My "pet peeve" is this: I wish that people who are applying into the industry fresh out of school or who are changing industries, those who have never seen the back end of the business, would understand that we do more than what the reality shows represent.

I love my job. But the reality is, I was working until 1 a.m. last night. I work as hard as I do because I love giving my clients what they envision. Every time I can successfully find a vendor who gives me what I want, who shares my vision and keeps an eye on the budget, that's huge.

I am passionate about my job and my team and I look for people who share that passion. Staffing is my biggest challenge. In the beginning, it was tough because I couldn't afford to pay people what they deserved. Now, my challenge is in finding the right fit.

I'm very particular about customer service; I'm striving for the client to go ‘wow!' I want them to think of me as someone who is always there, someone they can count on.

Reality is, we don't leave trash lying around during an event and if that means I put on rubber gloves and get to work, then that's what I do. Don't ever tell me it's not your job. And never say that to a client. If it makes an event successful—do it.

Cindy Lo is president and owner of Red Velvet Events, Austin, Texas.