She also outlines what makes a great collaborator, including showing up prepared, being punctual and communicating needs clearly and in advance. Collaboration is especially key in luxury events, which demand seamless teamwork and shared pride in the final product.  

Michelle’s ideal client is described as professional, fashion-forward, and appreciative of high-quality experiences but lacking the time or expertise to execute their vision. Trust and long-term relationships are central to her work. These events are framed as life’s highlights, moments that become cherished memories for clients and their families. After two decades in the industry, Michelle discusses the transition from simply executing client wishes to confidently leading them through the event-planning process as an expert. This shift reflects a blend of listening to clients’ desires and guiding them towards elevated experiences.

Next, Michelle describes the challenge of distinguishing herself in a saturated market where event designs were homogeneous and lacked innovation. By rejecting conventional styles and pushing boundaries—such as incorporating modern, custom-designed décor—she was able to stand out and attract a global clientele. Her approach also redefined the perception of Southern events, elevating their sophistication and broadening their appeal. Michelle credits her success to consistently tailoring her offerings to clients while remaining authentic to her own style and vision.

The discussion shifts to the challenges of building a luxury event-planning business as a Black woman in Atlanta, a region historically divided along racial and socioeconomic lines. Michelle recounts how she had to work harder to prove that luxury events could exist for African-American clients in the South and that her skills could transcend racial expectations. Michelle shares that Southern hospitality deeply influences her work, which embodies warmth and care. Despite the progress, Michelle acknowledges Atlanta’s slower growth compared to major hubs like Los Angeles and New York. She observes how production teams from these cities often bring their own vendors to Atlanta, reflecting lingering biases about the region’s capabilities. However, Michelle is optimistic about Atlanta’s potential, highlighting ongoing conversations among local vendors and venues about improving cultural understanding and embracing diversity to better serve clients.

Michelle  discusses the importance of combining bold, strategic choices with a commitment to excellence. She stresses that merely being different is insufficient without a foundation of exceptional quality and reliability. This dedication to surpassing client expectations has been instrumental in elevating her business and inspiring collaborators to achieve greater heights. Before wrapping up, the discussion highlights the importance of listening and learning from others’ lived experiences. Michelle emphasizes the value of placing oneself in diverse environments, as growth stems from exposure to different perspectives and experiences. She also notes that relationships with corporate clients have often led her to recurring work across multiple projects. Leveraging existing connections and proactively communicating new capabilities are cited as effective ways to access and sustain opportunities in this space. 

Timestamps:

0:30 – Introduction of today’s episode and guest, Michelle Gainey. 

1:48 – The Power of Collaboration. 

16:04 – Understanding and Building Client Relationships.

20:06 – Pioneering a Unique Identity in Event Planning.

24:36 – Breaking Down Barriers in the Luxury Event Industry. 

37:29 – Navigating Cancel Culture and Missed Opportunities for Dialogue. 

40:44 – Practical Examples of Inclusivity. 

46:00 – Diversification in Business Offerings. 

Bio:

As an experience curator, Michelle has a way of surprising her clients and creating fresh, exciting events that are wholly original. A Lemiga Event tells a story that takes all who attend on a journey that will be remembered for years to come.

Her design process reimagines familiar concepts, intertwining every element of the event to the heart of her client and what they want to express. She connects to the deeper purpose of creating moments where every detail is intentional. 

Michelle is beloved by her clients for her calming presence, expert guidance, and gift for taking an event beyond what they could envision. What makes her designs so iconic is her ability to artfully compose distinctive experiences.

Outside of events, Michelle empowers other creative business owners and cherishes time with her husband and three children, who inspire her to continue creating legendary life moments through a heartfelt approach.

Learn more about Michelle Gainey and Lemiga Events here, and on Instagram at Lemiga Events.