We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Kay Sallach and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily Kay, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had a passion for hospitality and serving others others. I am one of those people that really enjoyed waiting tables when I was younger. I was a Barista with Starbucks for many years, and loved brightening a person’s day by giving them the best cup of coffee to kick off their morning. As my family began to grow it became more difficult to work the hours needed for that industry. I was exposed to a show that followed wedding planners as they helped their couples navigate the process of creating their wedding. I had previous experience with working in corporate events, but when I saw this show it was like a light bulb went off in me. What better way to bless someone than to help make their wedding day as special and seamless as possible! I found my passion that complimented my skillset. It has been a beautiful journey to watch my business grow and change over the years. I have helped many couples celebrate and have the most special day they could imagine.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Events By Emily Kay is a Southern California wedding planning company, that is based in Los Angeles. We plan all sorts of life celebrations from Weddings, Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Gallas, Corporate Gatherings and more. We are in the business of supporting people, and are happy to help in any way we can. We are very down to earth and approachable and take a collaborative approach when working with our clients. Organization is our jam, and we love joining our clients in exploring the beautiful aspects of their wedding. Together we can make one magical celebration!
Moving from New Mexico to Los Angeles was definitely one of the more challenging times for Events By Emily Kay. Thankfully, there are so many welcoming people in Los Angeles. I was able to connect with other wonderful event professionals fairly quickly. I have to say though, navigating the Covid-19 pandemic takes the cake for challenges in our business. Globally we all felt the hit from this horrible pandemic, but the event industry was on a wild rollercoaster. Not only did we have to navigate our personal feelings and experiences about all that went on over this past year, but we were also supporting our clients that weren’t sure whether they could have the weddings they had always dreamed of. Navigating the constant changes in restrictions, the uncertainty of openings, and the lack income has been difficult. However, I always try to keep a positive outlook on life. When we focus on the darkness we can’t see the light that wants to surround us. I spent this year loving on my family, finessing some business practices, and enjoying the gift of slowing down a bit.
I heard this wonderful saying once, “Take a nap and change the world.” So I guess my advice would be that when challenges come and the darkness tries to sink in, just take a nap. The world will feel so much brighter after you rest and when you wake up your perspective with be that much better.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a sucker for Universal Studios. So of course we would have to go spend a day at the park. We would grab a beer from Hogsmead, some lunch at Krusty’s and hit all the rides we have time for. 🙂
One day we would visit the Santa Monica Pier and head over to Duke’s in Malibu for dinner.
Another morning we would go to one of my favorite coffee shops, 10 Speed Coffee, in Calabasas. Then take the kids to play at a park in Topanga Canyon surrounded by nature.
We would have to spend one day at the beach. Zuma is our family favorite.
I might take them downtown to The Last Book Store and the Natural History Museum.
Before they head home I would introduce them to one of my favorite ramen restaurants, in Tarzana, Mon Ramen. Soooo good!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have supported my journey in Events By Emily Kay. My husband, Joshua Sallach, has been my number one fan, helper, sounding board, and even a financial backer at times. He cares for our two children when events take my attention, even though his world is always busy as well. He has selflessly given his support over and over throughout the years. I also need to give a shout out to Cordelia Culver of Chef Cordelia. She has been a wonderful friend, support and bridge to help me get my business up and running in Los Angeles after we moved from New Mexico. I couldn’t have been nearly as successful in LA without her. Also, thank you to the many wonderful people who have worked with me over the years. I truly love my assistants, vendor teams, and clients. They are what make my job fun. I’m so lucky to be able to have a career doing what I love with so many amazing people.
Website: www.eventsbyemilykay.com
Instagram: @eventsbyemilykay.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EventsByEmilyKay
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/events-by-emily-kay-los-angeles
Image Credits
Image Credits: Mark Leibowitz, Fun Lovin’ Camera, Betsy & Gregory Wedding Photographers, Charming Lights, Mary Costa Photography, Shindig Chic, Unique Space, Martina Micko Photography, Rebel and Rogue Floral Couture, Martin Ngo Photography, The Lodge at Malibou Lake, Sweet Lady Jane’s Bakery, Winston & Main Florals, Sweet William Photography, Tony Gambino Photography, Events By Emily Kay Florals