Melissa Cossette | Founder of MAXevent

Tell us about YOU!! I am an Aries, I love music, dancing, and long walks on the beach (and I have a dry sense of humor). I am mom to 2 teen daughters and 2 bonus sons, and wife to the love of my life. We live in East Walpole, MA. Over the past few years, I have found life-changing inspiration and a true sense of gratitude. I value opportunities to learn and grow, and I am breaking old cycles for future generations. Everything I do, I do for the benefit of my family. I am not afraid of a challenge, and I thrive under pressure. I am all about disrupting the status quo and constantly thinking about innovative ways to help people craft unique experiences and achieve their event goals. I believe in the power of face-to-face interactions and the energy that can only be felt in a room full of like-minded people sharing a common purpose. With engaging and thoughtful in-person gatherings, we create remarkable moments that leave lasting impressions. I am a nationally certified event professional with a combined 20+ years serving clients and guests through restaurants, hotels, venues, catering companies, and my own business – MAXevent. As an event planning coach and consultant, I primarily support well-rounded, ambitious women who want to be empowered to plan meaningful celebrations and impactful business-building events. Think of me as a trusted guide and mentor helping you navigate through the complexities of event planning in a way that’s approachable and stress-free. I don’t want my clients to feel overwhelmed, lose sleep over decisions, or worry about forgetting important details. We start together by finding true clarity about what the experience is meant to be. From there, I meet every client where they are at concerning logistics, finding the perfect vendors, and staying on track through every step of their planning journey.

What makes you different/stand out in your industry?   MAXevent is a done-with-you event planning service. I teach, guide, and advise women who have an important event to plan, but they don’t want to DIY their way through an often unknown and complex process. My services are perfect for women who like to stay on top of what is going on, so they prefer a consultative approach rather than handing the planning reins over to someone else. Together, we get to the heart of their “why” and create opportunities for true connection that leave guests feeling understood and valued, and guests of honor feeling loved and celebrated. My support is customized to the individual needs of each client. I strive to educate and answer all the questions they don’t even know to ask, so they can plan to their purpose and achieve their ultimate goals. I aim to do my job so well that they won’t need me the next time around.

What do your clients love about you?  I often get feedback from my clients about the curated support and guidance that I offer and how it helped them to realize savings (of time, energy, money, and peace of mind) or brought them to something better than they could have imagined on their own. I have been called calm, steady, caring, empowering, and positive. I have even had a few clients tell me I am like their therapist because they feel free to open up to me. To me, it is important that they feel heard and understood, and know that I am committed to helping them achieve their goals. I am fulfilled when I know I have made a positive difference in people’s lives.

What is the best advice you can share with others?  Take care of yourself first. (You know how it goes…put your own oxygen mask on before you help others.) Let go of fear and embrace change. Listen to your gut more than you listen to people who don’t have to travel your path. Don’t be afraid to challenge the norms, and don’t let people who don’t understand your drive and vision hold you back.

How has the Women’s Business League helped you?  I joined WBL because I was looking for a community of women who not only share similar aspirations and goals, but that also strive to be a part of something bigger together and find value in supporting one another. From my chapter meetings, to virtual networking events, to in-person WBL events, I have met phenomenal women. Some I have hired, some have become clients, some have become mentors, and many have become friends. I am positive that the relationships I am forming will be a part of my life for a long time.