Story & Lesson Highlights with Michelle Pickney

We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Pickney and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Michelle, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Gone are the days of 8 a.m. meetings and the corporate grind. These days, my schedule is entirely my own—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less demanding. I’ve traded in my full-time job in corporate America to become a full-time entrepreneur, running not one but two businesses. The freedom is incredible, but so is the responsibility.

Most mornings start with a strong cup of coffee and a dive into my inbox—checking emails, sending invoices, and lining up the day’s to-do list. From there, it’s all about outreach: I make 5 to 10 cold calls to potential partners and companies I haven’t worked with yet, sparking interest in my event planning company and my newest venture, a marquee rental business.

Once the calls are done, I shift gears to the digital front—updating social media, sharing fresh content, and engaging with followers to keep the momentum going. And on days when there are no client meetings or events to run, I give myself a little breathing room. That usually means unplugging early and heading outside with my tiny sidekick, P2, for a bit of sunshine and sanity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Michelle Pickney—owner of Bella Event Planning and LED Marquee Atlanta. I’ve been bringing unforgettable weddings, social events, and celebrations to life since 2011, and I’m passionate about crafting experiences that leave lasting impressions.

After spending 18 years in corporate America, I made the leap so many dream of: turning my side hustle into my full-time career. This year, I officially stepped away from the 9-to-5 world to pour my energy, creativity, and heart into building my brand—and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

In June, I expanded my services with the launch of LED Marquee Atlanta, offering eye-catching marquee letter rentals that add bold, beautiful flair to any event. This new venture has brought an exciting layer to what I offer my clients and has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities.

From elegant weddings to high-energy celebrations, my goal is simple: to create memorable, magical moments—one event at a time.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My greatest lessons in work ethic came from home. I was raised in Port Arthur, Texas, by two incredibly dedicated parents—my father worked in the oil refining industry, and my mother in the billing department at our local hospital. Each of them devoted over 40 years to their careers, and through their consistency, commitment, and quiet strength, they showed me what it truly means to show up, follow through, and take pride in your work.

From an early age, my siblings and I were taught the value of responsibility—how important it is to honor your commitments, be productive, and contribute meaningfully. The mindset was simple: go to work, earn a living, and save wisely.

While our paths look a bit different today—all of us are now entrepreneurs—that foundation has shaped everything we do. We’ve taken those deeply rooted values and transformed them into something powerful: purpose-driven businesses that allow us to serve others, give back, and build something lasting.

For us, it’s about more than just success—it’s about creating generational wealth, forging new opportunities for our families, and honoring the legacy our parents built through hard work and integrity.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: relax and live your life. Don’t hold so tightly to the script—because life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes the detours lead to the most beautiful destinations.

Find balance. Work hard, yes—but don’t let the hustle make you miss the moments that matter. Work isn’t everything.

It’s okay to love deeply in your 20s. It’s okay to take chances. You can chase your goals, climb the corporate ladder, and still make space for joy, adventure, and connection. Life is meant to be lived, not just managed.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding and event world is that you have to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable celebration. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I’m a firm believer that with thoughtful planning and smart spending, you can create something magical, memorable, and completely show-stopping—without breaking the bank. Over the past 14 years, I’ve helped countless clients maximize their budgets and bring their vision to life in spectacular ways.

When you scroll through Instagram, it’s easy to assume that every beautiful wedding or luxe event comes with a six-figure price tag. But the secret is this: most people are investing in key wow factors—the statement pieces that get captured in photos and create lasting impressions. It’s all about knowing where to spend, and how to stretch every dollar for the biggest impact.

Beautiful doesn’t have to mean expensive. It just has to be intentional.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Legacy is something that’s been on my heart a lot lately. When all is said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who brought joy into people’s lives—whether through a simple, everyday interaction or by creating unforgettable moments at their most cherished events.

I hope people remember that I led with integrity, stood firm in accountability, and remained loyal in both business and life. That I was fair, honest, and always guided by heart.

More than anything, I want my legacy to reflect the love I had for my family, my friends, and the people I served. If I can be remembered for making others feel seen, celebrated, and genuinely cared for—then I’ve done something truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bellaep.com and www.ledmarquee.com/atlanta
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellaeventplanningatl and https://www.instagram.com/ledmarquee_atl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaeventATL and https://www.facebook.com/LEDmarqueeatl