Meet Jove Meyer

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jove with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I grew up in a single-parent household, and while we didn’t have much, my father worked tirelessly to provide for us. I often accompanied him to work, answering his phone and helping him bid on jobs. His strong work ethic inspired me; I watched him hustle every day to care for our family.

I remember wanting a beeper like all the cool kids, but my dad candidly told me that while I could get one, we didn’t have the money for it. He encouraged me to earn it instead. This lesson stuck with me, especially since most kids received theirs from their parents without a thought. Determined, I got a job at the local pet store, bagging goldfish and cleaning tanks at just 12 years old. After saving up, I finally bought my beeper, realizing that nothing in life is handed to you—you have to work for it.

Since then, I’ve always had a job. I’ve been a busser, worked in a balloon and flower shop, waited tables, and eventually started my own company. I worked my way through college, serving nights and weekends around my class schedule. My father came to this country with nothing and built a life for us; that experience shaped my perspective and motivated me to do the same.

I moved to NYC with around $800 and a dream. I started in events at a startup, then transitioned to a corporate role. Ultimately, I realized I wanted to be my own boss. After years of juggling a full-time job and building my own business on the side, I went full-time in 2013 and never looked back. I channeled all the skills and work ethic I’d developed into creating my own company.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am an event planner and designer for those who dare to be themselves! In a world of events, weddings, and interior design filled with sameness, I’m fortunate to collaborate with clients who embrace boldness and creativity, pushing the boundaries to create unique, colorful, and authentic experiences.

For much of my life, I pretended to be someone else, prioritizing others’ happiness over my own. It wasn’t until I embraced my identity and recognized that being gay is a beautiful thing that I discovered my superpower: living authentically. Now, I empower my clients to do the same.

Who you are is your superpower, and your wedding, home, and events should reflect that. They should be infused with your essence, not just mimic what others consider right or elegant. Embrace your individuality, and the results will be wonderful. This is the ethos behind my brand and the work I create.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Passion is key; when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. I work hard in my career, but because I genuinely enjoy what I do, the hours fly by, and many challenges feel less daunting because the results are worthwhile for my clients. If you’re not passionate about your work, it’s easy to slow down or walk away when you hit a wall. But when your work is your art and your passion, you can push through the tough times.

Learning as you go is not only acceptable—it may be the best way to grow. There’s no formal education for becoming an event planner and designer, so I taught myself over the years. My journey began in restaurants, where I learned the fundamentals of hospitality. I later worked in a balloon and flower shop, which expanded my creativity and honed my skills in managing timelines and production schedules. My first clients found me on Craigslist and got a great deal—I charged $400. I worked tirelessly for them, learning a lot despite my limited experience. What I lacked in expertise, I made up for with passion and organization. With each client, I learned how to work more efficiently and streamline my processes.

Sixteen years later, I’m still learning. I believe that once you stop learning, you stop growing, and your work becomes stagnant. Continuous learning keeps my job exciting; my world is always evolving, and it’s fun to be a part of that.

I’ve found that doing what you say you will do—and doing it on time—is the best way to grow a business or brand. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. Consistently delivering quality results attracts clients and keeps them coming back. In the service industry, you’re only as good as your last event; clients want to know how you operate today and what you did yesterday. Did you deliver? If so, how was the process?

In my industry, there’s no physical product—we deliver experiences and sell our time, expertise, and aesthetic. These elements are largely intangible, so we ask our clients to take a leap of faith. They feel comfortable doing so because they trust us; they’ve seen what we’re capable of and understand what to expect from us. Your reputation is your most powerful business card.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I step back from the situation—whether it’s the computer, my email, or just the moment—and go for a walk. Ideally, I walk in nature, on the beach, or in a park, without my phone, focusing on deep breaths and the calming surroundings. It’s easy to get lost in feelings of overwhelm, but stepping outside helps me regain perspective and reset my mind so I can get back on track.

Once I return, I create a list of tasks, breaking it down into achievable steps and tackling them one at a time, prioritizing as needed. If I’m still feeling overwhelmed, I reach out for help, whether from my team or a friend. We all work hard to achieve success, but once you get there, it can often require more effort than you anticipated. It’s perfectly okay to ask for support.

I’ve noticed that in my business, when it rains, it pours. To manage this, I make sure to communicate clearly with clients about the timelines I need to respond. This helps prevent feelings of overwhelm and stress. Clarity is kindness—both to others and to yourself!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Forged in The North
Allan Zepada
The Wedding Artists Collective
ReadyLuck Photography
Amber Gress
Sylvie Rosokoff

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