We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha and Julia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Samantha and Julia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

We started our business at the end of 2018, two 23-year-olds excited to chase our passion and build something we could be proud of. That first year was all about figuring things out: setting up systems, creating processes for clients, executing some really exciting events, and building our brand. Everything felt like it was on track, and we were super hopeful for the future.

Then COVID hit in March 2020, and everything changed overnight. Suddenly, in-person events were illegal, and just like that, everything we had worked for seemed to fall apart. We had to cancel events, refund clients, and figure out how to manage cash flow. It was overwhelming, and honestly, there were moments when we didn’t know if we could keep going. But we kept going, stayed focused on the bigger picture, and trusted that we’d find a way through.

Even with all the uncertainty, we kept coming back to why we started this business in the first place: to help people celebrate special moments. We realized we could still make an impact—we just had to approach things differently.

So, we pivoted. We launched RISE at Home, a collection of curated hosting boxes delivered to people’s doors with everything they needed for intimate gatherings. We also introduced luxury outdoor picnics to offer safe, socially distanced celebrations. And we got into virtual events to help clients stay connected while everything was shut down.

Looking back, what we’re most proud of isn’t just the fact that we grew the business—it’s that we made it through a global pandemic as an events agency. We came out stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared for whatever comes next. Today, we offer much more than just in-person events. We’ve built something that can thrive no matter what—and that feels really good.

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

Our names are Samantha and Julia, we are the co-founders of RISE Event Planning. We run an event planning agency that focuses on social and corporate events across the GTA and beyond. We love thinking big but also focus on every detail that comes together to make an event truly special. We’re always pushing the envelope when it comes to event design, driven by creativity and originality to make every experience stand out.

At RISE, we offer luxury planning and event design services that rival a five-star hotel. We take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics so our clients can focus on the fun stuff—like choosing their favourite colour palettes, florals, and unique design elements that make the event truly theirs. We make the process feel easy, seamless, and enjoyable, so instead of worrying about vendor contracts and timelines, our clients can actually enjoy the experience.

Julia brings over seven years of experience in events and PR, and she’s known for her creativity, exceptional client care, and ability to keep things organized and on track. With a passion for travel and interior design, Julia brings a unique perspective to every event she works on. Clients love working with her because she’s confident, approachable, and makes them feel completely at ease throughout the process.

Samantha has over six years of events experience and is known for her sharp creativity, quick problem-solving, and strategic thinking. She’s a natural leader who can handle anything that comes her way, which gives her clients confidence and peace of mind. Samantha’s love for interior design, food and beverage, and fashion shines through in her work, helping her create visually stunning events that feel immersive and thoughtfully designed.

Together, we bring a unique mix of skills and creativity to the table, ensuring every event is as smooth and memorable as possible. Whether it’s a corporate gala or an intimate wedding, we make sure the journey feels effortless and the final result exceeds expectations.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our reputation has always been built on one main thing: exceptional client service. From the start, our goal has been to treat every client like a VIP, making sure they feel completely supported throughout the entire planning process. The feedback we hear the most—and what we’re most proud of—is how well we take care of our clients.

We like to think of our approach as similar to the way a five-star hotel handles hospitality. From the first consultation to the post-event meeting, every detail is carefully managed. We try to anticipate our clients’ needs before they even know what they need, so they can fully enjoy the experience. That level of care builds trust and allows our clients to relax, knowing everything is in good hands.

Whether it’s adding personal touches to a wedding or flawlessly managing a corporate event, no request is ever too big or too small. We’re all about building strong relationships, really listening to what our clients want, and staying involved every step of the way. It’s this focus on respect, connection and trust that we build with clients that keeps them coming back and spreading the word about RISE.

At the end of the day, our reputation is a reflection of the care, commitment, and passion we bring to every project. We’re not just planning events—we’re creating meaningful experiences that feel effortless for our clients because we’re handling all the complexities behind the scenes. And that’s what truly sets us apart.

How’d you meet your business partner?

We first met back in 2013 during our first year of high school. We were part of the same friend group, always hanging out in the same circles, but we weren’t super close back then. Fast forward to 2018, and one conversation about our shared love for events turned into something way bigger—a shared dream. At the time, Julia was working in PR, and Samantha in HR, but we both knew we wanted more—a creative outlet and something that felt like our own.

We started small, planning a few parties for friends and family just for fun. But everything shifted when we entered an entrepreneurship contest presented by Wylie Ford on a whim—and won. That win gave us the push we needed and the amazing mentorship from business coach Phalan Grof at Stoke Growth Coaching (who we still work with today!) and from that moment on, we were all in. Building a brand together didn’t just feel exciting—we knew it was what we were meant to do.

Now, we’re not just co-founders; we’ve become best friends and family through this experience. Our partnership works because we balance each other out perfectly. We’re different in so many ways, but those differences make us stronger. We each lean into our own strengths, and when one of us needs extra support, the other is always there to step in.

Looking back, if we had become best friends back in high school, RISE might not be what it is today. What makes this business so special is the trust, respect, and friendship that grew along the way. It feels like everything happened exactly the way it was meant to and it’s been incredible to build something that reflects both our passions and the bond we’ve built over the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.riseventplanning.com/
• Instagram: @riseventplanning
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise-event-planning-inc/

Image Credits

Photo Credits – DML Films + Lidia Ivy Photography (Wedding Photos)