Let’s talk honestly for a moment about the event industry. It’s beautiful, creative, and full of magic, but it’s also one of the toughest industries to thrive in. You might look around and feel like it’s saturated. Like everyone and their cousin has started a party business or has suddenly become a balloon artist overnight. And if you’re dreaming of jumping in, I get it, it can feel intimidating. But here’s the truth: there is only one you.

Yes, the industry feels crowded. But passion, grit, and authenticity will always stand out. Even if ten people offer the same service, nobody else has your brain, your heart, or your hands. Your unique touch is your superpower.

People Will Copy You…And Worse

Here’s something no one tells you when you start: people will steal. Your ideas. Your clients. Your entire vibe. They’ll screenshot your work, repost it, and even recreate your event moments without giving credit. They’ll send your mood boards to other vendors and say, “Can you do this for cheaper?” Or worse, they’ll pretend they came up with it themselves.

I’ve had clients poached, concepts mirrored, and entire proposals lifted and repackaged. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and honestly, rage-inducing.

But here’s what I’ve learned: you cannot be replicated if you stay true to who you are. Your style, your energy, your execution, that’s what sets you apart. Stay focused. Keep innovating. Let the copycats chase your old work while you’re already three ideas ahead. Think of yourself like a fashion house, while they’re sewing knockoffs, you’re prepping the next runway season.

The Sleepless Nights Are Real

I remember my first major weekend juggling back-to-back installs. I got two hours of sleep in between events, barely had time to eat, and had bitten off way more than I could chew. I was running on Dr. Pepper, adrenaline, and a little bit of glitter. It was chaotic, messy, and somehow, magical.

I kept thinking, “What have I done?” But also, “I can’t believe I get to create joy for a living.” There’s a wild rush that comes from pulling off something beautiful under pressure. I wouldn’t recommend it as a lifestyle, but it does build character (and very strong arms from lifting backdrops).

You’ll cry in your car, you’ll forget to eat, and you’ll wonder why you ever said yes to more than one event in a single day, but then the music plays, the guests arrive, and it all feels worth it.

Underpricing Is a Trap

When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to drop your prices to book clients. I’ve been there. You want to get your name out, build your portfolio, and get experience. But soon enough, you realize: the clients you fought to undercharge for are often the most difficult.

They ghost. They price-shop. They send you mockups from other vendors and ask you to “match it” for less.

And they’ll still complain.

And here’s the hard truth: sometimes they lie. I once had a client claim their backdrop fell and demand a refund, only to later find out it never even happened. She literally framed me. I’m still bitter about that one, haha. Meanwhile, I still remember the first time I arrived on-site and one of my own backdrops had actually fallen outside. I was mortified. I wanted to disappear into the grass. My client showed me so much grace and I made things right, I learned. I got stronger. I bought more sandbags.

Know your worth. Not everyone deserves to work with you. You’re not meant to be affordable to everyone. You’re meant to be valuable to the right people.

Watch for the Red Flags

If a client starts the convo with, “I’m reaching out to a few vendors,” or wants you to price match without respecting your creative process, those are signs. If they ghost halfway through or suddenly want everything done yesterday, trust your gut. 

Red flags include:

• Clients who ghost for weeks then expect miracles in 24 hours
• Clients who micromanage before booking you
• Clients who start the convo by saying, “My budget is really tight but I want WOW!”

You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to charge your worth. You are allowed to pass. This is a business, not a clearance aisle. YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS WILL COME, TRUST ME!

The Takeaway? Keep Going

Despite all of this, the late nights, the copycats, the wild client stories, I wouldn’t trade this career for anything. Because the magic outweighs the madness. The joy on a child’s face, the moment a parent tears up seeing the setup, the corporate clients dancing the night away, the feeling when everything clicks, it’s unbeatable.

You will grow tougher skin, and a bigger heart. You will cry and then laugh five minutes later. You will doubt yourself and then stun yourself with your own resilience. You’ll find your people, the clients who trust your vision, the vendors who cheer you on, and the community that celebrates you.

So to the dreamers who are scared to start, or the burned-out vendor wondering if it’s worth it: keep going. Stay kind. Stay focused. Protect your peace. And never, ever stop believing in your unique magic.

The industry may be tough, but so are you.

And if no one’s told you today: you’re doing an incredible job. And we need what only you can do!

Love,

Fancy Chancey