Creating and Connecting: Emma Martin '16 on Entrepreneurship and Event Planning

Emma Rolader Martin '16 has always had a passion for strategy and creativity. As the CEO and owner of Emma Martin Events, a full-service event planning company specializing in weddings and corporate events worldwide, Ms. Martin marries her drive for excellence with her appreciation for art and human connection.

With a degree in communications from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emma credits her academic foundation and early professional experience in marketing and communications for shaping her strategic mindset. Prior to starting her own business, she worked in marketing and communications, supporting well-known clients like Delta Air Lines, Emory University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

“Those experiences helped me build the skills and relationships needed to grow my business,” she said.

Ms. Martin's time at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School brought her close-knit community and diverse opportunities. As an Alpha-Omega, she spent her entire educational journey at HIES immersing herself in academics, athletics, leadership and the arts–she remains grateful for the guidance of her chorus and orchestra teacher Elizabeth Lamback and looks back fondly on her time as a Golden Bear.

“We used to joke that our graduating class of about 110 made HIES feel small, but my involvement in so many activities made it feel wonderfully expansive...the world felt like my oyster."

While she's certainly passionate about delivering excellent service and beautiful details in each and every event, Ms. Martin is most proud of her journey as an entrepreneur, taking on the daunting task of scaling her business and forming strategic relationships with others in the industry.

"It’s deeply rewarding to see how strong relationships, both with clients and industry partners, can drive success and create lasting impact.”

Based in Nashville, Ms. Martin enjoys serving as a mentor for students at her alma mater, helping fellow Tar Heels on their career journeys. She also spends time as a volunteer coach for local youth sports teams, inspired by her time as a fifth-grade basketball coach during her senior year at HIES. 

For current Golden Bears, she offers this expert advice: 

“Explore every opportunity. Get involved, build relationships and take risks. Your path may not always be linear, but every experience will teach you something valuable. And most importantly, enjoy the ride!"