Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ashley.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in the event industry at a young age, working hands on for several lighting and draping companies where I learned the technical and operational side of the work from the ground up.
Everything shifted when I met my wife, Brandy. We got married, and just one month later, we took a leap of faith and started RENOWNED together. From the beginning, our focus was on quality, execution, and building strong relationships rather than rapid growth.
That foundation allowed the company to grow steadily into what it is today: a production partner trusted with complex installs, thoughtful design, and high-pressure event environments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road was not smooth or fast. Growth came with long hours, difficult decisions, and moments where we had to learn through trial and error. There were seasons of saying yes to too much, learning where our boundaries needed to be, and figuring out how to scale without sacrificing the level of work we were known for. Building a company while also building a life with my partner added another layer of responsibility and trust.
Looking back, the path was not linear, but it was deliberate. Every step, from learning the industry early on to navigating growth alongside my partner, shaped the company into something sustainable and aligned with our values.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about RENOWNED Event Designs ?
RENOWNED Event Designs is a luxury lighting, draping, and production company specializing in high end weddings, destination events, and complex event environments. We partner closely with planners, designers, and corporate teams to turn creative vision into thoughtful, well executed spaces.
What sets us apart is our involvement from the very beginning. We collaborate during the design phase, helping shape concepts that are both visually impactful and technically sound. Our team is known for precision, calm execution, and the ability to manage high pressure installs with consistency and care.
Brand wise, I am most proud of the trust we have earned. Planners bring us into their most complex projects because they know we protect their vision and their reputation. RENOWNED is not just a vendor, but a long term production partner built on experience, intention, and relationships.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I see risk as a necessary part of building anything meaningful. You cannot grow a business without taking risks, and the very first one is believing in yourself enough to start.
Starting RENOWNED was a risk in itself. Walking away from stability to build something unknown required trust, not just in my skill set, but in my ability to adapt, learn, and make hard decisions along the way. Since then, risk has shown up in many forms, from investing in equipment and people to turning down work that did not align with our long term goals.
I do not see risk as reckless. For me, it is calculated. It means understanding the potential downside, preparing as much as possible, and moving forward anyway. Often, the greater risk is staying comfortable and avoiding change.
Every meaningful stage of growth for our company has required some level of uncertainty. Taking those risks shaped the business into what it is today and reinforced that progress rarely comes from playing it safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renownedweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renownedeventdesigns/
