Meet Shan Shan Huang | Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shan Shan Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shan Shan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ever since I was a kid in elementary school, I’ve loved planning events. Whether it was organizing a class party, helping with school functions, or coming up with creative ideas to make things fun and memorable, I always felt a sense of excitement and pride in bringing people together.

As I got older, that passion never really left me — it just evolved. I started to realize that what I loved as a child could actually become something meaningful as an adult. So rather than chasing a ‘practical’ path that didn’t excite me, I decided to follow my childhood dream and build a business around what I’ve always enjoyed: creating experiences, making connections, and bringing ideas to life.

For me, starting a business wasn’t just about making money — it was about turning something I genuinely love into something impactful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud of in my business is helping make other people’s dreams come true — bringing their visions to life in a way that’s meaningful and memorable. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s face light up when everything comes together just the way they imagined (or even better).

I got to where I am today by always putting myself in my clients’ shoes. I approach every project from their perspective — both creatively and financially. I understand that people have a vision, but they also have a budget, and I work hard to strike that balance. That means doing a lot of research, getting creative with resources, and making sure every dollar works toward something impactful.

It hasn’t been easy. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort that people don’t always see. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: don’t work for free. Time, creativity, and effort are incredibly valuable — and they should be respected. The right clients will always recognize and appreciate that.

And if I’m being completely honest — my true source of creativity and drive are my three daughters. They are the heart behind everything I do. They remind me every day why I dream big, work hard, and never give up. My story, and my brand, are rooted in them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 – Stroll through Old Town Pasadena – window shop along Colorado Blvd, pop into local boutiques and indie bookshops.

Day 2 – Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens.

Day 3 – Best dim sum in the area.

Day 4 – Explore Rose Bowl Flea Market

Day 5 – Walk through Caltech and have lunch at the Anthenaeum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my daughters — for being so patient with me while I’m working and away on weekends. Their love and understanding mean everything to me, and they are a constant reminder of why I do what I do.

I also want to thank my husband for holding it all together at home and taking such good care of our three little precious ones while I’m away. His support, encouragement, and partnership make it possible for me to chase my dreams without losing sight of what matters most.

This journey isn’t easy, and it definitely takes a village. I’m beyond grateful for mine.

Website: https://www.abicster-events.com

Instagram: abcister_events

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/abcister-events-arcadia

Other: Little Red Book: abcister
TikTok: abcister_events

Image Credits
Some pictures are photographed by Blaire Going, Alyssa Hunter and Dora Luo.