11 Years of Purpose, Culture & Celebration - Ebony Stewart on a Decade of Unforgettable Moments
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Ebony C. Stewart is the Founder & Creative Director of Ebony Cattouse Events, a destination event planner and event designer with 15+ years of experience and 5+ years as a travel advisor. She shares expert guidance on luxury travel and destination celebrations through her blog and YouTube channel.
Eleven years ago, a vision was born not simply to plan events, but to create immersive experiences that honor culture, love, and the irreplaceable joy of coming together. That vision belongs to Ebony C. Stewart, Founder, Destination Event Planner, and Creative Director of Ebony Cattouse Events, based in the heart of New York City. Today, with a trophy case of accolades and a growing footprint that now extends to Houston and Dallas, Ebony sat down with us to reflect on the journey, the milestones, and the fire that still burns.
Ebony, congratulations on 11 incredible years. Take us back to the very beginning. What inspired you to launch Ebony Cattouse Events?
Thank you so much! The inspiration was always bigger than business. I wanted to create a space to share culture, love, and the joy of celebrating with others. Events have this magical power. They bring people together in ways nothing else can. I knew I wanted to be the architect of those moments.
Your portfolio spans destination celebrations, weddings, and milestone events. How would you describe the Ebony Cattouse Events experience?
We don't just plan events, we craft experiences. Every celebration we touch is deeply personal. Whether it's a destination wedding on a faraway shore or an intimate milestone gathering, we pour intention into every detail. Culture, storytelling, and the authentic joy of the client are always at the center of what we do.
Over 11 years, which moments stand out as your proudest achievements?
Two moments immediately come to mind. The first was producing a baby shower for 100 guests. The scale, the design, and the energy in that room were electric. The second was designing and coordinating a wedding at the iconic TWA Hotel. That property is a work of art on its own, and creating a celebration worthy of that backdrop was an unforgettable challenge that we absolutely rose to.
The industry has seen enormous shifts over the last decade. How has Ebony Cattouse Events adapted and evolved?
The industry is constantly changing, especially within our world's current climate. What I can tell you is that our travel department is our busiest right now. We sell over $3,000 in travel every two to three months, which speaks to how much demand there is for travel. We completed over six events last year alone. Adaptability isn't optional in this business, it's survival. And we've not only survived, we've thrived. I've fallen at my lowest and risen through the ashes. It's a constant roller coaster as an entrepreneur.
You've been recognized with some impressive accolades. How does that recognition feel after 11 years of hard work?
It is humbling. Being named a Top 10 Wedding and Event Planner in New York City for four consecutive years, receiving the Best Collaboration Award from the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals, earning Best of Zola 2026, the Biz Bash 500 recognition, and being nominated for the Eventex 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry, to name a few, none of that is lost on me. Every award represents a client who trusted us, a late night we pushed through, and a team that showed up fully. I'm deeply grateful.
You have two powerful guiding philosophies. Can you share them with our readers?
Absolutely. I live by two truths. "Compete with no one but yourself." That one keeps me focused on growth and not distraction. "You can't win if your head is not in the game." That's about presence, commitment, and showing up fully for every client and every event. Those aren't just quotes for me, they're how I operate.
“Compete with no one but yourself.” – Ebony C. Stewart, Founder
What do you want to say to the clients and community who have supported Ebony Cattouse Events throughout this journey?
I thank everyone for their consistent support and kind words. With all the challenges I've faced throughout these 11 years, Ebony Cattouse Events is still standing, and I am forever grateful and thankful to God and to all my clients, past and present, for trusting me and my incredible team to produce memorable experiences that will continue to be with you all for a lifetime.
Finally, what's on the horizon for Ebony Cattouse Events as you step into year 12?
We are expanding! Our services have now grown into the Houston and Dallas areas. The South has an incredible celebration culture, and we are so excited to bring the Ebony Cattouse Events experience to those communities. The best is truly yet to come.
Recognitions & Accolades
Top 10 Wedding & Event Planner in New York City – 4 Consecutive Years
Best Collaboration Award – National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals
Best of Zola 2026
Biz Bass 500
Eventex 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry (Nominee)
Read more from Ebony Stewart
Ebony Stewart, Destination Event Planner & Travel Advisor
Ebony C. Stewart is the Founder and Creative Director of Ebony Cattouse Events, a boutique firm specializing in destination event planning and event design. With 15+ years in the event planning industry and 5+ years as a travel advisor, she blends globally inspired design with curated travel services for destination clientele. Ebony shares practical guidance and professional resources through her blogs and YouTube channel, helping her clients plan elevated celebrations with clarity and confidence. She also mentors others who want to combine travel advice with event planning. Ebony is Belizean native and is based in New York City.
