We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bashan McLeod. Check out our conversation below.
Bashan, 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: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning a lot from my peers and mentors in the wedding planning industry. I think people sometimes assume wedding coordinators/planners are immediately competitors, but the truth is; community beats competition every single time. I’ve been blessed to connect with some amazing planners through the Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) Society, which is the world’s largest network for wedding planners. It’s like having a group chat full of people who just, get it! We swap advice, resources, and sometimes just vent about the joys of wrangling timelines and uncles who go missing before family photos (if you know, you know, haha!). I am currently working on gaining my Executive Wedding Planner Certification through CWP Society.
I also recently earned my Wedding MBA Certification, which was such a game-changer for me. That experience pushed me to think bigger, sharpen my skills, and stay on top of trends in the wedding and event world. For me, education is never a one-and-done thing; it’s an ongoing investment. The way I see it, if I expect my clients to trust me with one of the most important days of their lives, the least I can do is keep learning how to be the best version of myself for them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! Hi, I’m Bashan McLeod, and I have a few titles: wedding planner/coordinator, balloon stylist, travel advisor, engineer, Soror of DST, wife, and proud mom of a three-year-old who already thinks she runs the show (she’s not wrong). By day, I’m a transportation engineer and by passion, I’m the owner of EventBay, where we help couples and families bring their dream weddings and events to life without losing their sanity in the process.
What makes EventBay unique is the way we blend heart and logistics. My engineering background means I live for details, organization, timelines, and efficiency. I can spot a traffic jam in a wedding timeline from a mile away. But my heart is in creating unforgettable experiences, so I balance the spreadsheets with compassion and calmness, sprinkled with a whole lot of joy!
My brand logo features a diamond, and that’s intentional, because we represent everything a diamond stands for: hardworking under pressure, transparent, multifaceted, and above all, highly valued. That’s the energy I bring to every event! I don’t just show up as a coordinator, I show up as an asset who helps people shine.
Through EventBay, we offer full wedding and event planning, day-of coordination, and balloon styling. And because love doesn’t stop at local altars, I also co-own Black Love Travels (www.blacklovetravels.co) with two amazing friends. Together, we are a travel agency that curates luxury destination weddings, honeymoons and group trips making sure couples and friends can celebrate love beyond borders.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding EventBay’s reach, connecting with more amazing couples, and continuing to grow within the wedding community. I want people to know that behind every clipboard, vendor call, and timeline adjustment is a real person who genuinely loves seeing people celebrate love. Oh, and if you ever see me at a wedding, just know I’ve probably got snacks stashed in my bag. Coordinators don’t play about snacks!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I have so many great examples in my life, who’ve shown me what it truly means to be a hard-worker, but I’d have to say, hands down, my husband, Kendrick. We met as college sweethearts at Morgan State University, and since then I’ve always admired how deeply he throws himself into everything he’s involved in; from his career as an attorney, to his fraternity – Alpha Phi Alpha, volunteer work and beyond. He’s been consistent in showing up for the things and people he cares about, and that commitment has taught me a lot about what real work ethic looks like.
On top of that, Kendrick has been my biggest supporter and my first volun-told employee (lol). When I launched EventBay, he was right there hauling boxes, setting up, breaking down, and smiling through it all. He’s still involved to this day, and that means the world to me.
He also keeps me grounded. I’m naturally the go-go-go type, but he’s the one who reminds me that rest is part of the work too. He loves to say, ‘that can wait until tomorrow,’ and while I don’t always like admitting he’s right, when he is, I do listen.
Most recently, he encouraged me to apply for The Daily Record’s Leading Women Under 40, after I was nominated; which I went on to win! That moment reminded me that behind every step forward, having someone who sees your worth, even when you don’t, is a powerful force in your work and your life.
So while I might be the face of EventBay running around with clipboards and timelines, Kendrick is both my partner in life and my behind-the-scenes cheerleader reminding me to balance, to pace myself, and to keep chasing the bigger picture and I love him for it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Being born and raised in Baltimore City without a silver spoon in my mouth taught me lessons that success alone never could. When you grow up having to make do with what you have (or sometimes with what you don’t) you learn resilience in a way that can’t be taught in books or boardrooms.
It taught me how to hustle, how to get creative, and how to keep moving forward even when the odds felt stacked against me. When you don’t have another option, you figure it out and that ‘figure it out’ mindset has carried me through every stage of my life and business.
It also taught me how to pivot. Growing up, life didn’t always go as planned, so I had to learn how to adapt quickly. That same skill shows up for my clients on wedding and event days. Whether it’s rain in the forecast, a late vendor, or a last-minute seating change, I can shift gears without panicking, because I’ve been pivoting my whole life.
Success feels great, of course, but it doesn’t demand the same grit. Suffering forces you to find strength you didn’t know you had, and it makes you appreciate every win so much more. I still have a lot of growing to do, but that’s why, when I look at my business today, I don’t just see EventBay I see proof that God’s grace, some resilience, faith, and a little hustle can turn struggle into something really beautiful.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what really matters to me is legacy. Foundationally, I believe millennials are the generational curse breakers of our time; we’re the ones who have the chance (and the responsibility) to shift the trajectory for our families. For me, that means building wealth, creating opportunities, and setting new standards so that my daughter grows up with access, options, and freedoms that I didn’t always have.
But it’s not just about my family. I also feel a duty to give back to my community by sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Gaining knowledge is only useful, when it’s multiplied as it’s passed on. Whether it’s mentoring (shoutout to my mentee, Jada!), opening doors, or just being transparent about my journey, the wins and the struggles, I want to be part of a ripple effect where others can grow, too.
That’s why, whenever possible, I intentionally hire local talent for my weddings and events, and I make it a priority to partner with majority Black-owned or small businesses as vendors. It’s one thing to create beauty on event days, it’s another to know that the dollars spent are circulating in the communities that raised me.
So yes, my friends would say I care about weddings and events, but at the end of the day, what drives me is bigger than business. It’s about breaking cycles, building futures, and leaving behind something my family and community can stand on.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! And honestly, I already do. I’m not giving my best to my clients because I’m chasing awards, praise, or accolades. I do it for them, because they deserve to have the wedding or event day of their dreams.
Most of the work a planner/coordinator does, happens behind the scenes anyway. My couples and guests will never see the quick pivots, the problem-solving, or the 10,000 tiny details; I manage that, so they don’t have to. And that’s exactly how I want it! Their peace of mind and their joy in the moment are the real rewards for me.
Praise feels good, of course, but it’s not the fuel. What drives me is knowing I’ve created an experience where my clients can be fully present, soak in every moment, and walk away with memories that last forever. That’s the win I work for every single time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheEventBay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeventbay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bashanmcleod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEventBay1/
Image Credits
Gretchen Parker Photography
Taylor Leone Photography
Angela Rose Photography
EYEImagery
