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An Inspired Chat with Heather Orsak of Austin

Heather Orsak shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Heather, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
What are top 3 things that are misunderstood about a wedding planner — this is such a good question and a necessary one at that. Some couples do understand the necessity and value of hiring a wedding planner but some couples may not understand all that we do and why having a planner in their corner is such a blessing not only on their planning day but also throughout their entire planning process. One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding planners is that we only step in on the wedding day, when in reality that day is the culmination of months of detailed planning, coordination, and behind-the-scenes work. Another common misunderstanding is that the role is primarily about décor and aesthetics, when much of our job is actually strategic—managing logistics, budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and problem-solving in real time. Lastly, many assume that anyone who is organized can be a wedding planner, but the role truly requires emotional intelligence, leadership, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while managing high expectations and deeply emotional moments. Our job is to carry the weight of the day so our clients can be fully present and enjoy their celebration.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Heather Orsak, owner and founder of The Perfect Day, an event planning and production company dedicated to creating beautifully intentional celebrations. Alongside a passionate team of experienced planners and creatives, we offer a full suite of services—from thoughtful planning and design to curated florals, rentals, invitation design, bartending, and event staffing—ensuring every detail is seamlessly executed from the first consultation to the last dance. Voted Best Event Planner in New Braunfels for the past four years and featured in publications such as Cowgirl Magazine and WedSociety San Antonio and Austin, we approach every event with care, expertise, and a calm, creative groove that allows our clients to enjoy a truly stress-free and personalized experience. As we celebrate seven years in business, I’m excited to expand into new markets and continue pushing our design vision in fresh, meaningful ways.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t worthy of friendship or love because I was deeply self-conscious and struggled with my weight and self-doubt. I carried a lot of embarrassment and assumed it defined how others saw me. In sixth grade, while at a friend’s house, I was uncomfortable being in a bathing suit when her mother noticed and pulled me aside. She told me, “Confidence is what’s beautiful. Standing tall and being comfortable in your own skin is what shows the world you are worthy.” I don’t know where that woman is today, but her words stayed with me. From that moment on, I began to understand that confidence—not perfection—is what truly defines beauty. Today, I no longer believe my worth is tied to how I look; I believe it comes from being a strong woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there were moments early on when the weight of building something from the ground up felt overwhelming, and giving up crossed my mind more than once, honestly almost daily. The long hours, financial uncertainty, missing family events, and constant pressure to prove myself made it tempting to walk away. What kept me going was remembering why I started and the belief that discomfort was part of growth, not a sign to stop. Instead of quitting, I learned to pause, adjust, and ask for support when needed. Looking back, those moments didn’t break me—they clarified my resilience and reinforced that perseverance, not perfection, is what carries you forward.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of you the real you? This is an interesting question because it assumes I truly know what the public thinks of me which in all reality, do we ever really know? What I believe the public’s version of me is confident, creative, and a leader which is genuine but not the whole story. Behind that is a lot of intention, hard work (like working 7 days a week, sometimes until 3 in the morning), and self-reflection. I’ve learned that showing up publicly means leading with strength and clarity, even when things feel uncertain behind the scenes. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable allowing those two versions to coexist—being professional and composed while still staying deeply human. Authenticity, to me, isn’t sharing everything; it’s being honest about who you are and how you lead.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I love this question because my story feels uniquely my own—and if you ask my husband, I’ve never been someone who enjoys being told what to do. I’ve always had a passion for leading and challenging boundaries in every role I’ve held. You should have seen me in corporate America, asking VPs questions like, “Why are we doing it this way?” and being told, “Because that’s how it’s always been done.” That answer drove me crazy. I couldn’t understand why we had to follow the same path or process when there was often a more efficient, thoughtful way forward. Eventually, I realized corporate America wasn’t quite ready for that kind of thinking, so I stepped into entrepreneurship—where boundaries didn’t have to exist unless I created them. After ten years in corporate, I finally felt like I was able to fully use my brain. I didn’t follow a prescribed path or someone else’s expectations; I built a company that aligns with who I am at my core. Creating, leading, problem-solving, and caring deeply about people come naturally to me, and this work allows all of those instincts to live in the same place. I’ve learned that doing what you’re “born to do” isn’t about one defining moment—it’s about paying attention to what energizes you, trusting your gut, and having the courage to choose your own direction, even when it’s unconventional.

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Image Credits
Lauren Crumpler Photography
Brittney Davila Photography
Jeri Renee Photography
Leah Thomason Photography

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