Hometown: Sandown, New Hampshire
Alma mater: University of Florida
In her own words: “We are a boutique planning agency specializing in destination weddings and social and nonprofit events. We offer full design and styling, in addition to planning, logistics and execution of unique events.
“I started my career working for Red Bull, which has such a cool culture and vibe, then went on to work for Diageo, the largest liquor supplier in the world. Having done events for these huge European-based companies for 10 years, I knew that if I went freelance, it would have to be totally unique and different to stand out in the U.S. I, along with my former business partner, Taryn Bruck of Armature Works, opened Event Lab on January 1, 2013. Over the past six years, I’ve had the honor of designing and planning hundreds of events in the Bay area. We now plan amazing events everywhere in the U.S., from Portland to New York and internationally, from Canada down to the Caribbean.”
Charitable involvement: Board Member of The Teal Recovery Project, “which focuses on fundraising, educating and empowering women battling cervical cancer. This organization was actually founded for me by nine friends during my own battle with cervical cancer for the second time in 2013.”
On philanthropy: “Our mission is to raise awareness through empowering and connecting women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer to take control over their care. As its first beneficiary, I understand the life-changing importance of being educated and informed when making decisions about your health. I know firsthand the financial burden that comes with cancer treatments. Every year since, we have selected one woman battling cervical cancer to fundraise specifically for her and her family at our annual benefit. We have also worked to put a much needed spotlight on a once-taboo topic. The support from the community has been such an incredible gift. In 2019, the goal of our fundraising gala is to help empower and alleviate the financial hardship for many families affected by cervical cancer.”
When I’m not in the office, you can find me… “At the airport!”
Mentor: I have to give a huge shoutout to Kimberly Hensley of Kimberly Hensley Events. She helped me to grow the wedding side of my business. It’s a huge compliment when a “competitor” is willing to give you the tools to succeed in the same industry. Her guidance over the years helped me to grow Event Lab into the well-rounded agency we envisioned from the start. Personally, the greatest mentors in life have been my parents. They taught me the importance of having a voice and fighting for what you love in this world. I mean, they’ve been together through thick and thin for over 50 years — talk about relationship goals!
Motto: “‘Don’t chase people. Be yourself, do your own thing, and work hard. The right people — the ones who really belong in your life — will come to you. And stay.’ Will Smith said that in an interview in 2011, and it stuck with me.”
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: “My former boss always used to say, ‘Stay ready, then you’ll never have to get ready.’ She’s now the East President of a multimillion dollar company with hundreds of employees, so let’s just say I take that advice pretty seriously.”
Favorite thing about Tampa: “I love our growing art scene. Over the past few years, I’ve seen an influx of murals, exhibitions and super cool art-driven events happening all over town.”
Last book I read: “‘Scar Tissue,’ Red Hot Chili Peppers vocalist Anthony Kiedis’s autobiography.”
App I can’t live without: “Instagram, hands down. We don’t pay for any marketing or advertising, so social media (@eventlab1) is an amazing way to put visuals of our events out to the public. We’ve gotten a ton of new clients through Instagram!”
Dream vacation: Safari in Africa