Story & Lesson Highlights with Michelle Stubbs of Miami

We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Stubbs and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, without question. Intelligence and energy are powerful, but without integrity they lose meaning. For me, integrity is about doing what you say you’ll do, showing up even when it’s hard, and treating people with respect — whether that’s a client, a supplier, or your team. In both the wedding industry and business in general, reputation is everything. I’ve built mine on trust, honesty, and genuine relationships, and I think that’s what allows people to believe in my vision — both at Delamere Manor in the UK and now through my consultancy work here in the U.S.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle Stubbs, founder of Michelle Olivia Events in Miami and owner of Delamere Manor, a 100-acre luxury estate in the English countryside. My journey began when I transformed Delamere Manor from a private residence into one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding and events venues.

After a decade of curating luxury celebrations in Britain, I launched Michelle Olivia Events to bring a transatlantic perspective to the wedding and hospitality industry. My work blends British heritage with Miami’s creative energy, offering bespoke planning and consultancy for couples and venue owners who want to elevate their experience and connect with an international audience.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my husband completely changed how I see the world. It taught me how fragile life is, and how important it is to find joy in the smallest moments — a quiet morning, a walk outside, a good laugh with people you love. I remind myself daily not to take anything for granted.

It also changed how I approach business. When you’ve experienced real loss, you gain a sense of perspective — the things that once felt overwhelming suddenly don’t carry the same weight. I try not to sweat the inevitable challenges that come with running a business. Instead, I focus on what truly matters: building something meaningful, treating people well, and appreciating the journey as much as the destination.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me what success never could and that was perspective. Success can be exciting and validating, but pain strips everything back. It showed me resilience in its truest form, not the big wins, but the quiet act of getting up and carrying on. It gave me compassion and a deeper understanding of people. And most of all, it reminded me that purpose matters more than accolades — joy built on meaning will always last longer than the high of success.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that what matters most to me is creating meaning, whether that’s through my work, my relationships, or how I spend my time. I’m driven by connection, creativity, and a desire to make things beautiful, but also to make them matter.

My friends would also say I care deeply sometimes too much, but I think that’s what gives my work soul. Whether I’m helping a couple celebrate their love or developing something new at Delamere Manor, it’s always about making people feel something genuine. That, to me, is what life and business are really about — not perfection, but purpose.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Honestly, I hope people say I lived fully, that I followed my instincts, worked hard, and built things that brought joy to others. I’ve always believed life is meant to be experienced, not just managed, and I hope that comes through in everything I do.

If people remember me as someone who was kind, brave, and a little bit unstoppable, I’d be happy with that. My story isn’t about endings, it’s about evolving, reinventing, and making the most of the time we’re given.

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