Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilee Sutherland.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Well, I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a kid. I started a kids camp (modeled after my dad’s soccer camps) for neighborhood kids as a way to make money during the summer time. In high school, I was involved in ASB helping plan dances and pep rallies. I learned how to keep an event organized and manage budgets. In college, I worked in student government planning events, concerts, carnivals, banquets, etc. It was in these roles I learned how to balance school, work, managing a team as well as significant budgets. All of this early experience led me to a desire to work in the nonprofit world. I wanted to plan fundraisers and events to help raise money for causes that meant something to the community and me. And I did that for a few years!
At the same time, I started dabbling in weddings (just on the side) because so many of my friends were getting married. I was also in a new town and meeting some incredible artists in the wedding industry. From there, my blog and my wedding gigs just continued to grow and grow, and now it’s what I’ve been doing for about eight years!
I love working with couples in planning their big day. Each couple is different. Their priorities are different, their backgrounds and life stories are different. Their wedding days should be different. I enjoy learning about them and bringing out those personal details in them and designing their wedding days to reflect those.
Please tell us about your art.
I create experiences. But more than that, I work tirelessly to make my client’s visions come to life in the form of an event. I’m essentially creating the experience that they desire. And it’s different for every couple.
On the other side, I feel like I’m just as passionate about creating a safe space for my clients. A place where they can be raw and honest share what’s hurting them, walk through a problem to find a solution. Navigate family tensions, looming to-do lists, and prioritizing to alleviate stress. A wedding planner slash therapist if you will!
My art is my heart, and my heart is my passion. My passion is to create an experience that is warm, loving, and celebratory – and a direct reflection of my clients. But also – my passion is to give my clients a wedding planning experience that is as stress-free as possible. Teaching them to not major on the minors and remember what is most important in this process, in their relationship, and their lives.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Oh man, that is so true. When you work from home – you’re all alone in your head. Social media has been so great for this. Yes, it’s through your phone – but if you actively seek out real friendships through your online friendships, the experience is ten times better.
Reach out, leave comments, really interact with those that inspire you. If they are local, suggest meeting up for coffee or a dinner date. Humans were meant to connect with others. Make the effort; it’s worth it! I also find it super helpful to get outside to break up your day. Maybe start your day answering emails at a coffee shop instead of at home by yourself. I am apart of an incredible female-centered workspace in downtown – going there a few times a week is the exact boost I need when I’m feeling lonely and in work mode at home too much.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work visually on my Instagram and my website! I also share resources, tips, inspiration, and insights on planning through my blog. You can support me by reading my blog and leaving your feedback! You can also follow along on my day to day journey via my Instagram
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tastefultatters.com
- Phone: 951-870-9008
- Email: tastefultatters@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TastefulTatters
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TastefulTatters
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/TastefulTatters
- Other: www.tastefultatters.com/blog
Image Credit:
Emily Magers Photography, Catherine Coons Photography, Nicole Leever Photography, Cyd Weeks Photography, Anna Delores Photography.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
