EP #230 Inside A Fredericksburg Event Company That Designs For Real Human Moments

A “pretty” event is easy to admire. A meaningful event is impossible to forget. I’m joined by Kathlynn Donald from Elevate Designs and Events, a Fredericksburg event planning and event design company built around one simple promise: helping people feel celebrated, seen, and heard. We talk about the real work behind a flawless celebration, from early design decisions and supplier sourcing to staffing, setup, teardown, and the cleanup nobody posts about. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re truly hiring when you bring in an event coordinator, this conversation makes it clear. Kathlynn also shares what sets her approach apart: designing for the guest experience, not just the photo. We get into the details that change the whole vibe of a room, like colors, textures, and interactive moments that help guests connect. One standout example is a fragrance bar that turns awkward small talk into instant conversation and community. It’s a smart reminder that experiential event planning is about people first, and decor second. You’ll also hear Kathlynn’s story, from growing up in a Haitian immigrant family where community celebrations were part of daily life, to learning high-level event production in a country club setting, to building a career across social work, childcare, retail, and wellness. We wrap with practical small business advice for anyone ready to turn a passion into a business: take the leap, stop waiting until you feel “ready,” and find support through local networking like chambers of commerce and Rotary. Elevate Designs and Events also welcomes micro events and intimate gatherings, with a no copy-and-paste philosophy that keeps your celebration true to you. If you enjoy discovering local Fredericksburg businesses and want more stories like this, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so more neighbors can find the show. Kathlynn Donald Elevate Designs and Events weelevatedesigns.com elevatedesignsva@gmail.com 540-845-8007