Humble Beginnings in Rayalaseema
Born and raised in the heart of Rayalaseema, in the small town of Anantapur, Lakshmi Deepthi’s roots are deeply intertwined with simplicity and hard work. Growing up, her mother nurtured their home as a homemaker, while her father balanced farming and real estate. Her brother eventually ventured into business, creating a successful chain of Mega Mart brands. Surrounded by entrepreneurial energy, Lakshmi always knew that she was destined for something more. Yet, what set her apart was her unshakable belief in financial independence from an early age.
Forging a Path in the Corporate World
After earning a Master’s in Computer Applications, Lakshmi began her career in the software industry. Her fierce independence, fostered since childhood, drove her to excel in a high-paced corporate world. However, it was during this time that life threw its curveballs. In 2006, she married Jayabharath Reddy, her unwavering partner in both life and career. The couple was soon blessed with two children, Sai Sahasra and Siddi Avaneesh, and moved to Hyderabad, where they spent 15 years balancing their personal and professional lives. Though the journey wasn’t always easy, the duo found strength in each other, navigating life’s challenges while striving for success.
The Birth of La Grande Event Planners
Lakshmi’s corporate career spanned 18 years, climbing to prominent positions in the industry. But a passion for something more began to stir within her. The corporate world no longer satisfied the deep desire she harbored to create, to lead, and to follow her own path. It was this realization that birthed her dream – the launch of La Grande Event Planners in February 2024.
A Serendipitous Start
From its inception, La Grande Event Planners took off with a serendipitous start. Within a week of launching, Lakshmi was tasked with her first project—decorating for the anniversary of Sri Balaji Temple. Success followed rapidly, as she was soon entrusted with organizing the International Global Rice Summit – India 2024, a three-day event hosted at the prestigious Taj Krishna hotel. With just these few events, the company’s direction became clear—La Grande would specialize in high-end corporate event management.
Overcoming Challenges
Since then, the company has expanded, working with major clients like ICI California, Bank of America, the Government of Telangana, MMN, UMED Pharma, and Blue Tech Media. These milestones were achieved despite facing significant hurdles. Lakshmi vividly recalls a time when vendor delays nearly jeopardized an event, but her perseverance ensured it was delivered on time. Another instance involved a critical photography mishap that required relentless effort to rectify. Through each challenge, she learned that event management is far more than just coordination; it is about taking full responsibility and being the driving force behind every experience.
The La Grande Culture: Creativity and Collaboration
What truly sets La Grande apart is the company’s culture of creativity, collaboration, and compassion. Lakshmi ensures her team prioritizes both delivering exceptional experiences and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It is her belief that a thriving, happy team is the cornerstone of memorable events and long-lasting client relationships.
Achievements and Milestones
The journey is filled with notable achievements. Her work garnered high praise from international clients like Mercedes Jones, and she received stellar testimonials for her efforts. She’s been invited to host major corporate anniversaries, the National Pharma Summit at ICRISAT, and the prestigious Vyapari Jagath Show 2024 at BSE Mumbai, where she’ll serve as chairperson.
Vision for the Future
Lakshmi’s vision for the future remains crystal clear. She aspires to be featured as the Woman Entrepreneur of 2024 in prominent magazines, to host a musical concert with a famous Tollywood singer, and to take her event expertise global, hosting an event abroad.
Message to Startups and Entrepreneurs
Her message to startups and young entrepreneurs is one born of experience and grit:
Embrace Failure: Every setback is a lesson in disguise. Don’t fear failure; learn from it. Each misstep brings you closer to success.
Stay Curious: The business landscape is ever-evolving. Keep an open mind and adapt. Seek knowledge through books, courses, mentors, and experiences.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Each step forward is a part of your journey, and recognizing these moments will keep you motivated.
A Legacy of Passion and Purpose
Today, alongside her husband and partner Jayabharath Reddy, who serves as the Managing Director of La Grande Event Planners, Lakshmi continues to break barriers and redefine the landscape of corporate event management. For her, this is just the beginning. From her humble roots in Anantapur to the corporate boardrooms of global clients, Lakshmi Deepthi’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose—a story that will inspire millions of young dreamers to pursue their passion with courage and determination.
