Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Priscila Hawn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Priscila thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I believe success comes from a combination of love for what you do, relentless dedication, and the willingness to give without expecting anything in return.
In my own journey, word of mouth has been my greatest marketing tool, and it often started in the most unexpected ways.
Some of my most meaningful opportunities came when I donated my time, skills, and resources to causes close to my heart.
There was never an agenda other than helping and sharing my passion. Yet, time and again, those moments opened the door to amazing clients, lasting relationships, and unforgettable events.
For me, it’s proof that when you give generously, whether it’s your time, talent, or energy, you often receive far more in return, both personally and professionally.
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?
I’m a proud mom of three, and like many in this industry, my journey began with the desire to create a career that allowed me to work from home and be present as my children grew. Before launching my business, I spent eight years working for the Brazilian Government—both at the Embassy and in the Air Force—but my love for events began long before that.
Back in Brazil, I worked full-time at a financial institution while studying International Business in college. On weekends, I freelanced in the events world, assisting some of the most talented planners and decorators. At that time, planners in Brazil rarely handled the design side, so I had the privilege of learning from specialists in both roles. I worked on celebrity weddings, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, and large corporate events—experiences that taught me the importance of detail, professionalism, and truly caring for clients. That weekend work also made some of my personal dreams possible—like my first trip to Paris.
I’ve always been creative, with what friends and family call a “good eye” for design. That passion came to life when I planned my own wedding 14 years ago. Guests still talk about how detailed and personal it was—from the décor to the bathrooms stocked with personalized tampons, emergency kits, and thoughtful touches most people wouldn’t even think of. It was a beautiful, smooth day, thanks to the incredible vendors we chose and the wonderful day-of coordinator who made sure everything flowed perfectly. That experience solidified my belief that the right vendor partnerships, shared values, and a strong vision are the foundation for unforgettable events.
My deep love for children shaped the heart of my business. I first came to the U.S. through a cultural exchange program as an au pair, and I’ve always been passionate about caring for kids. Planning my own baby shower and my son’s first birthday—both here and in Brazil—ignited a new joy. I realized I could help other busy moms who value beauty, meaning, and memories create celebrations that would live in their hearts forever.
What started as a hobby quickly became a thriving business. In less than three years, I went from creating simple balloon backdrops to planning high-profile events for celebrities and influential families in Washington, D.C., New York, and beyond. I’m humbled by every opportunity and treat all my clients with the same kindness, respect, and care—whether they’re a local family or a well-known public figure.
Today, Sweet Memories is a full-service event planning and design company, creating large-scale, detail-rich celebrations with heart and precision. I may not have “seen it all” yet, but I truly believe I was born to create meaningful, beautiful, joy-filled experiences. This is more than a business for me—it’s a calling.
Every celebration I plan is rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. I want my clients to feel loved, cared for, and at peace, knowing I’ll do everything I can to make their event beautiful, seamless, and unforgettable. Because at the end of the day, events are more than flowers, décor, and timelines—they’re moments that connect us and create memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. And that is what I’m most proud to bring into the world!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, the best source of new clients has always been word of mouth. I pour my heart into every event, treating it as if it were my own celebration. That means overdelivering, going above and beyond, and making sure my clients get the very most out of their investment. I’m not interested in shortcuts or doing the bare minimum—my goal is always to create something so thoughtful and memorable that my clients can’t help but share their experience.
Some of my most cherished clients have come to me because a friend, a sister, or even a past guest couldn’t stop talking about how they felt at one of my events. Those referrals are incredibly meaningful to me because they aren’t just about how the event looked, but about how it made people feel. That, to me, is the greatest compliment and the strongest foundation for building my business.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my business came when I decided to grow my team. One of my employees was ready to fully commit but would need to leave his other job, so I promised him a guaranteed minimum each month. At the time, I wasn’t charging enough for my services, and I knew I still needed to gain more experience and refine my work—especially on the design side. But I also knew that having the right people by my side was key to growing the business.
The truth is, I didn’t have the extra funds. My husband had already supported me tremendously, and I had invested all my savings into the business. That month, I got creative, I started selling some of my design items and my beloved TBBC pajamas to make it work. Some friends and clients know about this story, I was a huge fan of all things TBBC. :)
It was humbling, but it also taught me the value of betting on people and the power of resourcefulness. That decision helped me keep a talented team member, deliver better events for my clients, and ultimately charge what my work was worth. Looking back, it was a turning point that strengthened both my business and my resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sweetmemoriesbydesign.com
- Instagram: @bypriscilahawn
Image Credits
Katie Yoon
Danielle Hobbs
Coastal Roots Photography
Sandra Morlet