We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Jakes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing confidence and self-esteem as a business owner has been a continuous journey that I actively nurture through daily affirmations, setting high goals, and embracing growth opportunities. I start each day with affirmations like, “I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to” and “My creativity and expertise bring value to every project I take on.” These positive reminders anchor me, especially on challenging days.
In building Rescue Event Planning, I constantly push myself to be greater by setting clear, ambitious goals and breaking them down into achievable steps. I celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, because every accomplishment is a testament to my capabilities. Confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trusting that I can navigate any obstacle that comes my way. With every event, I challenge myself to go beyond my last success, learning from each experience and continuously refining my skills.
Believing in my vision, taking bold steps, and staying committed to self-growth have been key to developing my confidence and self-esteem as an entrepreneur.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey! My name is Melissa Jakes, and I’m the founder of Rescue Event Planning. Rescue Event Planning is all about transforming visions into unforgettable experiences, whether they’re elegant galas, themed parties, or corporate functions. I’m passionate about creating events that leave a lasting impact, focusing on details and innovation that make each event truly one of a kind.
What excites me most about Rescue Event Planning is the opportunity to bring ideas to life while tailoring each event to the client’s vision. Every project challenges my creativity and keeps me engaged, allowing me to turn spaces into personal and exceptional experiences.
Professionally, I’m committed to continuously expanding our services. Whether it’s a luxury wedding, a creative workshop, or a community-centered event, we’re focused on delivering excellence and celebrating each client’s story.
Looking forward, Rescue Event Planning has some exciting projects on the horizon. We’re preparing for a new decor business we are launching in 2025, and I’m thrilled to see our vision grow as we reach more clients and add more unforgettable experiences to our portfolio.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities that have been essential: resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Each of these has helped me overcome challenges and create memorable experiences for my clients through Rescue Event Planning.
Resilience: The event industry is full of unexpected hurdles, from logistical issues to last-minute changes. Resilience has been key to staying motivated and pushing through tough moments. For those starting out, my advice is to see challenges as growth opportunities. Each setback can teach you something valuable and, over time, build the resilience that will carry you through any circumstance.
Adaptability: Being able to pivot and adapt to new trends, client preferences, and even unforeseen changes has kept my work fresh and relevant. Adaptability isn’t just about adjusting to trends but about being flexible and open-minded. To develop this, immerse yourself in learning—from industry news to client feedback. The more open you are to learning, the easier it becomes to adapt and keep your work dynamic.
Strong Communication Skills: This skill has helped me build solid relationships with clients, vendors, and partners. Clear communication keeps everyone aligned, helps manage expectations, and ensures a smooth planning process. For newcomers, I’d say start by practicing active listening and asking questions. Effective communication is about understanding others just as much as expressing your own ideas.
For anyone just starting their journey, investing in these areas can make all the difference. Embrace challenges, stay open to new ideas, and focus on building genuine connections. These qualities will set you up for long-term success.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back and reset my focus. Running Rescue Event Planning can be fast-paced, so managing overwhelm is essential. Here’s what helps me stay grounded and focused:
Prioritize and Break Down Tasks: When faced with a long to-do list, I prioritize by urgency and impact. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps makes the work feel more manageable and keeps me from feeling paralyzed by the bigger picture. My advice is to tackle one thing at a time, starting with what needs immediate attention. This way, you’re building momentum, which can ease the feeling of overwhelm.
Practice Mindfulness and Take Breaks: Overwhelm can easily snowball if we don’t allow ourselves to pause. I use brief breaks as a chance to reset, even if it’s just a quick walk or breathing exercise. Practicing mindfulness helps me stay present and calm, especially in the midst of deadlines. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to step away momentarily. You’ll return with a clearer perspective and more energy.
Delegate and Trust Your Team: Knowing when to ask for help has been game-changing. Delegating tasks to trusted team members allows me to focus on what truly needs my attention. For those starting out, I’d recommend building a reliable support system early on. Learning to delegate isn’t always easy, but it’s invaluable when things get busy.
My biggest advice is to listen to yourself—overwhelm is often a signal to reassess and adjust. Taking small, intentional steps to manage stress will keep you balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rescueeventplanning.com
- Instagram: Rescue_events
- Facebook: Rescue Event Planning
- Linkedin: Rescue Event Planning
- Youtube: Rescue Event Planning
Image Credits
Monique Michael Photography
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