My Story: From Accountant to Event Planning Entrepreneur
How I Transformed My Passion for Events into a Six-Figure Business
Hi there, and welcome to the Million Dollar Event blog! If you’re passionate about events and creating memorable experiences, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Jami Johnson, a retreat leader and conference planner, and I’ve been orchestrating incredible events since 2017.
Here, I’ll take you on a journey through my unconventional path from accounting to event planning, and share the transformative power these experiences have had on my life and career.
2010: 1st International Trip
A Leap from Numbers to Hospitality
My story begins with an accounting degree that I didn’t want. I was on the path to become an accountant, but found myself yearning for something different when my friend Janelle was off exploring the world through hospitality. Though my parents were adamant I stick to my accounting studies, I quietly plotted my escape into a world that promised adventure and creativity.
In 2010, my path took a twist when I attended my first conference and met my mentor, Cindy Anders. Cindy’s story of transformation from auditor to event planner inspired me. It was in that moment I realized that event planning was a skill that anyone could learn – even someone with an accounting background.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself immersed in my local community of Frankfort, Kentucky, planning events like the summer concert series and the famed Bourbon Gala. This was where my love for event planning took root. Despite continuing my job as a tax auditor, I dove into local events headfirst, using them as a sandbox to discover what I truly loved about event planning.
Here, I’ll take you on a journey through my unconventional path from accounting to event planning, and share the transformative power these experiences have had on my life and career.
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Defining My Path
As I navigated through different types of events, I quickly learned what worked for me and what didn’t. Planning weddings proved stressful, while baby showers simply weren’t my thing. However, planning honeymoons fueled my passion for travel and allowed me to do what I loved.
Then in 2017, feeling unfulfilled by my corporate job, I hired a business coach. She opened my eyes to retreat planning—a concept I was unfamiliar with. Her encouragement led me to envision curated global trips for women eager to explore the world but hesitant to take that leap alone. This sparked a new passion, and I embarked on a new mission.
Third Party Planning: A Stepping Stone
With Cindy’s reappearance, I delved into third-party planning and created RFPs for conferences. Though a side hustle, it was lucrative and rewarding. Working less than 40 hours a year, I earned significant income, giving me the financial security to pursue a career shift.
By January 2020, I had saved enough to leap fully into event and retreat planning. Little did I know, the world was about to change as the pandemic brought events to a halt. But this setback only fueled my determination.
Emerging Stronger from Setbacks
Throughout the pandemic, I tackled retreat planning head-on, gradually building my brand on Instagram. My perseverance paid off when an old school friend reached out with a life-changing opportunity to plan a corporate retreat for Honey Pot Company. Completely new to retreats, I rose to the challenge, instilling confidence in myself and others as I crafted an unforgettable experience in Costa Rica.
Eventually, this led to planning six more retreats. This accomplishment affirmed my ability to succeed and solidified my place in the event planning world.
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2021: 1st International Company Retreat
Stretching My Rubber Band
In 2022, having accomplished the foundation stage, I left my corporate job to fully invest in my passion. My embrace of authenticity—purple hair and tattoos—marked a personal and professional rebirth.
By 2024, my business had flourished. Taking over the coordination for Cindy’s event planning company, I organized retreats and helped my clients generate substantial revenue through events. Witnessing this firsthand, I’ve seen how retreats and conferences can transform businesses, communities, and lives.
The Transformative Power of Events
Event planning has allowed me to tap into and provide access to spaces where people connect deeply with themselves and others. Whether intimate retreats or expansive conferences, in-person events provide relationships and experiences that are unmatched by virtual interactions.
Moving out from behind the curtain in 2025, I’m committed to helping fellow entrepreneurs step out and embrace the growth and connections these events offer.
Join the Community
If you’re on a similar journey or considering taking the leap into event planning, remember: it’s possible to build a business while fueling your soul. Share this post, tag me on IG @Retreats.With.JamiJ, and connect with me on this adventure.
Your journey to creating a million-dollar event strategy begins here. Explore, be inspired, and connect—start turning your dreams into reality today.