Meet the Team: All about Sholeh!

Every seamless celebration starts with a vision — and is brought to life with care, precision, and teamwork.  Today, we kick off a “Meet the Team” series, introducing the incredible humans of Sholeh Events, and we’re starting with our founder, CEO, and lead planner, Sholeh. 

Sholeh’s creative vision and steady guidance shape every event we produce, and her passion for thoughtful design and effortless flow sets the tone for the entire Sholeh Events experience.

Blending joyful creativity with heart, humor, and impeccable taste, Sholeh guides each client (and our team!) through the planning process with warmth and intention. She’s the heartbeat of our operation and the reason so many of our events feel like magic. 

History and Experience as an event planner

How did you get into the world of event planning? 

“I grew up in a home where we hosted many people on a regular basis. My parents were involved in service to their community and it was a great way to learn how to plan events, and I volunteered a lot for various events. I had a natural knack for it and people saw that talent in me and encouraged it. I was lucky to find a variety of mentors along the way, as well, as my education didn’t really prepare me for the reality of event logistics.”

When did you switch to event planning? 

“I have always been an event planner - but I got a business degree because my university didn’t have an event planning degree in 2000, and that became so useful as I started my business and navigated the corporate and non-profit world. I even planned youth conferences in college and would help with other events.”

What’s your why - why did you choose event planning, why did you start your own business?

“I started my own business because I wanted to create a different type of work environment for myself, and eventually others. Many organizations struggle with toxic environments, lack of executive accountability, and overworking and underpaying their planners and other employees. I firmly believe in improving our industry, and that starts with our small businesses and values. 

As a woman and a mother, I knew that I wanted the ability to be present for my family. When my first daughter was born, I went full time with my business. Within a week, I had my first corporate event client…but I had already been building my reputation for years at that point.”

Professional Role & Approach

What is your background and How has that impacted you / How you treat people? Inclusivity? Specialties? How do you raise your family?

“I was raised by my family and Faith community to truly love all people, and it comes through in every aspect of my life. While I was raised in both South Carolina and Illinois, we traveled a lot and our friendships and family spanned every background you can think of! I’ve been blessed with experiences that have shaped my character and made me a better person. I was a huge nerd growing up (still am!) and while I was bullied a lot in school, I also have been able to move past that to be confident and comfortable in almost any situation. Kindness, empathy, defense of human rights, eradication of prejudice of all kinds, and education for all are just some of my values that I bring to the workplace. My husband was raised in 4 different countries and with a similar attitude toward service to humanity, and we now make the effort with our two girls to instill those same values in them.” 

Greatest strengths

“I’ve really seen it all during my 20 year career - but there are always new experiences and I’m able to adapt and roll with whatever comes my way. I’ll stay calm, solve the problem, and move on to the next thing.”

Greatest weaknesses and struggles 

“2020 was a tough year for all of us, but I happened to be pregnant and gave birth to my second daughter in June of 2020. I had already been planning to be on maternity leave, so the event impact was smaller than it would have been, but the emotional/mental toll was rough. It took a while for us to get back on our feet with two small infants, a global pandemic, and lack of socializing! I remember Zoom calls with clients while nursing. My girls are older now, and they have grown up hearing about my job and stopping by occasionally, so they both said that they want to be event planners when they grow up.”

Describe your planning style in three words. 

“Practical, fun, reassuring."

What's your favorite part of the event day? 

“When the event officially starts. Doesn’t matter what kind of event - I love greeting people, seeing their excitement, and curating the experience.”

Behind-the-Scenes & Personality

What’s one thing most people don’t know about your job? 

“I spend a lot of time working in spreadsheets and managing my emails/communications. It’s not as glamorous as it looks!”

What’s the one thing you use most from your event-day emergency kit? 

“Scissors.”

Do you have a favorite memory from an event you’ve worked on? 

“So many memories! In 2008 I had the opportunity to work on an International Convention with attendees from 150 countries. Many of them had never left their hometowns before, much less their country. The coordination took 18 months and it was one of the most rewarding and challenging events I’ve ever done. The look on their faces when they arrived at the convention center and were able to participate in a worldwide gathering was priceless.”

Coffee order or go-to planning fuel?

“Love a basic coffee with cream and sugar. However, I treat myself to a regular Coke or Pepsi onsite if I need some energy!”

What’s one song that gets you in the zone on setup days? 

“Stevie Wonder - As”

Personal Interests

What do you like to do outside of work? 

“Hang out with my family, be of service in my community, spend time with friends, read books, and travel.”

Favorite way to unwind after a big event? 

“Get a massage!”

Dream vacation destination? 

“Warm, with beaches and really good food.”

A fun fact most people don’t know about you? 

“I love nature and have no problem with most creatures.”

Tell us about your own wedding! (people are curious about a wedding planner’s wedding!) 

“I was planning 4 conferences on the west coast in the summer of 2013. I planned my wedding in 3 months, with lots of phone calls and logistics meetings with my then-fiancé while I traveled. He and I still use project management tools in our personal life! We got married at a small country club in the Chicago suburbs, with the ceremony outside and a reception where we had a breakfast buffet for dinner (omelette stations included!). We danced the night away, and most of our vendors were friends who were just starting their businesses.”

Why did you expand to a team?

“I’ve always wanted to have a team - it allows us to do a wider variety of events and support different clients, but it also means that I’m not alone. The basis of our success is consultation - I truly value my team’s input and they have brought my business farther than I could have by myself. I’m so grateful for their hard work and support. Not only do I have a team that works for me, but I’ve built relationships with other event planners and event vendors that I can call on at any time, and that makes us all more successful and less lonely.”

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Sholeh! We’re so grateful for the leadership, laughter, and creativity she brings to every interaction.

From first consultation to final sendoff, Sholeh sets the standard for excellence and care that defines Sholeh Events. Her dedication inspires our entire team — and our clients feel it in every detail.

Be sure to follow along for the next feature in our “Meet the Team” series as we introduce more of the creative minds who bring our clients’ visions to life.