We were lucky to catch up with Nicki Burke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first planned event was a fashion show. After years of walking in shows and assisting behind the scenes at countless events, I knew I was finally ready to step into the role of planner myself. To gain real experience and refine my process, I offered my services for free during that first year, mostly to friends and family who believed in my vision.

Those early fashion shows became my training ground. As my confidence and reputation grew, fashion events naturally transitioned into music and film productions. From there, my work expanded into weddings and private events, where I refined my ability to create personalized, meaningful experiences. Eventually, this path led me to planning non profit events, an opportunity to give back while using my skills to support causes that matter.

Before I knew it, word of mouth started spreading, and that is how I landed my first official client.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an event planner whose journey began long before I officially took on the title. For years, I walked in fashion shows and assisted behind the scenes at numerous events, absorbing everything I could about production, coordination, and the energy that brings an experience to life. Eventually, I felt ready to step into planning myself. My very first event was a fashion show, and to build my portfolio the right way, I offered my services for free to friends and family during that first year. Those early events allowed me to refine my approach, strengthen my design skills, and develop a process I’m still proud of today.

What started with fashion shows soon transitioned into music and film events, and from there into weddings and private celebrations. Eventually, my work expanded into nonprofit events, which allowed me to use my skills to give back to my community. Each step of that progression shaped me and helped me understand the importance of crafting experiences that feel intentional, seamless, and uniquely tailored to every client.

Today, I provide full-service event planning, design, and coordination. Whether it’s a fashion production, a special event, a wedding, a creative showcase, or a nonprofit gathering, I manage everything from concept development to execution. The problems I solve often revolve around helping clients bring their vision to life without the stress, confusion, or overwhelm that planning can create. My goal is to create events that not only look beautiful but also feel meaningful, organized, and memorable.

What sets me apart is my hands-on industry experience and my journey through multiple event worlds. I’ve been on the runway, behind the camera, backstage at productions, and at the planning table. Because of that, I understand every angle of an event, not just the one the audience sees. I am intentional with details, passionate about storytelling through design, and dedicated to giving each client an experience that feels elevated yet personal.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me and the reputation I’ve built through word of mouth. My brand is rooted in creativity, adaptability, and genuine care. I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m committed to delivering events that resonate on a deeper level—experiences that feel effortless, curated, and full of heart.

Most of all, I want people to know that my work is driven by purpose. Every event is an opportunity to tell a story, celebrate a milestone, or amplify a message—and I’m grateful for every chance I get to bring those moments to life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When it came to funding my business, I took the fully bootstrapped route. I did not have investors, loans, or outside financial backing. Everything I built came directly from my own hard work, discipline, and determination.

At the time, I was working as both a flight attendant and a bartender, two demanding jobs with very different schedules, but both gave me the flexibility I needed to earn and save consistently. I used every spare moment and every extra dollar to invest back into my vision. While traveling for work, I would be on my laptop researching vendors, building proposals, sketching design ideas, and planning the foundation of my brand. When I was not in the air, I was behind the bar, putting tips aside and reminding myself that every shift was bringing me one step closer to my goal.

Because I did not take out loans or rely on investors, I grew slowly but intentionally. I learned how to make the most of what I had, stretching budgets, finding creative solutions, and being resourceful in ways that ultimately made me a stronger planner. My early events were funded completely out of pocket, starting with offering services for free to build experience, then reinvesting every bit I earned back into my business. Piece by piece, I purchased equipment, built my toolkit, upgraded my materials, and developed a system that reflected my standards.

Bootstrapping taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of moving at my own pace. It also gave me full control over my brand from day one. Looking back, I am proud that everything I have created was built with my own hands, my own savings, and a whole lot of commitment. It was not the easiest path, but it made the success I have today all the more meaningful.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has consistently been word of mouth. My business has grown organically through the experiences people have had at my events and the relationships I have built along the way. Every event is an opportunity to make an impression, not just on the client but on every guest, vendor, and partner in the room.

Because I started my business by offering services to friends and family and later reinvesting everything back into my work, those early supporters became my biggest advocates. They shared their experiences, recommended me with confidence, and helped my reputation spread far beyond my immediate circle.

To this day, referrals remain the heart of my growth. I believe that when people feel genuinely cared for and are blown away by the results, they naturally talk about it. That kind of trust and excitement cannot be bought, and I am grateful that my work continues to speak for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.exquisiteeventsandproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exquisiteeventsandproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExquisiteEventsandProductions