We recently had the chance to connect with Ellen Choe and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Ellen , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Oh, I would definitely hire me—because we genuinely care. We don’t just believe in creating something beautiful; we’re committed to creating meaningful, memorable moments for our clients from start to finish. It’s not just about the aesthetics—it’s about how the event functions, what the guests are doing, the mood, the atmosphere. We’re always thinking: how can we help create momentum and joy for everyone in that room.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ellen Choe, and I’m the heart behind Sky Meadow Place—an Asian American woman-owned event planning company that loves to C.A.R.E.—Create A Remarkable Experience. While I may be the face, Sky Meadow Place is truly a collective of talented individuals who bring creativity, artistry, and dedication to every detail, making these dreamlike events a dream come true.
We’re people-focused at our core and find genuine joy in celebrating life’s special moments with everyone who comes our way. Our specialty has been Korean-style first birthdays, known as Doljanchis—a cultural milestone similar to a Sweet 16. Historically, reaching the age of one was a huge achievement, and it’s an honor for us to help carry on such a meaningful tradition while sharing our heritage with others.
That said, we love all types of celebrations! Recently, we’ve been stepping into a new and exciting season of larger-scale events, including corporate projects. We’ve had the privilege of working with brands like Hanskin Global, CosRx Global, and more.
As a small business and a passionate team, we’re incredibly thankful for every opportunity to grow, connect, and create. There are so many exciting events ahead, and we can’t wait to continue building unforgettable moments with our community.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There have been a handful of people that have played a part in shaping me. One of the most impactful people has been my husband, Charles. Before him, I often doubted myself—but he brought a steady, anchoring confidence. He supported me and affirmed the work I was doing, which gave me the courage to keep going.
My son has also been a huge influence—he reminds me every day how awesome I am and to slow down and enjoy life.
Pastors, teachers, mentors and friends who recognized and affirmed my gifts and talents have also played a big role.
Each of these people has helped strengthen the confidence I have today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
There was a moment in my life—shortly after getting married and having my son—when my husband and I lost everything. We went bankrupt, lost our home and our business. For two years, we lived purely by the grace of God.
We survived on faith. My entire mindset around money shifted. It was no longer about the hustle, but about learning to appreciate the day-to-day and the miracle in each moment.
Living off food stamps with a newborn while rebuilding from nothing was incredibly hard—but it was also one of the most profound and life-changing seasons of my life. We were surrounded by people who rallied around us, and their support carried us through.
I learned that community is everything. You truly can’t do life alone. And money? It doesn’t define happiness.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A dream project of mine is to one day create a nonprofit that plans events for kids who may not have the opportunity or resources to fully celebrate their birthdays. Some children may be in hospitals, some may have just been born and are fighting to make it to their first birthday, and others simply going about their day to day. I want to create a space where we can celebrate all of their lives—regardless of their background, age, health, or financial situation—by giving them the dream party they deserve.
This dream has been on my heart for about five years. So much of this industry can be anchored in vanity, where events sometimes become more about showing off than showing love. We’ve seen people look at these extravagant celebrations and think, “I could never have something like that,” because of their circumstances. We want to change that narrative. We want to tell their stories and celebrate them too.
It’s still an idea in the works, and we haven’t been able to take it off the ground yet—but we would love to partner with others who believe in this vision and want to help bring it to life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
The passion and joy I have for what I do now is even greater than when I first started—and it’s only grown year after year. That’s why I truly believe I’m doing what I’m called to do.
Even if I’m never recognized for it, I know I’d still keep doing it, because celebrating a person’s life holds more value than anything money can offer.
I also believe in the chaos theory—like the butterfly effect. That small one percent of change you make in someone’s life can ripple outward, creating greater impact down the line.
When you stay focused on the task right in front of you, rather than stressing about the next 20 years, the bigger picture tends to take care of itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skymeadowplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skymeadowplace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyMeadowPlace/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sky-meadow-place-temple-city?osq=sky+meadow+place&override_cta=Get+information
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skymeadowplace/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skymeadowplace
