Meet Marchantia Smith | Marchantia Smith Events – Owner & Lead Planner

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

Hi Marchantia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hello! I’m Marchantia Smith, the Owner and Lead Planner at Marchantia Smith Events. I founded my business in the summer of 2022, turning my passion for planning beautifully crafted weddings and special occasions into a thriving career. With a background in Information Technology at a Fortune 500 snack and beverage company and my Project Management Professional Certification, I bring a unique blend of strategic planning and meticulous attention to detail to every event. These experiences have allowed me to seamlessly plan, design, and execute corporate, social, and private events for my clients.

Although I began my career in IT, my love for event planning has been a constant throughout my life. For years, I planned events for family and friends as a hobby—always striving for excellence and never charging a fee. My network knew me for my precision, reliability, and passion, trusting that their events were in good hands. Today, I serve the Dallas Metroplex, coordinating events of all sizes, including a gala for over 1,300 guests.

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?
Marchantia Smith Events specializes in crafting beautifully designed, meticulously organized weddings and special occasions for discerning clients in the Dallas Metroplex. What sets me apart is my dedication to understanding every client’s personal vision, and then transforming that vision into a reality with a detailed, thoughtful approach. Every event I manage – whether a wedding, gala, or corporate gathering – gets the same level of care, precision, and attention to detail that I’ve built my career on.

What excites me the most is not just the act of planning, but the satisfaction of seeing a client’s face light up when their dream event comes to life. It’s those moments – the joy, the relief, the pride – that keep me passionate about what I do. Each event I plan feels like an accomplishment, but what I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve earned from my clients and colleagues alike.

My journey to launching my own business was far from easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. As I mentioned, before launching Marchantia Smith Events in 2022, I spent several years building a successful career in Information Technology at a Fortune 500 company. While this may seem like a departure from event planning, the skills I honed in project management and problem-solving have been critical to my success as an event planner. During those years, I also obtained my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which equipped me with the tools to manage complex timelines and budgets, and ensure flawless execution – key elements that now set me apart in the events industry.

Transitioning from IT to launching my own business was both exciting and daunting. Initially, I faced the challenge of establishing myself in a highly competitive field, especially as an introvert. Networking wasn’t something that came naturally to me, but I quickly realized that building strong relationships with both clients and vendors was essential to my success. One of the best decisions I made was joining DFW NACE, which helped me break out of my shell and connect with like-minded professionals. Being part of that community opened doors for me, both in terms of collaboration and gaining invaluable industry knowledge.

In the early stages of my business, I also had to learn how to navigate the uncertainties that come with being a new entrepreneur. I didn’t have a large portfolio to showcase, which made it difficult to build trust with potential clients. However, I focused on delivering exceptional service and letting my work speak for itself. Slowly, work-of-mouth referrals and positive client testimonials helped me grow my business. I also leveraged my IT background to develop efficient systems and workflows, which allowed me to manage multiple projects without sacrificing quality.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of resilience and adaptability. There were times when things didn’t go as planned – whether it was unexpected vendor issues or last-minute client changes – but I learned to stay calm under pressure and find solutions quickly. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow and refine my processes.

My journey has taught me that success in business isn’t just about having the right skills – it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and always being willing to learn. Every step, whether smooth or challenging, has brought me closer to where I am today, and I look forward to continuing to grow and evolve as both a planner and a business owner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to Shamica Sweat, my instructor during the 12-week course where I earned my Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) certification. Shamica’s guidance, mentorship, and belief in my potential truly changed the course of my life. She inspired me to take the leap and start Marchantia Smith Events, and also encouraged me to join DFW NACE, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.

I also want to recognize my friend Merriel Smith, who played a pivotal role in the early stages of my business. Merriel was always there to help me brainstorm names for what would eventually become Marchantia Smith Events. Her creativity and encouragement during those foundational moments were truly appreciated.

Most importantly, I want to give thanks to God. My faith sustains me every step of this journey, guiding and grounding me through every challenge and triumph. I’m grateful for the strength and clarity He provides in both my personal and professional life.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to my family – my husband, Edwin, and my twin daughters – who are my constant source of love and support.

Website: https://marchantiasmithevents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marchantiasmithevents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marchantiasmithevents

Image Credits
#1 – Kelly McMullin Photography
#2 – Kelly McMullin Photography
#3 – Marchantia Smith
#4 – Marchantia Smith
#5 – D Lacy Photography
#6 – D Lacy Photography
#7 – D Lacy Photography
#8 – D Lacy Photography