The clatter and buzz of the Manhattan café faded into the background as I sat across from Ava Stone, the high priestess of New York’s event planning scene. Her sharp gaze was fixed on me, a predatory smile playing on her lips.

“So, Emma,” Ava began, her voice smooth as silk, “I’ve been watching your career with great interest. You’ve got flair, I’ll give you that. But this industry,” she paused, gesturing broadly, “it's a shark tank. Not everyone’s cut out for ...