Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen May. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Karen , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
When you put yourself or your work out into the world, you’re opening the door to opinions — both the encouraging kind and the critical kind. I learned early on that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you understand it, and that you stay connected to the reason you began in the first place.
For me, persistence has always come from purpose. When you’re clear on your “why,” the noise around you starts to fade. The comments, the doubts, even the subtle dismissals — they sting less when you remember that your work isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about creating something that feels true to you and adds value to others.
Over time, I’ve learned to filter feedback carefully. There’s a big difference between constructive criticism and empty negativity. The first challenges you to grow, to see from another perspective, to refine your craft. The second is just projection — someone else’s insecurity or misunderstanding dressed up as judgment. The trick is learning which voices to let in.
I also try to stay anchored in gratitude and community. The people who truly see you — your friends, collaborators, mentors, and even the quiet supporters who believe in your work — those are the ones who remind you why it’s worth it. Their faith in what you’re building helps you keep going on the hard days.
And then, there’s the discipline of showing up. Persistence isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it means working through the noise, quietly, steadily, without applause. I’ve found that the best response to doubt is progress — doing the work, improving your craft, and letting your consistency speak louder than any criticism ever could.
At the end of the day, I don’t persist to prove anyone wrong. I persist to prove to myself that I can rise above the noise — that I can keep creating, keep learning, and keep leading with integrity. Because when you focus on that, the haters and naysayers lose their power entirely.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
About Me & My Work
My name is Karen May, and I’m the owner and creative director behind Scottsdale Private Event Venues, a boutique event and venue brand with locations in Scottsdale and Mesa. I specialize in crafting immersive, beautifully executed experiences — the kind that leave a lasting impression long after the night ends.
What began as a love for bringing people together has evolved into a full-scale creative business centered on design, hospitality, and intentional connection. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of curating everything from very high-level private celebrations to brand activations and creative collaborations. No two events are ever the same — and that’s what I love most about this work. Each client, each vision, each celebration has its own energy, and my role is to bring that vision to life in a way that feels both effortless and unforgettable.
What makes our brand unique is the way we blend creativity with structure. We’re not just focused on how an event looks — we care deeply about how it feels. From the moment guests arrive to the final send-off, every element is designed to tell a story. It’s that attention to detail and emotion that transforms a simple gathering into something meaningful.
Our venues in Scottsdale and Mesa serve as blank canvases that can be transformed into anything our clients dream up. Each space was intentionally designed to be versatile, elegant, and full of character — places where creativity and connection thrive. We don’t do dry rentals or after-hours events; instead, we offer a fully curated experience where every aspect is thoughtfully managed by our team to ensure quality, flow, and peace of mind for our clients.
Professionally, my focus right now is on growth through collaboration — partnering with local creatives, brands, and makers who share the same passion for artistry and excellence. We’re continuing to expand our in-house offerings, refine our client experience, and explore new ways to elevate events with a more holistic approach that celebrates both design and community.
What drives me most is the people. I find endless inspiration in the stories, milestones, and creative visions our clients bring to us. It’s an incredible privilege to be trusted with moments that matter — and I never take that lightly. Whether it’s a couple’s wedding day, a brand’s product launch, or an intimate private event, my goal is always the same: to create a space where beauty, authenticity, and connection come to life.
At its core, my brand is built on intention, creativity, and heart. It’s about crafting experiences that feel personal, purposeful, and full of joy — the kind that people remember not just for how they looked, but for how they made them feel.
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?
Lessons That Shaped My Journey
When I look back on my journey, there are three qualities that have been truly pivotal: resilience, creativity, and connection. Those three things have shaped not just how I run my business, but how I navigate every season of growth — personally and professionally.
Resilience was the first and perhaps most important lesson. This industry — and entrepreneurship in general — will test you constantly. There are moments of uncertainty, long nights, and challenges that come out of nowhere. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about staying grounded in your purpose and continuing to move forward even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens in those in-between moments when you choose to keep showing up anyway.
The second quality that’s shaped my path is creativity — not just in design, but in problem-solving, communication, and leadership. Creativity is what keeps this work exciting and ever-evolving. For me, it’s about seeing possibilities instead of limitations, and finding beauty in the process as much as in the finished product. My advice to others is to keep your creative muscles active. Be curious. Try new things, learn from other industries, travel, collaborate, and always make time to play — that’s where innovation comes from.
Finally, connection has been the heart of everything. Events are about people — their stories, their energy, their shared experiences. Building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and creative partners has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Genuine connection builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any great experience. For those starting out, I’d encourage you to lead with kindness and authenticity. The relationships you nurture will shape your success more than any single project ever could.
At the end of the day, I believe that success isn’t about perfection — it’s about staying passionate, adaptable, and connected to what truly matters. If you can approach your work with heart, creativity, and resilience, everything else will fall into place.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I Only Had a Decade Left
If I knew I only had ten years left, I think I’d spend them chasing meaning — not milestones. I’d want every day to feel full, not of busyness, but of beauty. I’d spend my time being present, creating moments that matter, and surrounding myself with love — the kind that feels like sunlight.
I’d still create, of course. I don’t think I could ever stop. But I’d create differently — slower, more intentionally. I’d pour my energy into projects that bring people together in ways that outlast the event itself. I’d focus on the human moments — the laughter, the tears, the quiet joy that fills a room when people feel connected. That’s always been the heart of what I do, and I’d want to leave behind a legacy of that kind of magic — one built on genuine emotion, not just beautiful design.
I’d travel often, but not to escape — to explore, to feel. I’d stand in new places and breathe in unfamiliar air. I’d meet strangers who would remind me how vast and beautiful the world can be. I’d collect stories and sunsets instead of souvenirs.
And I’d rescue every dog I could. Truly — if I had a decade left, I’d fill it with wagging tails and second chances. I think animals remind us of what’s pure in life: love without conditions, presence without agenda. I’d spend my time giving them safe places to land, turning heartache into hope, and letting that quiet kind of compassion ripple outward.
I’d host more dinners under twinkle lights, say yes to more spontaneous road trips, laugh louder, and hold my people closer. I’d trade perfection for peace. I’d make time for the simple things — morning walks, strong coffee, soft music, and the sound of dogs snoring nearby.
At the end of those ten years, I’d want to look back and know that I didn’t wait to live the way I dreamed — that I created beauty, connection, and kindness in every space I touched. Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the measure of a life well-lived isn’t in how long it lasts, but in how deeply it’s felt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spevevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spevenues/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottsdalePrivateEventVenues/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmay/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScottsdalePrivateEventVenues
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