Meet Emma Rolader Martin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emma Rolader Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

I’ve always been drawn to possibility, even when it comes with uncertainty. Early in my career, I learned that the most memorable experiences – both in life and in events – come from leaning into new ideas before they feel ‘safe.’ Starting my business taught me to trust that instinct. Each leap, from leaving a full-time corporate role to pitching large-scale international events, has built my tolerance for ambiguity and strengthened my confidence in my own decision-making.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and creative director of Emma Martin Events, a full-service planning and design firm that curates weddings and large-scale events across the U.S. and abroad. We specialize in experiences that feel deeply personal, where design, logistics, and hospitality come together to tell a story that feels, well, a lot like you!

What excites me most is the intersection of creativity and connection. No two events or clients are the same, and I love translating someone’s style, heritage, or vision into an environment that feels both beautiful and intentional. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the feeling when guests walk in and the small details that make people feel seen and cared for.

Our team works on everything from destination weddings in places like Jamaica and Mexico to multi-day conferences for international organizations. We get to collaborate with incredible partners around the world, and I’m constantly inspired by the artistry and precision behind every experience.

What makes our brand special is that we approach events holistically, blending creative design with operational expertise. We lead with imagination but also obsess over flow, timing, and guest experience. The goal is to deliver events that feel effortless, even though every element is intentionally crafted.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding our destination portfolio and refining our design process, building deeper collaborations with artists, florists, and hospitality partners who share our love of storytelling and sustainability. On the corporate side, we’re producing a global event series that brings together leaders from around the world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest impact on my journey: adaptability, relationship building, and creative problem-solving.

Adaptability has been essential. The event industry changes constantly, and every client and challenge is different. Learning to pivot quickly, stay curious, and approach uncertainty with calm confidence has shaped how I lead and make decisions. My advice is to stay open to change and keep learning. The ability to evolve will carry you further than having every answer at the start.

Relationship building has also been key. Every event is built on trust between clients, vendors, and creative partners. The most rewarding projects have come from investing in those relationships and treating every interaction as a chance to build genuine connection. For those early in their careers, focus on being dependable, kind, and collaborative. People remember how you make them feel!

Finally, creative problem-solving has defined my work. Events rarely go exactly as planned, so staying resourceful and solution oriented is everything. I have learned to see challenges as creative opportunities rather than setbacks. My advice is to embrace the messy moments; they often spark your best ideas.

At the end of the day, the combination of flexibility, empathy, and creativity has guided every step of my career and continues to shape how I grow as both a business owner and a person.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal clients are people who value intentionality, trust, and collaboration. They care deeply about the experience they are creating for others and want their event to feel personal, thoughtful, and effortless. They appreciate good design and hospitality but are equally invested in the emotion behind it.

I love working with clients who are open to ideas, willing to take creative risks, and excited to be part of the process. The best partnerships happen when there is trust and shared vision: when clients allow us to guide them through the details so they can truly enjoy the celebration.

Whether it is a wedding weekend, corporate retreat, or destination event, my favorite clients are the ones who lead with kindness, curiosity, and gratitude. Those qualities set the tone for everything that follows and always result in the most memorable, meaningful experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emmamartinevents.com
• Instagram: emmamartinevents

Image Credits

David OD
Kate Belle Photography
Tags Photography
Peacock Photo
The Rizzas