms — are not just capable, but unstoppable when given the space to lead. I knew I could succeed because I was building something I believed in, grounded in both personal experience and professional skill. And honestly? I’m just getting started.

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

I got my start in event planning back in high school, volunteering with the American Red Cross of Monroe County’s youth group. I loved being part of something bigger than myself — helping bring people together for community-driven events really lit a spark. I grew up in Michigan, and after high school, life took me in a different direction for a while. I worked customer-facing roles, went through college, and eventually moved to Ohio to be with my high school sweetheart — now husband.

After becoming a mom, I hit a wall in the traditional workforce. I was constantly made to feel like being a parent was a liability instead of the strength it actually is. I remember thinking, how is it that I can handle chaos, solve problems, multitask like a boss — and still be considered less capable because I’m raising a human? My daughter was sick constantly, like every kid is, and I needed flexibility that just didn’t exist in those jobs.

That frustration became fuel. I started MK Events as a way to create something sustainable for myself — and eventually for others — that honors both career ambition and parenthood. We’re proof that being a parent isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower.

Today, MK Events offers full-service event and wedding planning, day-of coordination, event staffing, and design planning. We help our couples bring their vision to life without the stress, so they can actually enjoy their day instead of managing a million moving pieces. What sets us apart is how human our approach is. We’re not about perfection — we’re about presence, connection, and creating spaces where love (and joy, and dance floors!) can thrive.

I’m most proud of the team we’ve built and the culture behind the work. We now have two incredible teams, double-book weekends, and continue to grow with intention. Whether it’s through empowering other working parents, or helping a couple have the best day of their lives, I want people to know: we’re here to make the process feel doable, supportive, and genuinely fun. This is more than a business — it’s a love letter to real people doing life together.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely — there’s a big mission behind everything we’re building at MK Events. Long-term, I want to scale the business into a household name in weddings and events — think Hilton-level recognition, but in the hospitality and celebration space. I envision MK Events operating in multiple cities across the country, known not just for beautiful events, but for how we take care of our team.

One of my biggest goals is to create a company culture that prioritizes balance. I’m passionate about normalizing 32-hour work weeks (four days max), especially in an industry that’s notorious for burnout. I want to prove that you can build something powerful and sustainable — and that moms, especially, are capable of leading with compassion, efficiency, and excellence.

The heart of MK Events has always been about creating space — not just for our clients to celebrate, but for our team to thrive. We’re showing the world that you don’t have to choose between family and ambition. In fact, I believe moms can do it better than they ever imagined.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn — and honestly, something a lot of our couples and outsiders believe too — is the idea that wedding and event planning is easy. Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s not just picking pretty flowers or making sure people are where they need to be. It’s deeply emotional work.

Weddings and events are high-stakes social situations, and they come with a full spectrum of feelings: excitement, nerves, pressure, family dynamics — you name it. I had to learn that succeeding in this space isn’t just about organization or timelines (though those matter, too). It’s about emotional intelligence. You have to read the room, anticipate needs before they’re voiced, and adapt quickly — all while staying calm, positive, and invisible in the background. That’s the real essence of hospitality, and it’s what separates a decent event from an exceptional one.

Unlearning the idea that this work is simple helped me lean into the complexity of it — and that’s where I truly found my strength. This is not a job for the faint of heart. It takes presence, empathy, intuition, and skill — and I’m proud that our team brings all of that to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mkevents.online
• Instagram: @mkeventsonline
• Facebook: @mkeventsonline
• Youtube: @mkeventsonline

Image Credits

First two of Melissa and Kourtney – Katie Finnicum
Next one: Kylene Dorthea Photography
Next five: JO Creative Co (Jackie Oliver)