Hidden Gems: Meet TShani DeRouen of Plush Luxury Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to TShani DeRouen.

Hi TShani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Story – T’Shani, Founder of Plush Luxury Events
I’ve always been the one to gather people — the one organizing family dinners, curating birthdays, and finding any reason to bring loved ones together around beautiful tables and intentional moments. What started as a passion for hosting within my own family eventually blossomed into a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and healing.

My journey into entrepreneurship was deeply personal. After seven years of infertility, I finally became pregnant in the fall of 2019. I immediately began planning the grand baby shower of my dreams — a celebration of love, endurance, and answered prayers. But just months later, the world shut down in 2020. The event I had longed for was canceled, and I found myself navigating pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood in isolation.

I welcomed my first child in a hospital room with only my husband by my side. What should have been a season of joy quickly turned heavy. My husband experienced a mental health breakdown, and I went through postpartum depression — all while the world was adjusting to a new reality. As we sought support, we were met with limitations and indifference from the government jobs we had dedicated over 15 combined years to. It was a wake-up call.

I realized I wanted more — not just for my career, but for my family. I wanted the freedom to care for our mental health, be present for our children, and create something of meaning. In September 2021, we welcomed our second child. And in 2022, I officially launched Plush Luxury Events — a company born out of purpose, pain, and the pursuit of a better life for my family.

What began with luxury picnics soon evolved into weddings, baby showers, social celebrations, and brand activations. My background in government and public service gave me the systems, communication, and professionalism to lead with intention, while my personal experiences gave me the heart to serve with empathy and care.

We were previously located in Riverside County. Now based in Los Angeles, I get to work with amazing clients and a trusted team, creating seamless, elevated experiences for life’s most meaningful moments. Through every event, I hold true to my mission: to provide every client with a luxury experience — from planning to final production — while building a business rooted in family, purpose, and joy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I truly believe that’s the beautiful part of the journey.

We started off small because I was testing the waters. I was unsure of myself, constantly questioning whether I had made the right decision stepping into this business. My husband and I didn’t have the strongest support system — no village, no safety net. We were literally setting up events with two babies in tow, creating beautiful experiences for others while juggling exhaustion, emotions, and survival. And yet, I loved it. My kids were part of the journey, and that made it even more meaningful.

One of our biggest challenges came when we decided to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles while scaling the business. That transition came with a lot of unknowns — financially, emotionally, and professionally. We had to find our footing in a new market, build relationships from the ground up, and learn how to find the right clients. In the beginning, we said yes to everything just to survive — including working with clients who didn’t truly align with our values. We’ve grown through that and learned to say no to things that don’t serve our bigger vision.

Now, we’re in a season where we’re being more intentional — not just about who we serve, but how we show up. We’re working toward producing larger events and building partnerships with brands that align with our style and purpose. It’s still a work in progress, but we’re clear on the direction — and committed to getting there with integrity.

This journey has been full of self-discovery. We’re not just building a business — we’re rebuilding our mindset, finding our worth, and walking in faith. It’s been hard, humbling, and stretching in ways I never expected — but it’s also been incredibly beautiful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Plush Luxury Events ?
What to Know About Plush Luxury Events
Plush Luxury Events is a full-service event planning and design company based in Los Angeles, specializing in creating elevated, intentional experiences for weddings, social celebrations, and brand activations. Founded by T’Shani, a former government professional turned entrepreneur, the company was born from a deep passion for meaningful gatherings and a desire to build a business rooted in purpose, family, and artistry.

At Plush Luxury Events, we’re known for our clean, organic, luxury aesthetic — think layered textures, neutral tones, modern details, and design that feels both editorial and soulful. Whether we’re styling an intimate backyard baby shower or managing a full wedding production, we approach every event with care, professionalism, and a commitment to seamless execution.

What sets us apart is not just our visual style, but our client experience. We focus on high-touch communication, curated vendor matchmaking, and event blueprinting that allows our clients to feel confident and fully supported from the first conversation to the final breakdown. We believe luxury is about more than just beautiful details — it’s about peace of mind, thoughtful planning, and making our clients feel seen every step of the way.

We offer:

Full Wedding Planning & Design
Event Coordination & Management
Social Celebrations (baby showers, birthdays, bridal showers)
Kids’ Party Experiences
Brand Dinners & Activations (currently growing in this space)
Tablescape & Custom Decor Installations
We’re most proud of the way we’ve built our brand with heart — rooted in our story, led with intention, and always evolving. Plush Luxury Events isn’t just a planning company. It’s a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the belief that every milestone deserves to be celebrated with beauty and ease.

We want readers to know: You don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to plan, design, and coordinate with care — so you can be present, confident, and proud of your moment.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
We’re big believers in continuous growth — both personally and professionally. As a team, we lean into resources that nurture our mindset, deepen our faith, and help us lead with clarity and purpose.

We love a mix of self-help, spiritual, and faith-based teachings, and regularly turn to mentors and thought leaders like David Bayer for mindset and identity-based transformation, and The Abundance Group for industry-specific mentorship and strategy. Myron Golden has deeply shaped how we approach financial growth and kingdom-focused business building.

Another major influence for us has been ET the Hip Hop Preacher (Eric Thomas). His raw, faith-driven motivation helped shift our mindset when we were moving through one of the most uncertain seasons in our business and personal life. His messages lit a fire in us to stop playing small, trust God’s calling, and operate with purpose and discipline.

One book that’s been foundational to our leadership journey is The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. It gave us the tools to lead from a place of influence, service, and consistency — values that guide every event we plan and every relationship we build.

We also practice meditation and mindfulness to stay grounded in the midst of all the moving parts. It’s been key to showing up with peace, presence, and a clear head — especially in such a high-pressure industry.

Together, these tools and teachings have helped us evolve — not just as planners, but as leaders, parents, and faith-driven entrepreneurs.

Pricing:

• Full Planning (Social Events/Brand Activations) – starting at $2400
• Partial Planning (Social Events/Brand Activations) – starting at $1800
• Design and Styling (Decor Only) Min $3k Budget
• Event Management and Coordination starting at $1800
• Full Wedding Planning starting at $6k

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Plushluxuryevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plushluxuryevents/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tderouenple?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlushLuxuryEvents

Image Credits
Images By The following –
Leah Rae Photography
Autumn Rose Photography
Gee Gee Oloms
Alan v Photos
Aryka Randall