Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawna Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shawna, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I can confidently say that being a business owner makes me happier than I ever was working a regular job, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have moments where I wonder what it would be like to clock in, do my work, and then clock out without carrying the weight of an entire business on my shoulders.

One of the most recent times I had that thought was during the peak of wedding season, when everything seemed to hit at once. I had back-to-back events, a million emails flooding my inbox, last-minute client requests, and on top of that, I was trying to balance my responsibilities as a wife and mother. I remember sitting at my desk at midnight, completely exhausted, with my laptop open and my phone buzzing with texts from vendors and clients. At that moment, I thought, Wouldn’t it be easier to just have a regular job? One where I could leave work at work and not carry it home with me?

But then, I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I do this. I built my businesses from the ground up. I have the freedom to make my own decisions, the ability to create unforgettable moments for my clients, and the privilege of working alongside an amazing team. No regular job could give me that same sense of purpose and fulfillment. Sure, there are long nights and overwhelming moments, but the rewards—the joy on a couple’s face when their wedding day is perfect, the satisfaction of watching an event come together flawlessly, and even the ability to set my own schedule for my family—far outweigh the stress.

So, while the thought of a “regular job” crosses my mind from time to time, I always come back to the same conclusion: I wouldn’t trade this for anything. I’m doing what I love, even on the hardest days, and that makes all the difference.

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?

Hi, I’m Shawna Jackson, the owner and lead planner of Savvy Southern Events, as well as the founder of Tans2You, a mobile spray tanning business. I wear many hats—business owner, wedding planner, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of three—but at the heart of it all, I’m someone who thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for others.

Believe it or not, I originally went to school and graduated college to work in the medical field. I had always been drawn to helping people, and at the time, I thought that meant pursuing a career in healthcare. But as much as I loved caring for others, I realized my true passion wasn’t in medicine—it was in creating experiences that bring people together.

My journey into the wedding and event planning industry wasn’t something I initially set out to do, but looking back, it was always meant to be. I started planning small gatherings and celebrations for family and friends, and before I knew it, that passion turned into a thriving business. What began as a side project soon grew into Savvy Southern Events, a full-service wedding and event planning company that helps couples bring their dream weddings to life.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of planning and executing countless weddings, styled shoots, corporate events, and charity functions. I’ve also been featured as the Hill Country Wedding Planner, recognized on The Knot and WeddingWire, and even had the opportunity to model at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, where I collaborated with brands like Zola and Honeyfund.

What I Do & What Sets Me Apart

At Savvy Southern Events, we specialize in full-service wedding and event planning, offering everything from design and logistics to vendor coordination and day-of execution. Whether it’s a luxurious wedding at a lakeside venue, an intimate elopement, or a Vegas-inspired black-tie event, my team and I take care of every detail so our clients can enjoy their big day stress-free.

What sets us apart?
• A Personal Touch – Every wedding is unique, and I take the time to truly understand my clients’ vision, personalities, and love stories to create an event that reflects them.
• Experience & Expertise – I’ve been in this industry long enough to know how to navigate challenges, troubleshoot last-minute hiccups, and ensure everything flows flawlessly.
• A Strong, Talented Team – My lead planners, Regan and Lauren, are integral to making the magic happen. Together, we bring professionalism, creativity, and a calm presence to every event.
• A Reputation for Excellence – We’ve been recognized as one of the top vendors on The Knot and have been nominated for various industry awards, but what matters most is the trust and gratitude of the couples we work with.

Beyond planning weddings, I also run Tans2You, a mobile spray tanning business that brings custom, professional tanning services directly to clients. I started this business to offer busy brides, professionals, and moms a way to look and feel their best without the hassle of a salon visit. It’s a service that complements my work in the wedding industry, ensuring my clients have that perfect bridal glow for their big day.

What I’m Most Proud Of

Running two successful businesses while being a wife and mother is no small feat, and I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built around Savvy Southern Events and Tans2You. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing couples, talented vendors, and even giving back through charity events I assist with on a pro bono basis.

I’m also proud of the resilience it has taken to grow in this industry. Wedding planning isn’t always glamorous—it’s long hours, problem-solving on the fly, and handling high-pressure situations. But every time I see a couple’s reaction when they walk into their dream wedding, it reminds me why I do this.

What I Want Clients & Followers to Know
• I’m passionate about what I do, and I treat every event as if it were my own.
• I believe in creating experiences, not just events. Your wedding day should be filled with joy, not stress.
• I value relationships. Whether it’s with my clients, vendors, or team, building genuine connections is what drives my business.
• I’m always evolving. I stay on top of trends, attend industry conferences, and continuously find ways to elevate my services.

If you’re looking for a wedding planner who will go above and beyond to make your event truly special, I’d love to chat! Let’s create something unforgettable together.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took consistency, authenticity, and a whole lot of trial and error. When I first started Savvy Southern Events, I knew that social media was going to be a crucial tool for reaching potential clients, showcasing my work, and establishing my brand. But like many business owners, I had to figure out what worked and what didn’t through experience.

At first, I focused on sharing beautiful photos from the weddings and events I planned. I wanted my Instagram and Facebook pages to reflect the level of detail and care I put into every event. But I quickly learned that social media isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about connection. The more I shared behind-the-scenes moments, wedding planning tips, and personal insights into my journey as a business owner, wife, and mom, the more engagement I started to see.

One of the biggest turning points was when I started using Instagram Stories and Reels to bring people into my world. Brides and couples don’t just want to see the finished product—they love seeing how the magic happens. Whether it was a video of me running around in sneakers before swapping them for heels on wedding day, or a behind-the-scenes look at my team setting up a reception space, those real, raw moments made people feel like they were part of the experience.

Another key factor in growing my audience was collaborating with vendors and tagging everyone involved in a wedding or event. Wedding planning is a team effort, and by sharing the spotlight with florists, photographers, venues, and other vendors, I not only built strong industry relationships but also expanded my reach. When vendors reshared my posts, I was introduced to their audience, which helped me grow organically.

I also made it a priority to engage with my followers—not just post and walk away. I responded to comments, DMs, and even took the time to answer wedding planning questions in my posts and stories. That interaction built trust and loyalty, which ultimately led to bookings and referrals.

Advice for Those Just Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence
1. Be Consistent – You don’t have to post every day, but you do need to show up regularly. Whether it’s three times a week or daily, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
2. Show Your Personality – People connect with people, not just businesses. Don’t be afraid to share your story, your behind-the-scenes moments, and even a little humor.
3. Use Reels & Stories – Video content is king. Reels get way more engagement than static posts, and Stories help keep you top of mind with your audience.
4. Engage with Your Audience – Reply to comments, answer DMs, and start conversations in your captions. Social media is a two-way street.
5. Tag & Collaborate – Work with vendors, engage with other industry professionals, and tag them in your posts. Networking on social media can lead to real business opportunities.
6. Educate & Provide Value – Instead of just posting photos of your work, share helpful tips, wedding inspiration, and advice that your audience will find useful.
7. Be Patient – Growth takes time. Don’t focus on the numbers—focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience.

At the end of the day, social media has been one of the biggest tools in growing my business, and the key to success is staying authentic, providing value, and showing up consistently. If you’re just starting, keep going—your audience will come!

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

Building a strong reputation in the wedding and event industry isn’t for the weak—it took consistency, relationship-building, and delivering exceptional experiences for my clients, especially because there are ‘mean girls’ out there. From day one, I made it a priority to go above and beyond for every couple I worked with. Weddings are one of the most important days in a person’s life, and I wanted my clients to feel completely taken care of—from the planning process to the last dance at their reception. By ensuring each event was seamless and memorable, I gained word-of-mouth referrals, which became a huge part of my business. When couples had a great experience, they told their friends, family, and other vendors about it, which helped build trust and credibility.

Another key factor in growing my reputation was building strong relationships with vendors. The wedding industry is all about connections, and I made a conscious effort to work with venues, photographers, florists, DJs, and other wedding professionals who shared the same level of dedication and professionalism. By fostering these relationships, I gained valuable referrals, created a seamless experience for my couples, and established myself as a trusted and reliable planner that vendors enjoyed working with.

Social media also played a major role in building my brand and reputation. I focused on sharing my work through Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, offering wedding planning tips, and engaging with potential clients. Showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, collaborating with vendors, and being consistent with my online presence helped me connect with my audience in an authentic way. Brides and couples could see my work, get to know my personality, and feel confident in my ability before ever reaching out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://savvysoutherneventssa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_southern_events?igsh=bHNkZHhlZmNlZDY2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DkxehS8ah/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: [email protected]
  [email protected]

Image Credits

@davilaphotography
@khalilandcophoto