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The question that gets thrown at me all the damn time is how the hell did I end up in the event planning business? Well, strap in, because I'm about to give you the abridged version of my wild journey into the event and cannabis industries. Get ready for a rollercoaster of passion, determination, and some seriously mind-blowing twists and turns. Let's dive in and see how it all went down.
My Journey
My grandmother was a badass party planner who loved throwing epic shindigs and helping others host their own. From intimate get-togethers with friends and neighbors to wild block parties, she knew how to make people have a damn good time. As her sidekick from a young age, I learned the ins and outs of decor, cooking, setup, and teardown. It wasn't just a hobby for her; it was a passionate pursuit that always brought a smile to her face. Seeing loved ones and children enjoying themselves lit her up from ear to ear.
Becoming an event manager seemed to be in my blood. I kicked off my professional career as a recruiter for an elite staffing agency, and damn, was I good at it. I became the youngest recruiter in the DC area. Sales seemed like my natural calling—great pay and all—but it eventually burned me out. So, I made a switch to program management with a medical association, chasing my childhood dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer. Obstetrics was my chosen path until one night, after an event, a wise old doctor sipped his whiskey and questioned my plan.
I went on and on about my ambitions, thinking I had it all figured out. But then he hit me with one hell of a question: "If you delivered a stillborn child, could you handle that psychologically?" My jaw dropped, and I had to admit that I couldn't. That eye-opening moment taught me the importance of serious introspection before making life-altering decisions.
So, I found myself managing an office for a gastroenterology practice—overseeing doctors, nurses, and staff. Late one night, as I mindlessly entered payroll, I had a revelation. This wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. While typing away, I reflected on my past jobs and realized that, regardless of my title, I always volunteered to plan office parties, holiday celebrations, and picnics. That's when it hit me—I could turn this passion into a career. So, I did my research and discovered that, hell yeah, I could make it happen!!!
My first gig as an event manager was offered to me by an awesome lady named Lisa. She had a big heart and hired me as the event manager for the Unitarian Fellowship, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from my apartment at the time. I gave tours, created contracts, acted as the point of contact for all venue rentals, and ran the show on event days. While the majority of those events were weddings (shoutout to all the wedding planners out there), it wasn't quite my cup of tea. Nonetheless, it provided the perfect opportunity to learn about the event industry, network with vendors, and gather contacts for future clients.
I decided to go pro and focus on organizing events for nonprofits and associations, always keeping my passion for helping others at the forefront. For over 20 years (yeah, I don't look my age), I've been planning events and absorbing knowledge along the way. I've been fortunate enough to incorporate my sales, marketing, and negotiation skills from my recruitment days.
During the pandemic, I had plenty of time for introspection. So, I delved into herbalism and enrolled in a program that resonated with me. I started growing herbs in my garden and crafting my own teas, beauty products, and hair treatments. I even worked at a local CBD store and obtained my CBD/THC consultant certification. Working at various events and festivals, I realized that the cannabis industry needed event professionals to help organize kick-ass events and elevate the overall experience.
Now, as I take a step back and embark on my own healing journey, I can bring together all my passions. Some may argue that herbalism isn't "traditional" medicine, but who the fuck cares? And while I'm not delivering babies, I still consider myself a goddamn healer.
With this newfound perspective, I established Herbal Empress. This platform allows me to leverage my event management expertise to support individuals in the holistic and cannabis industries. My primary aim is to educate communities about alternative healing methods and assist them in discovering the approaches that resonate best with their unique needs.
Join Us
Through Herbal Empress, I curate events, workshops, and gatherings that bring together experts, enthusiasts, and those seeking knowledge about herbal remedies, holistic practices, and the benefits of cannabis. By combining my passions, I strive to create immersive experiences that promote wellness, self-discovery, and a sense of belonging.
Whether it involves hosting enlightening seminars on herbal medicine, organizing cannabis-infused cooking classes, or facilitating discussions on mindfulness and holistic living, Herbal Empress acts as a bridge between conventional event management and the world of holistic healing and cannabis advocacy. My objective is to foster an inclusive environment where individuals can learn, share their experiences, and embrace the potential of natural healing.
By collaborating with badass herbalists, holistic practitioners, and cannabis advocates, I aim to build a network of resources and support for those seeking alternative paths to well-being. Together, we work towards destigmatizing holistic practices and raising awareness about their potential benefits.
Through Herbal Empress, I have discovered my true calling—a calling that harmonizes my love for events, passion for healing, and desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection, and I am deeply grateful to have found my place at the intersection of event management and holistic healing.
So, I invite you to join me on this adventure as we explore the limitless possibilities of herbalism, holistic practices, and cannabis in cultivating a healthier, more balanced world. Together, let's educate, empower, and inspire communities to embrace alternative ways of healing and discover their own unique paths to well-being. Welcome to Herbal Empress, where events become transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing.
Share Your Healing Story, Plan Your Event, Spread the Word: Connect with us today!
If you have a healing story that you would like to share, require assistance in planning an event, or need support in promoting your own event, reach out to us now. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay updated with Herbal Empress. We are here to listen, collaborate, and make a difference in your journey. Contact us today.
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