Feature Friday - WE EVENTS
During the pandemic, I was looking for small businesses to support and came across Jessie from WE EVENTS. I loved her commitment to giving back to others. While she had to pivot during the pandemic (like all small businesses), she didn’t let that stop her from raising awareness to the issues she feels passionate about. It’s been fun to see WE EVENTS get back to event planning and everything post-pandemic (can we say that yet?! post-covid shutdown?!), and I have to be honest…Jessie inspires me with the amazing builds she does for various events and set ups! Keep reading to learn more about Jessie and WE EVENTS.
How would you describe what you do and what inspired you?
I am an event planner / rental company / event fabricator who started WE EVENTS as a way to give back. I’ve always been pretty charitable but one day my partner sat me down and said we literally were going to be broke if I didn’t stop donating all our money. So, I decided to start a business doing something I loved so I could raise money for community projects. I didn’t come from a lot growing up and know what it was like to be embarrassed of my clothes and house, but I always had a roof over my head and food to eat. Even when times got tough, I still had my basic needs met. My heart goes out to so many people: people experiencing homelessness, people who can’t afford basic items like school supplies, abandoned dogs and more…which is why some of my favorite organizations that I support are Lincoln Park Community Services, Paving The Way Project, & One Tail At A Time. Donating a portion of WE EVENTS proceeds and raising awareness for these local charities makes me feel like I’m doing some good. There are also many organizations / issues in the world that are important to me and I want to support. Such as equality or bringing awareness to people with different abilities—The Nora Project.
I also believe that community is very important and everyone can give back in different ways. Whether it be a monetary donation, volunteering, helping a neighbor mow their lawn or even just a friendly smile and conversation.
So basically, I found a way to have fun while doing good!
What has been a highlight of your business/project? What’s been a highlight of being a mom?
Well for starters, I thought this would be more of a hobby, never did I think WE EVENTS would grow to be this big.
Also, I love networking and meeting other event professionals. It feels good to help each other out.
Being a mom is the greatest gift in the world. When I was 17 years old I got pregnant. Knowing I could not care for my baby, I placed her for (open) adoption with the most amazing family. I never thought I deserved kids but my partner convinced me otherwise, and so along came Charlotte 11 years ago. Charlotte is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I didn’t even know I could love another human this much. (Sorry to my partner) It’s also wonderful to see my birth daughter and Charlotte’s relationship grow as they both get older.
How do you take time to focus on yourself while balancing parenting?
Myself? Ha. Moms get to do that? Just kidding. I’m huge into reading, exercise and travel. Granted since starting WE EVENTS I don’t get to do many of those often. My 2023 goal is to make sure I’m prioritizing more family time and more travel and complete one more Chicago Tri.
What tips would you give to other moms to feel successful or empowered?
Ooooh this is a good one. Well for starters, don’t compare yourself or biz to anyone else, especially when it comes to social media. Social media can be a lot of smoke and mirrors, and while it’s a fab tool for biz and full of inspo, it’s also awful for self-esteem. Also, be kind and don’t compete. You would be surprise how much we can all help each other even if you are in the same field.
How can people learn more about you & what you do?
Follow me @WeEventsChicago
Shoot me an email… I’m happy to share advice or answer any questions. When I first started out, a woman name Melissa, who I met on social media, helped me a ton (for free and just to be nice). I will forever be grateful and pay it forward to others starting out.
