Planning an event, big or small, takes a lot of work. From the initial stages of planning to coordination and execution to day of details and everything in between, it’s not just for anyone. But it is for Emily Rudelson, Founder of Houston’s newest event planning company Planned With.
I’ve been to several events Emily has coordinated, and they are always perfect. Of course, I’m sure she’d tell you little things here or there that didn’t come out “perfect” (as with all events), but for the attendees, she executes flawless events.
It was only a matter of time before she decided to launch her own event planning company. And I am so happy she did!! She’s meant to do this, and you can tell in how she brings her ideas and visions to life. This woman is so talented, and I’m so excited to bring you this exclusive interview with Emily. Keep on reading!
Tell us all about Planned With! What is it?
Planned With is a full-service event planning company specializing in social and lifestyle events. From a corporate event, business grand opening, holiday affair, social gathering or wedding, we are a trusted event planning service that uniquely pairs you with the city’s top vendors, community partners and influencers to produce your next dream event.
When did you start working on Planned With? When does it officially launch? What inspired you to launch Planned With?
I started working on the idea for Planned With in 2016. But to back up quickly, as a Houston native, I graduated in 2011 from The University of Georgia with a degree in Advertising and quickly found a home in the marketing department for CultureMap Houston. I was very drawn to the lifestyle brand (as well as it being a voice for a city so near to my heart) and was committed to working my way up. As such, I spent four years as CultureMap Houston’s marketing manager.
I eventually hit a point in my career when I realized I needed to take a step back and sort out a special niche for myself. I had a lot to offer, a lot of ideas, and I knew I loved event planning. But how could I give it a unique spin?
That’s when the idea for Planned With came to life. My husband, who’s also my business partner, and I launched Planned With to bring a fresh perspective to social and lifestyle events with a focus on creating personal, interactive, unique and beautiful experiences. Our website is still under construction, but as of this summer, we’re officially open for business and taking parties. You can sign up on our splash page to stay in the know of our launch plans (and any big giveaways. Hint. Hint).
Have you always loved event planning? If not, when did you start to really enjoy it and realize this is what you’re meant to do?
To be honest, I didn’t know I loved event planning until I stepped away from it for about 6 months. I quickly missed it! Sometimes you just don’t know what you got till it’s gone.
What has been your favorite part about starting the business? Most challenging?
My favorite part about starting the business is the creative freedom and the doors that it opens to meeting amazing people. Every day is a little bit different, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
We all know starting a business isn’t always a cake walk! I’m sure you’ve learned a ton along the way. What would you say is the biggest lesson (or maybe you have a couple) you’ve learned, thus far, from starting Planned With?
It’s definitely not always easy. As with anything in life, of course you face challenges. Some challenges are more difficult than others. There’s a quote by Winston Churchill that I love. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” There are daily struggles in pursuing your passion. The goal is staying the course and being persistent, but it might also mean deviating from the course, getting out of your comfort zone, shifting and making pivots when necessary. You just have to trust yourself and your instincts.
What has been your favorite event you’ve ever planned?
That is tough! Each one has been unique in its own way. If I had to choose, The Big Texas Party. It was CultureMap’s big super bowl event in 2017, and it was one star-studded party with celebs, athletes, city officials and entertainers. The production was also one of the most sophisticated I’ve ever worked on.
What’s your favorite event “trend”? (i.e. photo booths, etc)
Creating immersive experiences are very trendy right now, and a good rule of thumb it to start that experience outside the venue, and then immediately immerse guests in the décor. Immersive can mean anything themed, three dimensional, larger-than-life and interactive. I also love spicing up a traditional red carpet and step-and-repeat by incorporating on-theme props and backdrop designs.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?
I’d say, if you’ve got the vision, the passion and the determination, you should go for it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just to keep at it and good things will happen.
Favorite venue for an event in Houston?
Silver Street Studios. It’s one big blank canvas.
Favorite restaurant? Favorite bar?
There’s not just one and there could never be just one. Houston’s full of so many talented chefs and bartenders. My favorite cocktails right now are the gin and tonics from BCN or MAD with the different seasonal flavors and spices. They are fantastic. I am also a big sushi fan and love Kata Robata. It’s a Houston staple with innovative dishes and some of the freshest sushi you’ll taste.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Thinking about working. Just kidding. I am a big-time foodie and love scouring the Houston food and drink scene. I also love design, traveling, doing something outdoorsy with my two dogs and working out.
Anything coming down the road with Planned With that you can share?
Funny you should ask. This is still a bit under wraps, but there’s an interactive online event planning tool that I am working on. It’ll also include a client portal. I don’t have a definitive timeline for its launch to share quite yet.
Thanks, Emily!
Visit Planned With at www.plannedwith.com and follow along on Instagram @plannedwith and Facebook @plannedwith.
Photo credit: Daphne Yuanidis and Bergner and Johnson Design