Meet Susette Castro | Owner + Lead Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susette Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susette, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve never believed the saying “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” more than I do today. If it wasn’t for taking risks, my path over the last year and a half would look very different.

For years I talked myself out of starting my own business. For years I said to myself “I’m not good enough”, “what if they don’t like my ideas and designs?”, “I don’t know how to run a business, I’ll just fail”. If only I had taken the risk sooner – maybe I would have had even greater successes than I’ve had so far.

Let’s rewind to 2020 – the best year to start an event business (said no one ever). Well, that’s exactly what I did. Like so many people I spent much of that year reflecting on where I was vs. where I wanted to be. And frankly, I was sick and tired of hearing myself complain about what I wanted and not doing what I needed to do to have it. So what do you do in that instance? You jump.

I dove head first into becoming a Wedding Planner like I had always dreamt of. I started small and then took any opportunity I could. Risk after risk, jump after jump I took one stride after another and I’m so glad I did. Because now, I sit here, as a published wedding planner who is growing by the minute and I get to change lives doing what I love! Has it been easy? Absolutely not. I have thought about giving up more times than one. But each and every time I have the thought I push past it and grow from it.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my story with what I hope is another entrepreneur on the fence, doubting themself. I’m here to tell you – don’t doubt yourself anymore. TAKE THE RISK. It’s worth every heart palpitating moment of fear, because at the end of it all – you will be greater and stronger and better for it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m a creative soul, always have been. Growing up I was blessed to be able to be involved in the arts in more ways than one. As a singer since the age of four, I’ve had amazing opportunities over the years to share my vocal talents as a student at the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, a cast member of Georgia 4-H’s Clovers and Company and presently, as a member of the worship team at Freedom Church in Acworth, GA. Singing hasn’t been my only creative outlet. I was a dancer for 18 years, a photographer and even dabbled in graphic and web design.

But, let’s be real –  creative jobs aren’t always the easiest when it comes to paying the bills and putting food on the table – or so that’s what we’re told. For the better part of my adult life there was always a dream that was left untouched. One that always sparked joy and excitement that I always shut down in my mind- Wedding Planning. I love EVERYTHING about weddings! Especially the design aspect. 

Becoming a Wedding Planner fulfills so many parts of the creative soul that I am. It’s fun, no wedding is EVER the same and there is no limit to what you can do or create. And not to mention, you get to make someone’s day! A day they will never forget. As a wedding designer and planner I strive to be bold, daring and different in my execution and end result all while making sure that my couples are completely satisfied every step of the way. If you’re a bride or couple that is looking for an out-of-the-box wedding design with a custom tailored wedding experience that your guests will forever remember –  I’m your gal! 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re my best friend, then you love food, music, dancing, sight-seeing and shopping – so let’s go!! Let’s start in North Georgia and work our way south. We would take a road trip up to the North Georgia Mountains to explore the many vineyards and enjoy a nice spa day. Yonah Mountain Vineyards is one of my favorites to visit and Nacoochee Grill nearby is delicious so we would definitely go there.

Let’s make our way back down to the Metro Area and stop at The Battery Atlanta where you can literally do EVERYTHING. We would enjoy a day of shopping and maybe even hit up an Atlanta Braves game with some friends. Then comes the nightlife – El Super Pan is one of the best places to eat AND enjoy dancing and drinks.

And who can forget Atlanta? First stop Ponce City Market’s Nine Mile Station for brunch followed by The GA Aquarium. Politan Row is also on the list of stops and the amazing 70’s inspired speak easy, Jo Jo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge. And for a night cap – A little trip to Johnny’s Hideaway followed by a late-night meal at the infamous, Marietta Diner.

After all this fun, a rest day (or two) are in order. We would lay-low, get our nails done and catch up over a nice home cooked meal or if she’s up for it, a nice chill dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Fish Thyme in Acworth, GA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost God. There is nothing I could do in this life without Him. Secondly, my husband Jason. The countless hours I’ve spent grinding and working and he has supported me through it all. Last but not least, my family and friends. My mom, my sisters, my brother and the incredible friends that surround me daily – thank you for your constant encouragement, support, prayer and help!

Website: www.roselyevents.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rosely.events

Facebook: www.facebook.com/roselyeventsga

Image Credits
Rose Bowman Photos, Mary Kinz Photography, Kim Hymes Photography, Moonstone Photo, Sabrina Thomas Photography, Linden Bloom Photo