Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Nelson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been a creative at heart, with a natural gift for hospitality. My passion for events is inspired by a family legacy of chefs and party planners who entertained with love and intention. I learned firsthand how to curate beautiful gatherings — preparing exceptional food, styling thoughtful tablescapes, and adding elegant touches that made every guest feel special. More importantly, I witnessed how celebration has the power to transform a space and uplift the spirit.
It was those moments of transformation, connection, and celebration that inspired me to create Just For The Occasion. In the early years of my business, I offered full-service catering, which naturally evolved into full-scale event planning and floral design. After more than a decade in catering, I followed my heart and pivoted to focus exclusively on planning and design.
Today, I am honored to use my creativity to design meaningful, intentional events that bring joy and authentically reflect each client’s unique story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the early years of building my business, one of the biggest challenges was not having mentors or a strong support network to turn to. I often had to figure things out on my own, relying heavily on research, reading industry books, and attending workshops to learn as much as I could. That dedication helped me build confidence, but it also meant learning some lessons the hard way.
One of those lessons was around pricing. Like many creatives, I struggled with underpricing my services and overdelivering — wanting every event to be perfect, even if it meant stretching myself too thin. It took time to understand the true value of my work and to price accordingly, not just for sustainability, but also for growth.
Time management was another hurdle. Juggling multiple roles — planner, designer, marketer — taught me the importance of setting boundaries and creating systems. It wasn’t always easy, but those challenges pushed me to grow, refine my process, and eventually find my rhythm.
Through it all, I remained committed to learning and improving. And along the way, I met people who poured into me, shared their wisdom, and became not just colleagues but lifelong friends in the industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Just For The Occasion, LLC® is a premier event planning and floral design company based in Columbus, Ohio, known for transforming ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences. With a passion for beauty, intention, and seamless execution, we specialize in social, corporate, and non-profit events — each thoughtfully tailored to reflect the unique personality and style of our clients.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to bringing events to life. We don’t just plan or design — we curate the entire experience from start to finish. With roots in catering and expertise in floral and event design, we offer a one-stop solution that harmonizes every element under one cohesive, creative vision. From menu planning to vendor sourcing to in-house floral production, we simplify the process while amplifying the impact.
We’re also proud to incorporate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our planning and design. From reducing paper waste with digital materials to using floral foam alternatives and repurposing blooms after events, our approach balances thoughtful aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
What we’re most proud of, though, is the feeling we leave behind. Our events are more than just beautifully styled — they’re filled with joy, connection, and intention. We believe that whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, every occasion deserves to be unforgettable. That’s the heart behind Just For The Occasion, LLC®— to create experiences that linger long after the last guest has left.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking to me, is a necessary part of growth. It’s the force that pushes us beyond the safety of our comfort zones and opens doors to possibilities we might never have imagined. I don’t see risk as recklessness — instead, it’s about moving forward despite fear, with the trust that what lies ahead is worth the leap.
One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was pivoting away from a well-established catering career. With loyal clients and steady referrals, I was comfortably rooted in a familiar space. Yet, I felt a calling to expand my brand — shifting focus toward event planning and floral design exclusively, where I could explore new creative horizons and make a deeper, more personal impact.
Letting go of the familiar and stepping into a space where I had to “sell” a different vision of my business was daunting. It meant marketing my business in a new light, and taking on the challenge of reaching new audiences, including corporate clients.
But that leap was transformative. It enhanced my confidence and showed me that playing it safe often limits the kind of growth and fulfillment we seek.
I’ve learned that healthy risk-taking — when rooted in purpose can ignite your next chapter. You never discover your full potential unless you try. So, even if fear is present, embrace it, and move forward anyway.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justfortheoccasion.net
- Instagram: @jusfortheoccasion
- Facebook: @jusfortheoccasion
Image Credits
Purple Star Photography (Photos – Personal Photo, 1,2,7)
Vision & Style Photography (Photos 3,4,5)
Comfort Photography (Photo 6)
