There's no crying in event planning
After 15 years in the event industry, I have learned that while it is a stressful, exhausting and trying profession it is above all else the most gratifying job you can have. Where else do you get make people happy day in and day out through celebration? Although I don't plan events on a daily basis anymore, I lend my creative brain to those who do, coming up with ideas that will surprise and delight even the most jaded. To stay on the creative edge I search the world for inspiration. Yes - I eat, drink and party my way through life but all for a good cause - the next great event.
The Queen Bee
Who I Am
As a kid I was lucky enough to grow up a world traveler logging thousands of airline miles before most kids take their first flight. We lived in the exotic locales of Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia and traveled to places like India, Nepal and Greece for holiday. No, my dad was not in the military although we were never quite sure what he did that took us all over the world - I liked to believe that he worked for the CIA.
My parents were the consummate entertainers and I was often paraded around as a perfect little daughter in my lacey party dress saying please and thank you, quietly listening to the adults and shaking hands, I loved every minute. It was also my introduction to fine dining, exotic parties and divine cuisines. My parents instilled the idea that you can never say you hate something unless you have tried it and even then you may only dislike it and you have to try everything, that was a non-negotiable. This was my entree into the pleasures of being an adventurous eater and a curious mind.
I returned to the U.S. in high school - Hong Kong to Wichita, KS and once in college and discovering my love for parties and almost failing out, it dawned on me that I had also found my calling.
Soon after this epiphany and seeing a clear and exciting career path, I graduated, packed my bags and moved to Chicago. I have spent the last 15 years working for some of the most prestigious event companies; honing my skills as an event planner, creative manager and marketing director with the industries elite. Just as I did as a jet-setting kid, I have soaked up everything that has come my way and learned something new from each and every experience, but most importantly - remembering to enjoy the ride.
What I Do
Today, I am a consultant working for event planners, decor companies and culinary creators as their on-call creative director. Whether they are looking for an out-of-the-box event theme, the next great food trend or a marketing strategy to achieve growth - they call on me.
Now I can't do it all alone and so I also work with a team of like-minded colleagues. I am a true believer in a good old fashioned brainstorm that is typically accompanied by a little wine or inspiration juice. So whether it's sitting down around a table with your team or checking out the latest restaurant opening with my main man, you can bet I am talking about how I might transform my next project, posting images to instagram and taking notes on my iphone.
Follow my blog to tag along on my journey of everything "celebration" or get in touch and lets talk events.