Photo: Courtesy of Tara Melvin
How she got her start: "People often ask how I became an event planner and the answer is simple: I was born this way," Melvin says. "Growing up, I was 'that kid' in my neighborhood who invited everyone to gather at my house (never with my parent’s permission) for various activities that I conjured in my head."
Fast forward to her college years, and Melvin was still her group's go-to social planner. "The first large fĂŞte I planned was my college graduation with over 150 enthusiastic students in attendance, and it was executed to perfection," she remembers. "Continuing into adulthood, I planned numerous occasions for friends and then began to realize this was the career for me!"
Over the last 18 years, Melvin has evolved into an award-winning event planner. "My brand reach not only includes creating spectacular events, but also engaging with the industry as a pioneer to uplift others through educational resources to strengthen their presence in the industry," she says. "I am the founder and producer of the Signature C.E.O. Conference, founder and mentor of the Executive Wedding Planner Mentor Program, and the founder and president of the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals—the first and only nonprofit association for Black professionals in the wedding/events industry."
She adds, "My experience as a professional empowers me to connect with an array of fascinating people (my clients) to create moments of a lifetime, as well as surround myself with a dynamic group of talented event professionals, in which we lean on each other for support along this magnificent journey of entrepreneurship."
What innovation means to her: Striving to be an innovator has shaped the impact Melvin tries to make with her life, both personally and professionally.
"As I navigate the events industry, I do so as a changemaker—one who opens doors for others (especially minority individuals), creating spaces where all creative professionals can reach their full potential and providing educational resources to keep our engines fine-tuned in this ever-changing industry," she explains. "As a challenge to myself to consistently achieve growth, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo, it is imperative for me to be a forward-thinker—advancing my mindset and ideologies as the world and my community change around me. Innovation creates change and ensures that whatever you do and create must be inclusive for everyone."
How she stays inspired: Melvin is always looking for what's coming next. "However, my greatest inspiration comes through helping others, which is why I developed the educational components of my brand and the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals," she explains. "The energy that I receive from being in the trenches with others, helping them align with their entrepreneurial path or just being a guiding light, keeps me motivated to always learn. I am a constant seeker of ways to add value by effecting positive, significant, sustainable change."
Career highlights: Melvin tries to see every moment of her career as a pivotal moment, including being in business for 18 years, working through the pandemic, and creating platforms that service the industry.
But her No. 1 highlight came in 2020, when she launched the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals, which now has more than 150 members representing 24 states plus the Caribbean. "I can’t wait to see how the association ascends within the next five years to be a recognized pillar in the industry," she says. "It is my service to the industry that stokes the fire burning in my heart for what I do."
Her favorite thing about the event industry: "The level of talent of the individuals that I have the opportunity to interact with, engage with, and work alongside. There are times when I think I have seen it all—and then I encounter someone whose level of brilliance surpasses my expectations," she says. "At times, I find myself standing in awe of the level of excellence, and I am proud to be a part of an industry that surrounds me with remarkable individuals."
This feature is sponsored by Hubilo, a leading virtual and hybrid event platform built to drive engagement, with clients including Deloitte, Coca-Cola, Amazon Web Services, and more.
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