Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Essence Pugh of Simpsonville, Greenville

Essence Pugh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Essence , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Morning: Family & Me Time
I usually wake up early to start the day with some quiet time—coffee, prayer, or just a few moments to myself. Daris normally takes the kids to school, which gives me a little extra space in the morning to focus. We touch base about the day’s plans and make sure we’re on the same page.

Business Time: Getting Things Done
After the morning, I dive into emails and messages for A Touch of Essence Events, Florals, and our venues. I review the day’s schedule, upcoming client meetings, and events, and coordinate with vendors, staff, or clients to make sure everything’s running smoothly. I also handle any urgent matters like payments, contracts, or last-minute changes.

Midday: Meetings & Hands-On Work
This is usually when I meet with clients, do event walkthroughs, or oversee setups. I check deliveries, floral arrangements, or décor plans and make sure my team has everything they need. If there’s time, I squeeze in personal errands or family tasks.

Afternoon: Creativity & Client Connections
Afternoons are for the creative side—working on event designs, floral arrangements, or social media content. I also respond to client inquiries and plan marketing or growth strategies for my businesses.

Evening: Family Time
I coordinate with Daris for family dinners, help the kids with homework or bedtime routines, and spend quality time together. Sometimes I sneak in a little “me time” too.

Night: Unwind & Recharge
Before bed, I do a quick check of emails or social media for any urgent client messages. Then it’s time to relax with Daris, reading, TV, or just chatting—and recharge for the next busy day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Essence Pugh! I’m a wife, mom, and entrepreneur who owns four amazing event spaces: Infinity Ballroom, A Touch of Essence, Imagine Event Venue, and Inspire Event Venue. I’m also the creative force behind A Touch of Essence Florals, located in Simpsonville, SC, where we craft stunning floral designs and provide luxury wedding décor and custom event designs that bring every celebration to life.

What makes my brand special is the combination of elegant, versatile event spaces and personalized, one-of-a-kind floral and décor designs. We don’t just provide a venue or flowers—we create luxurious, unforgettable experiences tailored to each client’s vision.

Every day, I’m focused on elevating celebrations through thoughtful details, creative design, and impeccable service. From event décor and floral arrangements to full luxury wedding designs, my goal is to make each event feel effortless, unique, and truly memorable.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
As early as five years old, I remember my parents being my biggest cheerleaders, always encouraging me and building my confidence. Their support made me feel like I could do anything, and that early sense of empowerment has stayed with me throughout my life. I remember an incident at school when I was young, and my mom and dad told me, “Never forget who you are and whose you are.” Their words stuck with me and gave me a sense of confidence and power, reminding me that I could face anything with faith and self-belief.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me resilience, humility, and perspective in ways that success never could. While success can feel empowering, it often comes with confidence and comfort. It’s the challenges and struggles, the moments of doubt, loss, or hardship, that force you to grow, dig deep, and discover your true strength. Suffering teaches patience, empathy, and the value of perseverance, shaping not just what I do but who I am.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the events and wedding industry is that you have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful, meaningful celebration. Many people are made to feel like elegance and luxury come with an unattainable price tag, but the truth is that thoughtful planning, creativity, and attention to detail can create unforgettable experiences at any budget. It’s about vision, not just money.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss three things most:

Genuine care and support – I’m personally invested in making every event special.

Attention to detail – From décor to logistics, I make sure nothing is overlooked.

Creative vision – I bring unique ideas and personalized touches that make each celebration unforgettable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atouchofessenceevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atouchofessence_events/

Image Credits
SIERRA COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY
SMITHALEE PHOTOGRAPHY