The catalyst for her transformation came unexpectedly. One evening, after a long day at work, a friend who had recently gotten engaged asked Cho to help pick out a wedding gown. They arrived at the bridal shop at 5:15 pm, only to find the owner locking up for the day. In that moment, Cho had an epiphany. She realized the potential of the Internet to connect vendors with customers beyond the constraints of traditional business hours. This simple idea sparked the creation of a national directory of wedding vendors, revolutionizing the way people planned their special events.
Cho began to hire and train event planners to assist with the influx of wedding couples registering on her directory. She quickly realized that many of these planners had been organizing events for free driven purely by their passion. They poured their hearts into creating memorable experiences for family and friends, often without any financial gain. This dedication to do what they loved revealed these passionate individuals deserved more than just appreciation - they deserved a chance to turn their love for event planning into a viable profession.
Driven by her belief that work should be an extension of one's passion, Cho founded Lovegevity. Her mission was clear: to create holistic and standardized educational programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to turn their passions into successful careers.
She envisioned a world where education met students where they are in their journey, providing a flexible and integrated approach to learning.
Today, Lovegevity is a leading provider of career and technical education (CTE) curricula for schools and universities. By combining traditional learning with hands-on skills training and real-world applications, Lovegevity offers holistic education that prepares individuals for success.
The company's purpose is to inspire others to "learn a life they love."
The ethos of Lovegevity is encapsulated in its name:
"Love – Gev – i – ty means Love. Life.
Cho Phillips' journey from the confines of a 9-to-5 job to the creation of Lovegevity is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who seek freedom and flexibility in their careers. Her story is a testiment to breaking free from societal norms and crafting a life driven by passion and purpose.
As part of the Lovegevity community, new students are invited to take the Lovegevity pledge, a commitment to pursue their passion and create a life they love. This pledge is not just a ritual, it is a foundational belief that guides towards a fulfilling and joyous life.
In 2021, Lovegevity made a significant move by acquiring a vibrant Facebook group Societygal. This community, predominantly composing women seeking freedom from their 9-to-5 jobs, resonated deeply with Cho and her team.
Recognizing their shared aspirations for freedom and better opportunities, Cho and her team established the Societygal Foundation. This foundation, an extension of Lovegevity's values, aims to bridge the gap between passion and profession by aligning education, skills training, and mentoring with freelancing projects and clients. Through this integration, the Societygal Foundation empowers members to pursue fulfilling careers while generating funds for scholarships, enabling individuals to craft a life of flexibility, freedom, and purpose.
Cho Phillips' journey is proof to the power of questioning the norm, daring to dream, and having the courage to create a new path. Lovegevity stands as a testament to her vision, of helping others discover their purpose and pursue their passions through education.
Join us at Lovegevity and take the pledge to start your journey toward a life you love.