The Comparison Trap in a Creative Industry—and the Courage to Choose Yourself

There’s an unspoken tension in the world of weddings and events—one that doesn’t show up in the photos.

lives behind the scenes.

In quiet comparisons.

In subtle undercutting.

In the pressure to create something beautiful—while watching someone else do it “better.”

After years in the hospitality and event design industry, I’ve experienced it firsthand.

And I know I’m not alone.

When Creativity Becomes Competition

ADORE owner Kat Minks styles a table for a inspiration shoot in the Adore Studio which houses unique and vintage decor to dress elevated events and the designs Adore helps its clients and independent hostesses, planners, brides that want to DIY their events, but have beautiful pieces without spending exorbitant amounts of money to create.

Event planning is a luxury service. It’s not something people need—it’s something they choose.

You don’t need a planner to get from point A to point B. Just like you don’t need someone to clean your home—you can do it yourself.

But what we offer is something more.

It’s vision.

It’s experience.

It’s the ability to transform a moment into something meaningful and lasting.

And yet, because this work is so personal, it can quickly become a space where comparison takes over.

I’ve seen talented women question their worth.

I’ve watched pricing undercut in ways that diminish the industry. “Planners” charging $400 for a service that should cost $1500 + by an actual business professional.

I’ve felt the tension of seeing ideas I worked hard to develop echoed elsewhere.

And yes—I’ve had moments where I wondered if I needed to become someone else to keep up.

The Truth About Standing Out

But here’s what I’ve learned:

The clients meant for you will never be confused about who you are.

“I have always aimed to bring my 20 years in award winning event design expertise to make it easily digestible, and all that I’ve learned and pass it on to other others. What we really want to do is grow the hospitality industry, and encourage people to connect and communicate and engage in meaningful ways.” -Kat Minks. Owner of Adore and publisher of Adore Magazine

They aren’t looking for a copy.

They’re looking for a connection.

Every time I’ve leaned into my own voice—my own aesthetic, my own philosophy around celebration—I’ve attracted the right clients.

Not more. The right ones.

Because a business built on imitation will always feel unstable.

But a business built on identity? That’s where longevity lives.

From Scarcity to Celebration

I want to say this clearly—because it matters.

If I were afraid of people copying what I do…

If I believed there wasn’t enough room for others to succeed…

If I operated from a place of scarcity instead of purpose…

I would have never created the Society of Celebration.

That space was built intentionally—to bring together people who love hosting, who care about the details, who feel joy in creating meaningful gatherings. Not just professionals, but enthusiasts. Creatives. People who simply love to celebrate.

Because you can’t build something like that while believing someone else’s success takes away from your own.

The Society exists because I believe the opposite is true—when we lean into what makes each of us unique, we expand what’s possible for everyone.

A Different Way Forward

At Adore Productions, collaboration isn’t a strategy—it’s a value.

We refer other planners when it’s the right fit.

We partner with creatives who bring their own perspective.

We celebrate the success of others without diminishing our own.

Because when one of us raises the standard, it elevates the entire industry.

And when we choose individuality over imitation, we create work that actually means something.

Choosing Yourself—Again and Again

Recently, I spoke about this on a podcast—the realities of this industry, the challenges, and the importance of staying grounded in your purpose.

And what I shared there is simple:

You don’t need to become someone else to succeed.

You don’t need to shrink, shift, or replicate what’s already been done.

You need to trust that what you bring—your story, your taste, your perspective—is enough.

Because the most powerful thing you can build in this industry…

is something no one else can replicate.

You.