Jennifer Chidester shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jennifer, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
While intelligence and energy are both valuable, integrity is the most important to me. I’ve told my children that your word is your word—if you can’t honor your word, then you don’t have integrity. Mistakes are a part of life, but what truly defines a person is how they handle those mistakes. That’s a core part of integrity: owning your actions and making things right.
I carry this belief into my business. I work hard to be upfront, honest, and dependable in every interaction. I believe that’s why clients continue to book with me—not just because of what I can do, but because they trust who I am. Integrity builds lasting relationships, and for me, it’s the foundation that supports everything else—intelligence, energy, and success.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jennifer Chidester, an event coordinator and founder with a heart for purpose-driven work. I specialize in planning and producing events that are not only memorable but meaningful, especially those that support nonprofits, military families, and community-based causes.
What makes my brand unique is the personal investment I bring to every project. I believe in building genuine relationships, honoring my word, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s a fundraiser gala, a community retreat, or a themed celebration, I approach each event with integrity, creativity, and a spirit of service.
Currently, I’m working on several exciting projects—including a military-focused fundraising gala, a women’s retreat centered on grace and connection, and Festival of Trees, a community holiday event that brings local businesses, donors, and families together in a beautiful and festive celebration of giving. My goal is always to bring people together around something that matters.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work were my parents. My mother owned her own business, and from her I learned the value of entrepreneurship, creativity, and connecting with people through what you offer. Her ability to build something from the ground up inspired my own creative approach to event planning.
My father served in the military, and that experience gave me a foundation of discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for service. Growing up in a military family taught me how to adapt, work hard, and follow through—skills that now help me lead with purpose and intention.
Both influences have shaped not just how I work, but why I work. Today, I’m especially passionate about organizing events that support veterans and military families. It’s a way for me to honor the life I’ve lived and give back to a community that shaped me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her, “You don’t have to have it all figured out—just keep showing up with heart, and trust that God is guiding your path.”
I’d remind my younger self that perfection isn’t the goal—faithfulness is. Looking back, I can clearly see how my relationship with Jesus has shaped both my personal life and my work. He’s been constant through every season, teaching me to trust His timing, even when things didn’t make sense.
The experiences that once felt uncertain or overwhelming were actually preparing me for what I do today. My faith continues to give me strength, clarity, and purpose—and it fuels my desire to serve others with integrity, compassion, and excellence in every event I plan.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Protecting time with my family is a non-negotiable for me—something I’ve learned and grown to prioritize deeply over the years.
In a fast-paced world—and especially in the event industry where things can get hectic—it’s easy to let work consume everything. But through experience, I’ve realized that the most important legacy I can build is at home. My family is my grounding place, my motivation, and where I find the most joy and purpose.
Creating intentional space for connection, rest, and presence is something I fiercely guard. It’s a value that keeps me balanced, helps me lead by example, and ultimately makes me better in every area of life, including my business.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Honestly, my family jokes about this, but I hope people don’t just remember me as a list of accomplishments or numbers. I want my legacy to be about the life I lived—the dash in the middle between my birth and passing.
I often think about that dash on a tombstone—how it represents all the moments, choices, and impacts of a person’s life. It’s easy to get caught up in titles, dates, and statistics, but what really matters is what you do with your time here.
For me, faith in Jesus is at the center of that dash. It’s what gives my life meaning, guides my decisions, and shapes how I serve others. More than that, I want something life-changing written on the back of my tombstone—a message that will inspire and challenge future generations to live with integrity, love, and purpose.
I want my legacy to encourage others to make their own dash meaningful, not just to be remembered, but to truly matter in the eyes of God and people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferchidesterevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferchidesterevents
