We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I absolutely wish I had started my business sooner. Planning and design have always been my passion. I was that friend who would take charge of every gathering, every detail, just because I genuinely loved it. For years, I balanced that love as a side hustle while working in corporate America. I spent 13 years building a career, climbing ladders, and eventually hitting a point of burnout.
When I finally made the decision to walk away, it felt like both a risk and a relief. I knew I needed to pursue something that lit me up creatively and personally, so I took the leap and launched my event and wedding planning business full time. Looking back, I realize how many signs there were over the years pointing me in this direction. I wish I had listened to them sooner.
That said, I gained so much in those 13 years; skills in leadership, operations, communication, and organization that now serve as the foundation for how I run my business. The timing may not have been perfect, but I believe everything happens as it should.
If I could go back, I would have marketed harder and been bolder in the beginning when this was a side hustle. But I also give myself grace. In our very first full time year, we’ve been nominated for multiple awards, chosen as a preferred vendor for venues, and trusted by so many incredible clients. I’m incredibly proud and grateful for how far we’ve come.

Victoria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Victoria Jackson and I’m the founder of Rose & Ivy Event Planning and Design, a full-service wedding and event planning company based in Virginia Beach. We specialize in bold, stylish events that feel as effortless as they are unforgettable for our clients and their guests. We take the lead on logistics and creative direction so our clients can actually enjoy the experience they’re hosting.
Planning and design have always come naturally to me. Long before launching Rose & Ivy, I was the go-to person in my circle for organizing events and curating spaces. But for years, I kept that passion on the back burner while building a career in corporate America. After 13 years, I hit a point of burnout and finally gave myself permission to pursue what I truly loved. And I haven’t looked back.
What started with friends and family has quickly grown into a thriving business. We’re honored to be trusted by so many incredible clients with some of the most important moments in their lives.
What sets us apart is how hands-on and high-touch our process is. Our clients are busy professionals – people who are building careers, managing families, and juggling full lives. They come to us because they want a trusted expert to manage every detail and deliver an elevated, personalized event.
Aside from full planning and design, we offer partial planning, silk floral rentals, and even a separate virtual support service for DIY brides called Wedding Bestie because we believe great planning should be accessible, not overwhelming.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the business growth, it’s the feedback from our clients who feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the entire process. This work is incredibly personal, and we treat it that way.
For anyone learning about Rose & Ivy for the first time, I want them to know that we are more than just planners. We’re partners in creating a stress-free, beautifully curated celebration that truly reflects our clients. Every detail matters. Every guest experience counts. And our clients’ peace of mind is just as important to us as the final result.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Without a doubt, word of mouth. The majority of our clients come through personal referrals, which is something I never take for granted. It means the experience we provided was memorable enough that someone felt confident recommending us to their friends, family, or colleagues. In an industry built on trust, that kind of endorsement is everything.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

One of the great things about starting a service-based business like wedding and event planning is that the upfront costs are relatively low. I used a portion of my personal savings to cover the essentials. Things like participating in a few strategic wedding showcases, printing business cards, and setting up a professional website.
As for my rental inventory, I’ve built that gradually through events. With each celebration, I’ve invested in items that expand what we can offer in-house. In the beginning, I also traded services with other creatives to build my portfolio. It was a great way to gain exposure, make meaningful connections in the industry, and showcase the level of design and planning we provide without a huge financial outlay. It’s been a very scrappy, strategic journey

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roseivyevents.com
• Instagram: @roseivyevents
• Facebook: Rose & Ivy Event Planning + Design
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Christian Wilson
Victoria Jackson