Meet Jessica Smith-presley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Smith-presley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As a Black woman who has often found herself as the only one in the room, I’ve had to develop strategies to not only navigate but also thrive in those spaces. There’s a unique strength that comes from understanding that while you may be the only one who looks like you, your presence is not only valid but necessary. Here’s how I’ve learned to be effective in those moments: owning my own identity, mastering emotional intelligence, overcoming hurdles through resilience and developing a thick skin.

One of the first things I had to embrace was that being the only one in the room wasn’t a disadvantage—it was part of my superpower. My lived experiences, perspectives, and insights bring value in ways that others simply cannot. As a Black woman, I have a lens that allows me to approach problems differently, see opportunities others might miss, and create solutions that are inclusive and innovative. I won’t ever try to blend in and it’s evident in choosing to wear one of my brand colors to any professional event. Both blush pink and/or fuschia are my go-to colors for attire. My uniqueness is my strength. The key is learning to own that and show up confidently, knowing that my voice matters.

When I’m the only one in the room who looks like me, it’s easy to feel out of place. However, I’ve learned to lean into my emotional intelligence and ability to read the room, understand the dynamics, and know when and how to assert myself. By building strong emotional intelligence, I’ve been able to form meaningful relationships, even in spaces where I may feel like the odd one out. Observing the nuances of the conversations while amongst the crowd helps me to when to speak up and how to tailor my message to the audience without losing my authenticity.

Unfortunately, being the only Black woman in the room often means encountering bias—whether subtle or overt. Early on, I learned not to internalize others’ misconceptions or ignorance. Instead, I used these moments as opportunities to educate and dismantle stereotypes. When people expect you to fail or question your qualifications, proving them wrong becomes part of my everyday strength. I don’t let known biases diminish my confidence; instead, I respond with grace, intelligence, and professionalism. Know your worth and be your own biggest advocate.

Navigating spaces where I stand out can be exhausting at times. There have been times when I felt like I had to constantly prove myself. I’ve learned to develop a thick skin without losing my empathy or kindness. I’ve had to protect my peace. Prioritizing my self-care and mental health inclusive of knowing when to engage in tough conversations and when to preserve my energy are just as important in maintaining my professional and personal peace. Being the only one in the room is not easy, but it’s an opportunity to change the narrative. By owning who I am, practicing emotional intelligence, building strong relationships, and turning challenges into opportunities, I can thrive. As a Black woman, I belong in every room I walk into, and my voice—my story—is needed. Staying true to myself, lifting others as I rise, and never allowing anyone to dim my light allows me to stand confidently in rooms where I may be the only one that looks like me time and time again.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As the visionary founder of Events by Jes, a wedding and event planning company with a reputation for excellence in the Southeast Regions of the United States, with years of experience, I have built a brand known for “Transforming Visions into Reality”, helping couples and clients bring their dream events to life. I am blessed to lead a dynamic team of contractors, including family members, to create a close-knit, collaborative environment that adds a personal touch to every event.

What makes Events by Jes truly special is our team’s ability to customize each event to reflect our Glam Fam’s (client) unique stories, dreams, and personalities. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, an elaborate celebration, or a corporate event, Events by Jes, ensures that every detail—from décor to the flow of the event—reflects the vision of our Glam Fam. Bringing in creativity, professionalism, and an unmatched passion for what we do, ensuring that each event is an experience to remember.

What I find most exciting about Events by Jes is the opportunity I have to continually create, grow and innovate. Unlike most jobs within corporate America, there is no ceiling to how much I can grow, what I can do to increase the sustainability of the company, no income barriers & more importantly, no boundary on what can be accomplished! Every event is an opportunity to raise the bar, to challenge my team and myself to think outside the box; to be creative in all of our ways.

The events industry is constantly evolving, and I thrive on staying ahead of trends while also putting my personal, signature touch on every project. It’s not just about planning events—it’s about creating experiences that people will cherish for a lifetime. Events by Jes’ brand represents more than just a business; it’s a family, a legacy & a commitment to excellence that continues to make waves in the event planning 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?

Three key qualities and skills that have profoundly impacted my journey with Events by Jes resilience, adaptability and emotional intelligence.

Resilience – Starting and growing a business isn’t easy, especially when you’re balancing personal life, family, and business. being resilient has allowed me to keep moving forward through every challenge, setback, and unexpected twist. Whether it was managing a last-minute change in event plans or navigating personal difficulties. Even this past month’s collapsed lung caused by a doctor performing a biopsy created challenges within the business and personally. I could have given up and even decided that I would not take on any other events. However, I am determined to finish (retire) from what I started.

Early in the journey, I understood that setbacks are inevitable. I developed a mindset that embraces failure as a lesson, not a defeat. My constant ability to practice self-care, build a strong support system, and always keep my end goal in sight, knowing that the path won’t always be smooth but will be rewarding allows me to remain resilient in business.

Adaptability – In the events industry, things change quickly—from client needs to industry trends. Growing up as a child whose mother was in the military was a tremendous growth opportunity in the lesson of adaptability. Moving from country to country, learning new languages and customs as well as interacting with my peer group offered me the ability to learn to adapt to any environment rather quickly. My ability to adapt has kept me ahead of the game, ensuring my business evolves with the times while maintaining its core values. This agility allows me to remain innovative and tackle problems creatively.

Staying flexible and open to change. Whether it’s learning new technology or adjusting my business model, being willing to evolve, continuously educating myself in the industry by attending workshops allows adapting to become easier with each new challenge. NEVER be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Emotional Intelligence – Planning events is a deeply personal business. Our Glam Fam and their family members often come with high emotions, and being able to navigate these with empathy and understanding is key. My emotional intelligence has helped me to foster strong relationships with our glam fam, other event professionals, contractors, and my team. It’s allowed me to remain calm under pressure and manage conflicts with grace.

Taking time to develop emotional intelligence is highly important in any service-related job. Listening actively, understanding the team members’ emotional needs, our glam fam as well as ensuring I remain emotionally healthy always allows me to approach situations with empathy. Investing in communication skills has not only helped build better relationships but also have strengthen my ability to navigate stressful moments with ease.

Be patient with your journey. Each step, whether a success or challenge, is shaping you into a stronger, wiser professional. Stay curious, embrace growth, and always keep your purpose at the forefront.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

As an avid reader, one of the books that has played an important role in my development is “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind** by Vishen Lakhiani. It is an empowering guide for anyone looking to break free from societal norms and limitations to create a life of meaning, success, and fulfillment. For someone facing challenges or striving to build essential skills, this book offers powerful strategies for personal transformation.

Lakhiani emphasizes the importance of identifying and breaking free from societal “brules”—the limiting beliefs and rules that have been ingrained in us by culture, family, and society. These beliefs can hold us back from taking risks or achieving success. By learning to question these “brules,” individuals can shift their mindset from one that is constrained by fear or societal expectations to one that is open to possibility. This shift is especially helpful when facing challenges that require unconventional thinking or a leap of faith. *

Lakhiani discusses the importance of having a clear vision for the life you want to create. Rather than focusing only on external success (money, status), he advocates for setting goals that are tied to emotional and spiritual fulfillment—what he calls “end goals.” These are the goals that truly make you happy and fulfilled, not just what society expects you to want. By practicing this type of visioning, individuals can hone their ability to set meaningful goals and align their actions with their true desires. This is a critical skill in business and life because it ensures that all efforts are directed toward a higher purpose, making it easier to overcome obstacles along the way

One of the key concepts Lakhiani introduces is the idea of “bending reality”—the ability to combine being fully present and happy in the current moment while simultaneously striving for ambitious goals. This mindset helps people to reduce stress, maintain focus, and manifest their desired outcomes through aligned actions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by challenges, this mindset allows individuals to stay calm and grounded while still striving for their goals. It teaches resilience by focusing on the idea that struggles are part of the journey but don’t define the outcome. This attitude is essential for success, as it promotes a healthy relationship with work and progress without the anxiety that often comes with high ambitions.

Just like updating a phone’s software, you can upgrade your beliefs and habits to better serve your current goals. The book teaches readers how to rewire their thinking and adopt empowering beliefs. This concept is key for overcoming challenges because it encourages individuals to see failure as feedback and an opportunity for growth. By consciously choosing new beliefs and habits, people can build resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to learn from adversity—skills that are essential for long-term success.

By applying the principles in “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind”, individuals can develop the mindset and skills necessary to navigate challenges and build success. The book encourages a transformative shift in thinking that not only empowers people to break through limitations but also equips them with tools like visioning, mindfulness, and conscious habit building. In essence, it offers a blueprint for designing an extraordinary life on one’s own terms.

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Image Credits

Timeless Photography
Forever Photography by Danielle Hollins
Lajoy Photography
Porsha Antlan
B Rich Photography

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