Ugochi Nwachukwu is the founder and Creative Director of Enchanted Events. Having made her mark as a pioneering force in the industry, she is continuously redefining what it means to create an unforgettable event. From lavish landmark birthdays to high-profile corporate galas, her hallmark is an ability to blend creativity with precision, turning ordinary spaces into breathtaking worlds that tell a story. Also passionate about empowering others, Nwachukwu set up the Event Designer Business Academy to mentor upcoming event planners. In this interview, she shares her journey, drive and how she is using her success to light the path for the next generation.

Tell us about your vision for Enchanted Events. What informed the initiative?
When I founded Enchanted Events in 2014, I had a simple but bold vision: to transform ordinary spaces into breathtaking experiences. My background was actually in fashion as a professional model, so I’ve always had an eye for color, texture, creativity, and detail. I wanted to bring that same storytelling through aesthetics into the events world. Back then, many events felt generic and repetitive, lacking originality, and I kept imagining how a bit of theatrical creativity and
precise execution could elevate them into something magical. So, the initiative was informed by that desire to merge creativity with precision, to create events that aren’t just about the food and music, but about how people feel when they walk in.

I’ve always said I want guests at our events to feel like they’ve entered another world, even just for a day. That vision of crafting immersive, story-driven celebrations was my north star from day one, and it remains the heartbeat of
Enchanted Events today.

Share some major highlights from your journey in Events Planning and Design?
There have been so many memorable moments on this journey. I still remember one of our first big breaks. We planned and designed the wedding of Zahra Buhari, daughter of the President, where we pulled out all the stops to create a truly unforgettable experience. Every moment was curated to perfection, from the intricate design details to the seamless flow of the entire series of events. It wasn’t just a beautiful wedding; it was an immersive celebration that left a lasting
impression on everyone who attended.

then, the highlights have only grown. We’ve designed some truly show-stopping events
that I’m proud of. For example, we recently created a Versailles-themed 60th birthday dinner that transformed a plain hall into a French palace. You walked in and it was like being transported to the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, complete with ornate gold detailing and painted skies on the ceiling, an immersive experience. We’ve also had the opportunity to work on high-profile projects. I recall an elegant Hermès-themed cocktail party we did for a luxury birthday cocktail, where every detail, from the craft Birkin bags floral to the signature Hermes scarf wall, reflected that iconic style. On a completely different scale, we were entrusted with designing a state luncheon during the President of Poland’s visit to Nigeria, blending Polish and Nigerian aesthetics in a way that honored both cultures.

Growing Enchanted Events into a globally recognised brand has been a highlight. We’ve evolved from that first small event to producing multi-million Naira dinners for top-tier, high-profile clients, embassy galas, and strategically positioned events for international organisations.

Knowing that our work has been experienced by guests all over the world, including heads of state, is incredible. But honestly, one of the biggest highlights is when a client comes back years later and says, “People still talk about that event.” It means we didn’t just create a beautiful day; we created a lasting memory. Those moments make all the hard work worthwhile.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Event Planning and Design?
It’s interesting because my journey began long before I even realised it, at home, watching my mum. She had a deep love for hosting, and growing up, having guests over was never just a casual affair. Every gathering was a curated experience: from the table settings and menu planning to the thoughtful little touches that reflected each guest’s preferences. She transformed simple visits into something memorable, and I was always by her side, her little coordinator, helping to arrange chairs, set tables, and make sure everything was just right. Without knowing it at the time, those moments planted the first seeds of my passion for elevating spaces and creating
experiences that made people feel seen and special.

Later, stepping into the world of fashion as an international model gave me the language and creative expression to articulate that passion. Experiencing the behind-the-scenes of runway shows, watching how every detail, from lighting to fabric, worked together to tell a story deepened my love for creating atmospheres that left a lasting impression. It connected me back to what I’d always loved doing with my mum: curating environments that made people feel something.

My transition into events felt incredibly natural. I remember one of my earliest projects decorating an empty hall for a friend’s engagement party. I spent days sketching ideas, carefully selecting fabrics and lighting. When the event came to life, and I saw how that bare space had transformed into something warm, beautiful, and enchanting and more importantly, how guests responded with awe and joy I knew this was my calling. Event design allowed me to blend everything I loved, vision, creativity, hands-on execution, and most of all, making people feel immersed in an experience crafted just for them. Whether it’s a bespoke themed birthday or a world-class corporate conference, I now see each event as an opportunity to bring that same thoughtful touch my mum taught me, elevated to an art form. In many ways, it wasn’t a single inspiration but a beautiful thread running through my life, one experience after another affirming: this is what I’m meant to do. And I haven’t looked back since.

Share some of the challenges you faced as a young female entrepreneur in the emerging luxury events market?
Oh, there were plenty of challenges, especially in the beginning. Starting out as a young woman in an emerging luxury market meant I had to prove myself repeatedly.

There were very few mentors in Nigeria’s luxury events space at the time, really no clear roadmap for success that I could follow. I often had to figure things out by trial and error. I remember when I first walked into vendors’ meetings or pitched to high-end clients, I’d sometimes get those skeptical looks, as if they were thinking, “Can this young lady really deliver a world-class event?” I had to earn their confidence through my work, project by project. Another challenge was that the concept of “luxury events” was still developing here. Many clients were not used to investing large budgets into events beyond the basics. So, convincing someone to trust me with an ambitious, out-of-the-box concept, and to pay what it was actually worth took perseverance. I heard many say, “We love your idea, ” but “We don’t usually spend that much on décor.” It took educating clients on the value of those immersive experiences.

Also, as a newcomer, I was building my playbook. I found out early that being talented at design wasn’t enough; I had to learn the business side, how to price and show proof of concept, how to manage a team and delegate effectively, and how to ensure each event was profitable.

Many event designers around me were stuck in a cycle of low-budget jobs and burnout, and I too struggled with that initially. To overcome it, I invested in myself. If I didn’t know something, I took a course or sought out an expert. I knocked on doors (literally and figuratively) to get the knowledge I needed. I also made sure to deliver excellence consistently, even on small jobs, because in our industry, word of mouth is gold. Gradually, those challenges, finding clients who would take a chance on me, carving a niche in luxury events, balancing creativity with running a
business, each one taught me something and ultimately made me stronger. In hindsight, I’m grateful for those early hurdles. They forced me to up my game and built the resilience I rely on even now.

You have been privileged to have gone through tutelage at some of the world’s elite event planning programmes – how have these experiences shaped you into the renowned events planner and designer you are today?
I became as much a student as I am a leader. I actively sought mentors and learning opportunities because I knew I needed exposure beyond my immediate environment. Training under the world’s best event designers was a game-changer for me. I was fortunate to be accepted into Preston Bailey’s Protégé Masterclass in New York, where I learned firsthand from a legend known for transforming spaces on a grand, theatrical scale. Watching Preston Bailey design was like witnessing theatre, architecture, and art come together; it taught me to think big and never
shy away from bold ideas. Then I went to London for the Karen Tran Floral Experience, an intensive workshop on luxury floral design. Karen Tran is phenomenal with flowers; from her, I learned how even a single element like florals can create drama and enchantment when done masterfully. I also earned a certification from the Wedding Planning Institute in California to round out my skills on the business and logistical side. That gave me a solid grounding in the back-end of events, contracts, risk management, client communication, all the nuts and bolts that
ensure our creativity translates into a successful event business.

You have created a reputation for creating immersive experiences with your designs, which have cemented your place as a leader in the industry. How important is it for you to tell stories through your craft?
Storytelling is central to my approach; it’s the soul of my work. Every event should tell a story, whether it’s the story of a couple’s journey to marriage, a brand’s identity, or a person’s life and passions at a milestone celebration. When I design, I’m not just thinking about “what will look nice.” What experience do we want people to have, and what feeling will they carry home? If you come to an Enchanted Events production, you’ll find a narrative thread in everything.

Let me give an example: I mentioned a client who wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday unforgettably. She loved the art and architecture of 18th-century France, so we decided to create a Versailles-themed dinner for her. We didn’t just throw in some gold decorations and call it a day; we literally rebuilt the atmosphere of the Palace of Versailles inside the venue. We constructed false walls and ornate panels that mirrored the palace’s walls, painted a trompe-l’œil

ceiling to resemble the famous frescoes, and bathed the room in that golden candlelit glow. As guests stepped in, you saw jaws drop. People were transported back in time, wandering around as if they were in King Louis XIV’s halls. And we tied it together with elements from the celebrant’s own life, for instance, we incorporated her favorite Afro fusion music and snippets of her personal journey in the decor details, so it was also her story being told amid the Versailles grandeur. Guests later said they didn’t feel like they attended a party; they felt like they lived an
experience, even became part of a story unfolding around them.

That’s the power of storytelling in design, and it’s extremely important to me. Anyone can put up beautiful decorations, but to evoke emotion and create a memory, you need a story. Whether it’s a corporate event where we convey the brand’s history and values through the theme, or an intimate dinner where every element reflects the couple’s personalities and journey, I always seek that narrative. In fact, clients have come to me specifically because they want that “Ugochi touch”, by which they mean an event that is immersive and deeply personal. And I love that, because it means people understand the why behind my work. Ultimately, telling stories through my craft is what turns an event into something unforgettable. It’s the difference between an event that you enjoy in the moment and one that you talk about years later, because it spoke to you in a deeper way.

What do Nigerian women need to do differently to position their businesses for success?
Nigerian women are brilliant and enterprising; we’re already doing so much. But to truly position our businesses for greater success, there are a few approaches that could make a big difference: Seek knowledge relentlessly. Don’t wait for knowledge to come to you; go out and get it. If your industry has no clear blueprint, be willing to create your own roadmap. Take that course, find that mentor, read those books. I traveled abroad to train because I knew I had more to learn, but even if you can’t travel, there are webinars, workshops, and even online classes.

Never think you know it all. The moment we stop learning, we stop growing. The world is changing fast, and continuous learning keeps us adaptable and ahead.
Embrace the business side. This is crucial. We have so much passion and talent, but we must also run our businesses strategically. That means building a proper system, understanding strategic pricing, and learning to confidently negotiate and showcase your value. Don’t undersell yourself. If you’re a creative (like a designer, baker, event planner, etc.), invest time in learning basic business skills, marketing, finance, and client management. Marry your creative talent with solid business acumen. It might not be as fun as doing the work itself, but it’s what will sustain
your venture long-term.

Collaborate and build networks. I really believe in the power of community. Sometimes there’s a tendency to think we’re competing with each other, but in truth we can accomplish more by lifting each other up. Network with fellow women entrepreneurs, even outside your field. Share resources and advice. There are clients I couldn’t take on due to schedules that I’ve referred to other planners, and they’ve done the same for me. Also, find mentors and also be a mentor when you can. When we join forces, we create an ecosystem where we all succeed.

Share with us how you are inspiring the next generation of event designers through the Event Designer Business Academy?
A few years ago, I had a lightbulb moment. I looked around at many talented event designers struggling with the business side of things, the same struggles I faced early on (how to price, how to scale, how to attract the right clients). I realised I could do something to help. That’s why

I founded The Event Designer Business Academy in 2021, to mentor and equip the next
generation with both creative and business skills. I created a signature programme called The Event Designer Profit Blueprint, which basically is my entire playbook from building Enchanted Events, I put all my strategies and lessons learned into a course. Through the Academy, I work with aspiring and established event planners and designers from around the world, and our focus is not just on designing breathtaking events (though we do that too), but on building profitable, sustainable businesses around their talent. I cover things like developing an “architect’s eye” for
event design (really training them to see space and details the way I do), but also very pragmatic things like client management, pricing for value, marketing, and how to streamline operations.

For me, inspiring the next generation through the Academy is about legacy.

What would be your word of advice to women looking to hone their entrepreneurial skills and follow in your footsteps?
I have so much I could say to young women entrepreneurs, because I was that young woman, and I know how it feels to have big dreams and not quite know where to start. Let me boil it down to a few key pieces of advice: Never stop learning and honing your craft: The journey of entrepreneurship is one of continuous improvement. Take every opportunity to expand your knowledge attend workshops, read widely, and seek out experts. Even now, I still consider myself a student of my industry. Whether it meant training in New York or hopping on a webinar at midnight, I’ve always been willing to do what it takes to be the best at what I do. Be that person. Invest in yourself, because that investment pays the best interest.

Be persistent and create your own path: There will be times when no clear path is laid out for you, especially if you’re entering a less-charted field. Don’t let that stop you. If you can’t find a door, build one. In my case, there was no blueprint for a luxury events business when I started, so I drew my own. There will be obstacles and maybe even naysayers, but push past the lack of guidance and carve your own map. Perseverance is everything. The women who succeed are often just the ones who refused to give up.

Marry passion with strategy: Being passionate is wonderful, it’s the fuel, for sure. But passion without strategy can burn out. So, as you pour your heart into your business, also use your head.

Plan, strategise, and be intentional. Do your market research, write that business plan (even if it’s rough), set goals and metrics. Basically, run your business with the same creativity and care that you put into your product or service. One mantra I follow is that success is 20percent creativity and 80 percent business savvy. It’s not an exact science of course, but the point is, you need both sides to really thrive.

Build a support system: Entrepreneurship can be lonely and overwhelming if you try to do it in isolation. I encourage women to find their tribe. It could be a mentor who guides you, peers who are on the same journey whom you can brainstorm with, or a team that complements your skills.

In my early days, I sought out mentors internationally because I needed guidance. Nowadays, even having a local network of fellow businesswomen to share experiences and advice with can be hugely beneficial. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or feedback. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision but will also challenge you to grow. And as you rise, remember to lift others too, being a support for someone else not only helps them, it enriches you as well.

Stay true to your purpose and think impact: Finally, always remember your “why.” What
problem did you set out to solve, or what joy did you want to bring? Let that purpose drive you, especially on tough days. And measure your success in more than just profit. Yes, profits are important, we’re building businesses, after all  but also look at the impact you’re making.

How are you improving your customers’ lives? How are you contributing to your community or industry?
In my experience, when you focus on creating real value and touching lives, the moneyand growth follow. And it makes the journey so much more meaningful. So, I’d say aim to leave a legacy, not just a profitable venture. As I often remind myself and my students: Success isn’t just about the income, but the outcome and the impact, how many lives you touch and improve in the process.

If you carry these principles with you, keep learning, stay persistent, work smart, build relationships, and lead with impact, I have no doubt you’ll go far. Every one of us has the potential to do something extraordinary. Sometimes the difference is just having the courage to start and the faith to keep going. So, take that first step, and know that you’re not alone on the journey.

What is your life mantra?
My life mantra is anchored in a simple but powerful purpose: to be a light and to serve. I am committed to living in my faith and integrity, striving for excellence, and leaving a legacy of light for my family, my generation, and the industry.