The Art of Event Planning – An Interview with Ebony Stewart of Ebony Cattouse Events
Ebony C. Stewart is the Founder & 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 a Belizean native and is based in New York City.
Ebony Stewart, Destination Event Planner & Travel Advisor
Who is Ebony Stewart, and what inspires you to run Ebony Cattouse Events?
I’m Ebony C. Stewart, Founder and Creative Director of Ebony Cattouse Events. I plan and design destination incentives and elevated celebrations, with travel woven into experience.
I’m of Belizean descent, based in New York City. Wife and mom of two boys. That mix of culture, family, and city energy shows up in everything I create. Connection is what inspires me. I love taking big emotions and turning them into moments people never forget.
What sets Ebony Cattouse Events apart from other event planning businesses?
We blend planning, design, and travel under one roof. That’s rare, especially for destination clients. We don’t just coordinate. We curate. We think about the guest experience, the flow, the details, and the meaning behind each moment.
Our clients are well-traveled, family-oriented, and value-driven. They want luxury, but they also want soul. We give them both. High-touch service. Strong systems. Stunning design. And calm leadership from start to finish.
Can you share a memorable event you've organized and the impact it had on your clients?
One destination wedding stands out because it blended two families and two cultures flawlessly. Everything felt elegant, but still personal. At the end, the bride told me, “This weekend made our families feel like one.” That’s what I aim for. Not just a beautiful event, a lasting shift.
How do you tailor your services to meet the specific needs of each client?
I start with how they want to feel. Then I build everything around that. Some clients need full-service planning and design. Others need strategy, structure, and creative direction. Destination clients often need travel planning support too, for themselves and their guests.
I also pay attention to how people make decisions. Some want options. Some want clarity. Some want to be surprised. My job is to lead in a way that fits the client, not force them into my process.
What is your approach to overcoming challenges that arise during event planning?
I stay calm. I get clear. I solve fast.
Challenges are part of the job. Weather shifts. Shipping delays. Vendor changes. Guest issues. I plan for what I can control, and I build backup plans for what I can’t. Then I communicate with confidence. I keep my clients out of the chaos.
How do you stay current with trends in the event planning industry?
I stay tapped in, but I don’t chase trends. I travel. I study hospitality. I attend industry events. I build strong vendor relationships. Trends come and go. Style lasts when it reflects the client, not the algorithm.
What advice would you give to someone looking to plan an unforgettable event?
Start with intention, not Pinterest.
Decide what matters most. The guest experience. The energy. The food. The music. Then spend your budget there. People remember how an event made them feel. They don’t remember every tiny detail you stressed over. Hire professionals you trust. Peace is a luxury too.
How does your team ensure seamless execution on the day of an event?
We plan early and we plan deeply. We build detailed timelines. We confirm every vendor. We create a clear run-of-show. We assign roles so nothing falls through the cracks.
On event day, we’re quiet, focused, and proactive. The goal is simple: the client feels present, not pressured.
What role does client feedback play in the way you run your business?
It matters a lot. Feedback shows me what we did well and what we can sharpen. It also keeps me connected to what clients actually value, not what I assume they value.
I use feedback to refine systems, improve communication, and elevate the experience. Growth should be built into the business, not added later as an afterthought.
How can event planning be an essential tool for businesses and personal milestones?
Events build memory and meaning. For businesses, they build brand trust, community, and loyalty. A well-designed event can move people from “interested” to “invested.”
For personal milestones, events mark time. They honor family, legacy, love, and achievement. They create a shared story. That’s powerful.
Why do you believe event planning is more than just logistics, and how does it shape experiences?
Logistics make it run. Intention makes it land. Event planning is emotional design.
It shapes how people connect, what they feel, and what they remember long after the night ends.
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