Have you ever found yourself scrolling on Instagram, seeing everyone attending events, collaborating with dream clients, or landing big features—and suddenly questioning everything you’re doing in your business caught in the comparison trap?

You’re not alone.

On this week’s episode of The Dream Biz Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Gina Jokilehto, owner of Shi Shi Events, to talk about something every creative entrepreneur has felt: Industry FOMO—that fear of missing out when it seems like everyone else is ahead, in the know, or doing something amazing… and you’re not.

This conversation was so grounding, real, and full of practical tools for shifting out of comparison mode and into trust and joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough or worried you’re falling behind, this one’s for you.

From the Music Industry to Weddings

Gina’s career began in the music industry, working with emerging artists. When the rise of Napster changed everything, she pivoted into experiential marketing—producing brand activations, product launches, and VIP events. But when that job wanted her to relocate, she made a bold decision: to stay in Cleveland and build something of her own.

In 2005, she launched Shi Shi Events, a luxury wedding planning business that’s been serving high-end clients ever since.

Gina’s path is such a great reminder that you can honor your roots while still building something new that fits your values and lifestyle.

The Tipping Point of Comparison

Around 2015, as Instagram became the hub for creative businesses, Gina noticed something shift. She found herself on the app constantly—comparing her work to others, wondering if she was doing enough, working with the right clients, or showing up in the “right” way.

“It was the first time I didn’t feel good about my business. I had to step back and make some real changes.”

Gina shared how she began unfollowing accounts that weren’t nourishing her, shifting how she interacted with social media, and reading inspiring books that helped her reconnect with her creative identity. (We’ll link those at the end of this post!)

Her rule? If content doesn’t nourish you, don’t consume it.

Trusting Your Own Path

The turning point for Gina came in 2020—amidst the pandemic, turning 40, and facing massive shifts in the wedding industry. Like so many of us, she had no choice but to go inward.

Out of necessity came clarity: She raised her boundaries, cut back on her workload, and got crystal clear on what truly brought her joy.

“I started prioritizing the things that made me feel good. It wasn’t about what other people were doing anymore—it was about what lit me up.”

She reminded us that it’s when you feel good, inspired, and present, your creativity flourishes.

What Fuels Creativity and Self-Trust?

Gina’s self-care toolkit is full of things that ground and inspire her:

• Taking trips (any kind! Road trips, plane trips, whatever brings a spark)
• Spending time with friends and family
• Hosting dinner parties
• Being outside by the water
• Going to concerts
• Reading nonfiction and seeking new perspectives
• Romanticizing life—finding joy in the little things, like grilling a PB&J sandwich

And of course: daily mindfulness. Gina swears by short meditations using the Headspace app to start her day centered and open to creativity.

“The best ideas come when you’re doing nothing—like in the shower.”

Making Aligned Decisions (and Declining with Grace)

FOMO often shows up when new opportunities land in your inbox and you feel that immediate pressure to say yes.

Gina shared a beautiful framework for choosing what to say yes to:

• If your brain immediately starts rearranging your calendar to make it work—it’s probably a yes.
• If your brain hesitates, makes excuses, or feels dread—it’s likely a no.

And if it’s a no? Say it graciously and clearly, without apologizing or saying “I wish.” Be honest, be kind, and close the door kindly.

“It’s okay to be excited for someone else without wanting to join in on their project.”

When the Answer is “No” (and It’s Not from You)

Rejection hurts. But Gina reminds us that if the worst thing someone can say to you is “no,” you’re still doing okay.

Often, the “no” we receive clears the path for a better, more aligned “yes.”

“Don’t sacrifice your vision just to do a project. What’s meant for you will find you.”

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

If you’re currently stuck in comparison or feeling FOMO, Gina’s advice is simple and powerful:

Do something that excites you creatively.

Create just for you. Host a dinner. Make something small and fun. And you’ll feel the shift from comparison to appreciation.

“When you feel inspired by your own work, it’s easier to celebrate what others are doing too.”

Engage with the Present

Gina left us with a gem from The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control—a book she says changed her life.

The author talks about “fear-based striving”—that constant loop between fearing you’ll lose what you have and fearing you’ll never get what you want.

The antidote? Engage with the present moment.

Measure your success by your own growth. Not by what someone else is doing—but by where you were a year ago, three years ago, ten years ago.

“It becomes less and less important what anyone else is doing—or what anyone else thinks—when you’re measuring your growth from within.”

Connect with Gina

You can find Gina online at www.shishievents.com or follow her on Instagram @shishievents.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler
• Different by Youngme Moon
• The Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
• Headspace App

Whether you’re in a season of burnout, comparison, or self-doubt, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re allowed to create a business that feels good, honors your values, and nourishes your creativity.

You’re not behind. You’re on your own path. And it’s the right one.

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