Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Yanes
Elena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began as far back as my teen years. With the news of my first child on the way, I resolved to fast track my high school career in an effort to balance my desire to build a family with my determination to succeed professionally. Then, at a time when I thought career opportunities might be limited, I found the world of event planning. College then became the next logical step, so I immersed myself in my studies and ventured into different job opportunities to build up my experience for the next phase. From there, my resume began to blossom.
During my final course, an internship, (one that only began out of a school project) led to a 10-year career and mentorship with a company that shaped me into the event planner
I am today. That company was originally Hermanas Inc., founded by my mentor, who guided me throughout my career. When the opportunity came to step into ownership, I chose to continue the Hermanas name as a tribute to what it has always represented: sisterhood, connection, and excellence in event planning.
In 2023, I took a bold leap of faith—I decided to fully pursue my dream of running Hermanas Events full-time. From the start, I set out not only to build on a business but also to empower others along the way. Now, as a wife and mother of three, balancing my family’s needs with my professional goals continues to be my driving force. My journey has taught me that success isn’t just about planning beautiful events—it’s about building meaningful connections, embracing life’s unexpected moments, and creating a legacy that inspires others to chase their dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overcoming obstacles and embracing growth has its share of unexpected moments, and mine has been no different. From the start, balancing my role as a mother while pursuing my education and career required determination. Stepping into the events industry at such a young age meant proving myself, earning trust, and building credibility with vendors and clients—something that took years of dedication and stepping out of my comfort zones.
One of the most defining challenges came during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world of celebrations came to a halt, and like so many in the industry, I faced uncertainty. But instead of waiting for things to return to normal, I focused on how I could still bring joy to families during such a difficult time. That period reminded me why I love what I do—helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments, no matter the circumstances.
Continuing the legacy of Hermanas Events was another leap of faith. Transitioning from a coordinator to a business owner meant stepping into new responsibilities,mentoring, leading a team, and ensuring that the name I had worked under for a decade continued to thrive. Through each challenge, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about beautifully executed events—it’s about adaptability, passion, and creating experiences that last a lifetime. Like most entrepreneurs, I faced unexpected turns that weren’t part of my original plan—but each one led me to where I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hermanas Events LLC ?
Our deep-rooted belief is that our clients should feel like they have family supporting them without their actual family members handling the stress of event details. Our team thrives on great interaction with our clients, their families, and all vendors involved. We approach each celebration with the same dedication and love as if it were our own loved one’s special day.
In Austin and surrounding areas, we’re known for our ability to blend cherished traditions with fresh, contemporary touches, making every event unique to the people we serve. Whether it’s guiding a couple through their wedding planning, assisting a family in planning a quinceañera, or ensuring a corporate event runs flawlessly, we take pride in bringing a sister-like support to your important milestones.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many people may not know that I became a parent at a young age. It was an unexpected journey, but one that brought immense love, purpose, and drive into my life. Instead of seeing it as something that would hold me back, I embraced it as an opportunity to grow and build a future for my family. Through it all, my husband has been my biggest supporter, and I’m incredibly proud of him—not only for standing by me but also for serving in the military for six of those years. His dedication and sacrifice have been a huge part of our journey, and together, we’ve built a life full of love, resilience, and purpose. That same passion and commitment are what I bring to every event I plan—ensuring that my clients feel supported, celebrated, and at ease throughout their special moments.
Austin isn’t just where I run my business—it’s been home to my family for three generations. This city has shaped who I am, not just as an event planner but as a person deeply connected to community, tradition, and the power of celebration.
The first wedding that truly changed the way I saw events wasn’t one I planned—it was my mom’s second cousin’s wedding. I remember being captivated by the details, the emotions, and the way everything came together to create an unforgettable moment. At the time, I didn’t realize how much that experience would influence my future.
Years later, in one of those “small world” moments, our paths crossed again. That same cousin—the one whose wedding had first opened my eyes to the magic of events—turned out to be the founder of Hermanas Inc. It was a full-circle moment that reinforced what I already knew: planning and bringing people together was in my heart long before I even had a business name.
Now, with Hermanas Events, I get to create those same meaningful, lasting moments for others. Every wedding, every celebration is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, cared for, and truly celebrated—just like I felt at that wedding so many years ago.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hermanasevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermanaseventsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermanaseventsllc
Image Credits
Juan Ruiz Photography
Covenant Pictures
Creative Lab Studio
