Heather Sewell Day often describes her life as one big event. From trying restaurants to listening to live music and attending various festivals and shows around town, Heather is constantly on the move to find new additions to help make events in Baton Rouge unique and memorable. And while she loves her job, it’s her husband and her two sweet girls who really bring a smile to her face.
Three things you always have with you?
H: My phone, sunglasses, and car keys.
Three words to describe yourself?
H: Outgoing, laidback, and always ready for a good time.
If your life were a song, which song would it be?
H: “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac or as my husband suggests, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
What drives your passion for giving back to the community?
H: I started by working with Forum 35 and then serving on boards around the city. I work with Aneurysm Outreach and Of Moving Colors. I decided that if I am going to be in Baton Rouge then I want to help make it a better place. I always try to bring new things to the city.
Most recent proud parenting moment?
H: My oldest won second place in her school’s science fair and she is going to compete in state. It was nice to see that hard work get rewarded.
If you could invite anyone over for dinner, who would you invite?
H: My dad so he could meet his grandchildren.
Last mom fail?
H: We recently had a miscommunication on who was on carpool duty. I ended up being 45 minutes late to get them from school. They were fine, but I felt like a failure.
Number one rule your kids aren’t allowed to break?
H: Be unkind. We don’t allow bullying or making anyone feel less than they are. They do a great job with this and they help others a lot.
Greatest thing about being a mom?
H: Watching them grow into their own people, getting a joke right. You shape them how much you can, but I love seeing them become who they are.
Favorite spot around town for date night?
H: Watching the sunset at Tsunami then going to see a show at Manship. I recently became a pescatarian and enjoy going to Cocha because they have a creative menu for that.
How do you like to spend time as a family?
H: We go bike riding to the Farmer’s Market and we walk to a lot of events around the city. We live in the Garden District and it’s a great, walkable street. We enjoy having girls’ day and going to Time Warp. We also go to the fountains at the Shaw Center, eat sushi at Tsunami, go see live music, a play, or attend a festival. They’re definitely festival kids.
What led you to wanting to become an event planner?
H: I started out in the hospitality industry and then I began helping out at events. People would ask me for help with their events, too, and I noticed there weren’t a lot of event planners in the area so I decided to start the business.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
H: That’s my favorite part! I really enjoy sitting down with the client and coming up with unique ideas for what they are looking to do. I’ll ask them questions about the event and I’ll research as well. For instance, if it’s a country theme, I’ll check out new country bands.
Any memorable events you have done?
H: STAR puts on an event called Hunks and Heels where 12 men in the community come together to help raise money and see what it’s like to stand in a woman’s shoes. I also love working with the Emerge Center. Last year, we did an event called Emerge into Paradise where we had a cruise ship theme.
Are there any aspects of planning that you also utilize in parenting?
H: Definitely making use of time with them. I make sure that I am there to pick them up and drop them off at school. It’s important that we plan our week out much like I do with my team at work.
How do you keep it all balanced?
H: One thing that keeps me grounded is exercise. I need that release whether it’s through Orangetheory, yoga, or a run. It’s that hour to just put the phone down and not worry about anything. Also, one-on-one communication with my husband and my girls is important.
What’s something parents shouldn’t feel guilty about?
H: Taking time for themselves. You have to take care of yourself. Similar to the plane rule, “Put your oxygen mask on first,” you have to take care of yourself so you can be a better parent.
What do you wish you had more time for?
H: I wish there was a third day in the weekend so we could have more time to relax and just be. There are so many projects at the house I want to do.
What good habit do you have that you would like to pass on to the kids?
H: Strength, physical and mental. I want them to be strong women who don’t break down in a crisis and can work through tough situations. Being a strong woman is so important, especially now.
Any bad habits you would not want to pass on?
H: Biting nails! Also, body image issues. I want them to take care of themselves, keep a positive image of themselves, and believe in themselves.
Hardest thing about being a mom?
H: FOMO! Fear of missing out. I don’t want to miss a thing. With my daughter getting older, it’s getting harder to extract information from her, and with my youngest, I just want to be at everything and try to fit it all in. You begin to compare yourself to the Joneses. You see one mom volunteering to be a room mom and you think, “I should do that, too!”
What’s your parenting style?
H: Trust them until they give me a reason not to. Give freedom until they prove they can’t handle it. They have to be able to tell me what they did wrong, too.
What’s one piece of advice you often give your children?
H: Be kind, dream big, and you can do it all. Do what you want in life, go where your gut tells you to go.
What advice would you give to other parents?
H: Teach children to be kind. Don’t be scared to talk to them about gun safety and sexual education. Knowledge is power. ■
Quick Q&A
Before kids, I never thought I would… listen to a top 40 radio station all the time.
The parenting item I couldn’t live without… unity between Jason and me. We have to be a unified front.
In my fridge, you will always find… mango orange juice, pickles, and La Croix sodas.
Favorite movie growing up… Jaws.
Favorite children’s book… the Flippy and Friends series.
My guilty pleasure is… binge-watching Netflix.
I like my coffee… black.
