We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Jeanmaire. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.
Kelly, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey, especially as a wedding planner in a smaller community like Upstate New York. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others, especially in the age of social media, where every scroll can make you feel like you’re falling behind. But I’ve found ways to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth.
One of my core philosophies in business is to “thrive to be different.” I want my work to stand out, to have people say, “That’s Kelly’s touch,” and never, “Someone else did that too.” To stay true to that vision, I purposefully avoid following other wedding planners on social media. It’s not about shutting them out but about protecting my creativity and focus. When I see something I admire or a goal I haven’t reached yet, I use that longing as fuel to push myself toward my own milestones.
At the end of the day, I remind myself that everyone’s journey is unique. We all bring different experiences, perspectives, and talents to the table. Instead of comparing, I focus on being my most authentic self and improving my business in ways that align with my values and goals. That mindset has helped me turn imposter syndrome into motivation and has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Kelly Jeanmaire, the founder and lead wedding planner at The Main Event by Kelly, based in Clifton Park, NY. I specialize in planning weddings across the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and the Adirondacks, with a focus on creating luxurious, unforgettable celebrations that are deeply personal to each couple.
What I find most exciting about what I do is the opportunity to take someone’s dream and turn it into a reality. There’s nothing quite like seeing a couple walk into their wedding and knowing that every detail reflects their story, style, and love. What sets The Main Event by Kelly apart is my commitment to delivering unique experiences. I thrive on thinking outside the box and ensuring no two weddings I plan feel the same. My goal is for people to see a wedding and know it’s “a Kelly wedding” because of the quality, thoughtfulness, and seamless execution—not because it looks like something they’ve seen before.
Currently, I’m at an exciting point in my business. I’ve just wrapped up 2024 with my highest revenue to date, and 2025 is already 95% booked! This year, I’m focused on taking on fewer, high-end weddings to provide even more attention to detail for my clients. I’m also considering expanding my team to maintain the personalized service I’m known for while managing the increasing demand.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in my journey as a wedding planner:
1. Authenticity
Staying true to myself has been the foundation of my success. You can’t thrive in this industry—or in any industry—if you’re not genuine. Couples trust me with one of the most important days of their lives, and that trust is built on honesty and authenticity. My advice? Embrace what makes you unique and focus on delivering work that reflects your values and personality. People can always tell when you’re being real, and it makes all the difference.
2. Focus
This one is critical. It’s so easy to get sidetracked by comparison, setbacks, or even fear. But staying focused, consistent, and committed to your goals will carry you through tough times. For anyone starting out, my advice is to identify your “why” and remind yourself of it often. Write it down, revisit it, and let it be your anchor when things feel overwhelming.
3. Adaptability
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing ever goes exactly as planned—especially in weddings! Being flexible and quick to adapt has been just as important as having a solid plan. For those early in their journey, I recommend practicing how to pivot gracefully and staying open to new opportunities or challenges. Your ability to stay calm and problem-solve in real time will set you apart in any field.
By developing these qualities—authenticity, focus, and adaptability—you’ll build a strong foundation for success no matter where your journey takes you.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is a personal one: deciding the long-term direction for my business as it continues to grow. I’ve reached a point where I need to clarify my five-year goals, but I feel torn between two very different paths.
On one hand, I could increase the number of weddings I take on by growing my team, allowing me to serve more couples while maintaining the level of quality and care I’m known for. On the other hand, I’m drawn to scaling back the number of weddings I take each year and focusing exclusively on ultra-luxury events, which would allow me to provide an even more elevated and bespoke experience.
These two paths require very different strategies and mindsets, and I’m taking my time to make the right decision. To help resolve this, I’ve been reflecting on what truly excites me and aligns with my personal and professional values. I’m also seeking advice from mentors and industry experts who’ve faced similar crossroads, and I’m keeping an open mind to how my priorities might evolve over time.
It’s a challenge, but one I’m grateful to face—because no matter which direction I choose, I know it will be a step toward building a business I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themaineventbykelly.com
- Instagram: themaineventbykelly
- Linkedin: Kelly Jeanmaire
Image Credits
Know Together Photography
Dori Fitzpatrick Photography
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