Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Michelle Hernandez of Sarasota

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Hernandez.

Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our journey began in the service industry, where we built a friendship that lasted over a decade. Through long shifts, shared laughs, and late-night talks, we discovered a mutual love for creating memorable experiences. That bond led to planning a bridal shower for Ally—my co-owner—which was a whimsical tea party theme. From there, we designed the decor for her wedding, and something clicked: we weren’t just decorating, we were storytelling.

For two years, we dreamed about turning that passion into a business. After Ally’s baby shower, we sat together surrounded by the aftermath—balloons, florals, custom signage—and realized every detail had been crafted with intention. Nothing was generic. Every piece reflected the story of that moment. That’s when we knew: we didn’t want to offer cookie-cutter setups. We wanted to elevate each event with designs tailored to the people behind them.
That’s how Elevated Luxury Events was born.

We believe in imagination, in thinking outside the box, and in creating visuals that spark emotion. My boyfriend owns a shop in Sarasota, and seeing the joy on kids’ faces when his vintage and monster trucks appeared at shows inspired us to incorporate them into our event designs. They’re not just vehicles—they’re part of the experience.
Every event we touch is built around a story. Yours.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Balancing life, work, and a new business isn’t easy. With Ally navigating motherhood and both of us still working in the service industry, we’re constantly adapting. But each event gives us new insight, new inspiration, and a chance to elevate our craft even further.

After every event, we take time to reflect—not just on what went well, but on what we can improve. We ask ourselves: What did we learn? What could be smoother next time? It’s part of how we grow, both as designers and as business owners.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in story-driven event design—creating visuals that feel intentional, personal, and unforgettable. From showers and weddings to celebrations of life and memorials, every detail is crafted to reflect the people behind the moment.

We don’t recycle designs. We elevate them. Every event is a fresh canvas, and we treat it that way. We’re not just decorators—we’re storytellers, collaborators, and experience-makers.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
We’re happiest when our designs spark emotion—whether it’s a child’s smile, a bride’s tears, or a family feeling seen. Creating meaningful, personalized experiences is what drives us. Every event is a chance to tell a story, and that’s what we love most.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageTampa is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories