Meet Julia Livia

We were lucky to catch up with Julia Livia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity is at the core of everything we do, and we keep it alive by experimenting, evolving, and immersing ourselves in inspiration, embracing new challenges, and staying endlessly curious. We draw inspiration from many avenues, but specifically, interior design and fashion, two fields that constantly push the boundaries of style, form, and functionality. Reading magazines, shopping, exploring emerging interior trends, and immersing ourselves in the details of these worlds always spark fresh ideas.
Travel is another powerful source of inspiration. Experiencing different cultures, architecture, and traditions opens our minds to new ways of designing events that are globally inspired yet uniquely tailored to our clients.
We are big believers in lifelong learning, whether it’s by taking a Master Class, learning on the job, or collaborating with creatives in different industries, it is essential that we constantly expand our perspectives. This approach allows us to think beyond the traditional and bring unique, unexpected elements into our work.
At the same time, we know that creativity thrives when we take time to rest and recharge. A good pilates session, indulging in our favourite reality TV shows, or simply stepping away to clear our heads helps us approach projects with renewed energy and focus.
Keeping creativity alive means staying curious, pushing boundaries, and drawing inspiration from unexpected places. Ultimately, we don’t only follow trends, we strive to set them. Every event is an opportunity to innovate, creating experiences that feel fresh, inspiring, and completely unforgettable.

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

At RISE Event Planning, we specialize in crafting bespoke luxury events that go beyond expectations. Whether it’s a wedding, milestone celebration, or brand event, our focus is on creating immersive and unforgettable experiences tailored to each client’s vision.
What makes our story unique is the bold leap we took at just 22 years old, launching RISE and stepping into the world of event planning. Soon after, we faced the challenges of building a business during COVID-19. It wasn’t easy, but we emerged stronger, and today our team of four talented women is proudly planning events in Toronto while expanding our reach globally.
Our top priority is ensuring our clients feel supported and cared for throughout the entire process. We treat every client as our guest, delivering the seamless service and attention to detail they’d expect from a luxury 5-star hotel. From the first meeting to the final send-off, our goal is to ensure the planning process is enjoyable, stress-free, and deeply personal.
As we’ve grown we’re excited to have expanded our offerings with elevated destination events, and to continue to push the boundaries of design and innovation. We’re leaning into experiential elements, like projection mapping, immersive design, and highly personalized details, to create events that truly engage and inspire.
Ultimately, RISE Event Planning focuses on more than just hosting an event, it’s about creating a luxury experience that leaves a lasting impression on our clients and their guests.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on our journey building RISE Event Planning, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: adaptability, client-focused service, and being lifelong learners.
1. Adaptability:
Launching a business at 22 and overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 taught us the value of adaptability and resilience. The events industry is constantly evolving, and being open to change—whether it’s pivoting strategies, learning new skills, or embracing new technology—is key to staying relevant and resilient.
Advice: Be willing to take risks and embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Seek out challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone, as they often lead to the most meaningful progress and breakthroughs. By remaining flexible, agile, and open, you create space for innovation, adaptability, and unexpected opportunities that drive success.
2. Client-Focused Service:
At RISE, the client experience is at the heart of everything we do. We treat every client like a guest, ensuring they feel supported, understood, and cared for at every step of the way. This commitment to a luxury, 5-star experience has been a cornerstone of our brand and a key driver of our success.
Advice: Listen more than you speak when working with clients and collaborators. Prioritize understanding their needs, anticipate their concerns, and always go the extra mile to ensure they feel valued. Cultivating strong relationships is one of the most powerful tools in any business.
3. Creative Problem Solving
Event planning is the art of balancing creativity with logistics, where problem-solving is essential. Whether it’s reimagining a venue or finding innovative ways to bring a client’s vision to life, the fusion of artistry and strategic thinking is what transforms a great event into an unforgettable experience.
Advice: Develop your creative problem-solving skills by immersing yourself in different industries and perspectives. Take classes, collaborate with diverse creatives, and stay curious. The more you explore and learn, the more tools you’ll have to approach challenges with fresh, innovative solutions.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Without a doubt, the most invaluable support in our journey has come from Phalan at Stoke Growth Coaching. Since the formative days of RISE Event Planning, her guidance has been instrumental in shaping how we, Samantha and Julia, have grown as leaders and built our business.
Phalan has been more than just a coach; she’s been a mentor and a foundational part of our success. She’s taught us how to lead with intention, scale our business effectively, and develop the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. One of the most impactful lessons she’s instilled in us is the importance of anticipating challenges before they arise and tackling them with confidence and clarity.
Beyond business, working with Phalan has strengthened our relationship as co-founders. We’ve gained a deeper understanding of how each other thinks, approaches challenges, and makes decisions. This has allowed us to navigate situations with mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision, knowing that together, we always achieve a greater result.
Through our experience with Phalan, we’ve come to realize that success isn’t solely about strategy—it’s about mindset. Growth requires thinking bigger, pushing beyond limits, and staying committed to delivering exceptional experiences for clients. Having a coach who truly understands your vision and keeps you aligned with it can be transformative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.riseventplanning.com/
• Instagram: @riseventplanning
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise-event-planning-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits

DML Films, 515Photo Co