Melissa Jakes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Melissa, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My mornings start with mom mode, getting my kids ready for school, making sure everyone’s out the door and on time. Once the house quiets down, I shift into CEO mode. I review my to-do list, check my Google Calendar, and scan through any high-priority emails that need immediate attention. That first hour sets the tone for my entire day.
From there, it’s all about execution. I’m managing timelines, reviewing event logistics, checking in with vendors, and troubleshooting anything that needs my attention before it becomes a fire. No two days look the same — one morning I might be finalizing floral designs for a gala, and by afternoon I’m deep in contract negotiations or fine-tuning a client’s sponsorship deck.
By midday, I’m balancing creative strategy with business operations, approving budgets, reviewing marketing content, or planning the subsequent major event rollout. My evenings often include walkthroughs, client calls, or planning sessions that push well past the typical 9-to-5.
It’s a lot to juggle, but I wouldn’t trade it. Every day at Rescue Event Planning is about transforming visions into experiences and doing it with precision, purpose, and a touch of magic.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
’m Melissa Jakes, CEO and Founder of Rescue Event Planning, where we specialize in turning bold ideas into extraordinary experiences. My team and I plan everything from high-profile galas and conferences to product launches and private celebrations — and we do it with precision, creativity, and strategy. We’re known for rescuing visions that feel too big or too complex and bringing them to life flawlessly.
What makes Rescue Event Planning different is that we don’t just “plan events” — we engineer impact. Whether it’s producing a national conference, curating an intimate celebration, or managing a full-scale brand experience, we approach each project with the mindset of building legacy and connection.
My story is rooted in hustle and purpose. I built this company from the ground up while balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and leadership. That dual perspective — being both a CEO and a mom — drives how I lead: organized, intentional, and always thinking ten steps ahead.
Right now, I’m leading several large-scale events, including national conferences, nonprofit fundraisers, and luxury brand activations — all while expanding our services through Rescue Rentals and Rescue Luxe, our new candle and décor styling divisions. At the heart of it, my mission stays the same: to help clients elevate their vision, execute with excellence, and create moments that truly matter.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I thought having a lot of friends and being popular defined success and self-worth. I believed that being liked by everyone meant I was doing something right. Over time — through entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leadership — I learned that popularity doesn’t build purpose, and it definitely doesn’t build peace.
Now, I value alignment over approval. I’ve learned that the right circle — even if it’s small — can open more doors than a crowd ever could. I don’t chase being liked; I focus on being impactful. The little girl who once wanted everyone’s validation grew into a woman who knows her vision is enough, even if not everyone gets it.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the hardest seasons of my life came from my own business decisions. I lost major clients, made financial mistakes, and found myself staring down the possibility of foreclosure. It was a gut punch — not just financially, but emotionally. As an entrepreneur, your business feels like an extension of you, so when it starts to crumble, it shakes your identity.
That season taught me humility, discipline, and the power of rebuilding with intention. I stopped operating from survival mode and started leading from strategy. I got real about my numbers, sought mentorship, rebuilt systems, and faced the uncomfortable truth that passion alone doesn’t keep a business alive — structure does.
Healing came through ownership. I stopped blaming the circumstances and started sharpening the leader within me. That breakdown became the foundation for my breakthrough — and it’s why Rescue Event Planning stands stronger today. I learned how to lead smarter, protect my peace, and build a business that’s both profitable and purposeful.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — all of it. What you see publicly is who I am privately. I don’t have the energy or desire to play two different roles. The woman you see leading a high-profile gala, running a business, and showing up online is the same woman packing lunchboxes in the morning, praying over her goals, and navigating life’s chaos in real time.
I built my brand on authenticity. I share the wins, but I’m not afraid to share the lessons and the losses too. Because the truth is, people don’t connect with perfection — they connect with purpose. So yes, the public version of me is the real me. Driven. Imperfect. Faith-filled. Still learning. Still building. Still showing up — just as I am.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I’ll always regret not dreaming bigger when I was younger. For too long, I played it safe — thinking small, staying in the box, doing what seemed “realistic.” I didn’t yet understand that vision has no limits except the ones we place on ourselves.
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to move faster, trust her gut sooner, and stop shrinking her ideas to fit other people’s comfort zones. Because the truth is, the only thing that ever held me back was underestimating what I was capable of.
Now, I make it a point to dream bigger — not just for myself, but for my daughter, my clients, and every woman watching who’s afraid to take up space. Playing small doesn’t serve anyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rescueeventplanning.com
- Instagram: Rescue_events
- Linkedin: Rescue Event Planning
- Facebook: Rescue Event Planning
- Youtube: Rescue Event Planning
Image Credits
Monique Michael Photography
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