June Glackin, is the multi award-winning Founder and Creative Director of Junie Poonie Events, an international wedding and events planning studio.
Renowned for creating immersive, experiential and extraordinary events. Junie works with couples, corporates, and global brands to transform visions into unforgettable moments that blend creativity, emotion, and impact.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you structure your time?
No two days are ever alike, which is the beauty of this industry. I’d like to say my mornings are usually reserved for creative strategy, mood boards, design concepts and stationery design and afternoons are client-focused, filled with consultations, supplier collaborations, and venue visits, but with clients based in various countries and timelines, I can often be found on an early morning call to Australia, having a mid afternoon ‘wake up call’ with US clients, making plans with creative souls in the Middle East, or keeping it simple with those clients a little closer to home.
What’s one myth about your industry or role that you’d like to bust?
That event planning is “just about pretty flowers and goodie bags.” In reality, it’s a blend of logistics, psychology, design, storytelling and diplomacy. Behind every event is meticulous planning, detailed schedules, financial strategy, and problem-solving that the clients and couples never see. (And lots of pretty flowers!)
What does success look like to you, has that changed over time?
Initially, in my early years of business, success meant recognition awards, features, and being seen in the industry. Though, with age and experience, over time, it has shifted to impact; creating experiences that move people, build connections, and leave lasting memories. Today, success feels less about external validation and more about internal fulfilment and witnessing the impact of Junie Poonie Events for couples, clients and their guests.
What’s one initiative or achievement you’re particularly proud of and why?
I am especially proud of expanding Junie Poonie Events into a brand that not only works with global brands, but curates and creates weddings and events across the globe.
Connecting with and forging teams of incredible creatives from different countries, to create weddings, events and brand storytelling in ways that feel deeply authentic, whilst pushing boundaries and beliefs.
What legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your work?
I want to be remembered as someone who elevated events into experiences, not just moments to witness, but worlds to step into. My hope is to inspire future creatives to blend imagination with precision, and to champion creativity and human connection in every celebration. (In a world of technology, let’s never lose that human touch!)
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your leadership journey?
Surrounding yourself with the right people is invaluable. Some of the most impactful events I’ve planned and produced are from the result of collaborations with incredible creative talents, with some of these creatives now becoming non-negotiable team members on Junie Poonie Events here in the UK and further afield.
Though I’ve also learnt to “look out for those who don’t clap when you’re winning” it’s enabled me to realise we have to be our biggest cheerleaders, to celebrate the little things and wave those pompoms ferociously for ourselves.
How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
I return to the “why.” Weddings & Events are ultimately about people. Love stories, milestones, brand missions. Remembering that I get to play a role in some of the most meaningful chapters of people’s lives, or watching the eyes of an entrepreneur or brand team light up when their business or brand comes to life within their event. I remember that what Junie Poonie Events is creating is enabling people to embrace the moments before they become memories.
What are you currently reading, listening to, or watching that’s helping you grow?
I’ve just devoured ‘F*ck being humble’ by Stefanie Sword-Williams. That made my heart skip a few beats, I couldn’t put it down, reading it from start to finish on a recent flight for work. It was immense.
Which leader or entrepreneur has influenced you the most — and why?
Good old Walt Disney, I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. He’s not just built a brand on emotion, but he’s also built worlds of imagination.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d been given at the start of your career?
As a creative, I believe you have to “Always leave space for the magic”. It was a difficult lesson, but having learnt over the years that over committing to too many things or saying yes to everything and anything, but especially things that don’t set your soul on fire can be detrimental to your growth, your creativity, and ultimately your business.
I now always factor in ‘space the magic’, for those opportunities that arise that you would otherwise have to pass by if you’re too busy doing things that aren’t aligned with you, your business or your creative soul.
Always leave space for the magic.
