And I Like Large Parties: Conversations and Cocktails with Influential Women in the Events Industry

In this interview, I talk with Jessenia Cosme, the owner of JC's Art Designs, a luxury signage and acrylic design studio in New Jersey, whose work has appeared in brand activations for Netflix, Sephora, and Coca-Cola. Jessenia and her team are trusted by their clients because they blend creativity and design with precision and impeccable execution. We talk about the importance of discipline,...

In this episode, I chat with Candice Moore, owner of DeCourtcey Events and The Styled Stem. Candice is a Philadelphia-area event planner with over 15 years in the business. DeCourtcey Events is an event planning, design, and production firm specializing in luxury weddings, corporate and nonprofit events, and elevated destination celebrations. Known for intentional design, hospitality-driven servic...

In this episode, I talk to Taylor Smallwood, owner of Taylored Events & Rentals and Loft 441 at Wireworks in York, PA. After working as a venue manager for several years, Taylor started an event rental company that offers event planning services and then opened her own event space. We get into the realities of venue ownership, why hiring employees is a risk worth taking, and how to balance tre...

In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Chambers, owner of Petit Social Studio in Delaware. After transitioning from wedding planning, Nikki opened Petit Social to meet the growing demand for intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces for micro-events. Since then, she has expanded the footprint of the studio to support more creative sessions like photography and workshops. We get into the realities of...

In this episode, I interviewed Briana DiGregorio, owner of Briana Rene LuxEvents. Based in the Philadelphia area, Briana specializes in custom builds and luxury event design that elevate events and create striking focal moments. Her work has been featured in Modern Luxury Weddings Magazine , and she was recently named one of the Dynamic Women of 2025 by Philadelphia Style Magazine . We talk about...

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Byrne, an award-winning artist and owner of Caricatures & Silhouettes by Emily. With more than 25 years in the industry, Emily has delighted guests at countless events with her remarkably lifelike yet playful caricatures, creating keepsakes people treasure long after the party ends. We talk about how the caricature world has evolved over the years, includ...

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Lennox, the owner of DJ Lennox: DJ and Photo Booth Services. This podcast usually spotlights women in the events industry, but Ryan has earned honorary gal status. He is a Philadelphia-based DJ with over 25 years in the industry, including a background in radio emceeing. Ryan is known for keeping dance floors packed by blending genres seamlessly and matching the e...

In this episode, I’m joined by Nikki Marshall, the owner of Cake to Crumb Sweets. Based in Delaware, Nikki is known for her beautifully intricate cake designs and delicious confections. We chat about how the event industry has shifted over the past few years, the real challenges of marketing as a small business owner, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to entrepreneurship doesn’t actually work f...

In this episode, I chat with amazing Philadelphia hairstylist Sophia Khan, the talent behind Sophia Scissorhands. With over 15 years in the industry, Sophia has mastered the art of bridal and special-occasion hairstyling, and her work has even been featured in People Magazine . We talk about what it really means to deliver standout customer service, why consistency is key to growing a business, an...

In this interview, I talk with Melanie Rash, owner of Cakery Bake Bakery in Smyrna, Delaware. After graduating with a culinary degree specializing in baking and pastry, she decided to follow a passion she’s had since high school and launch her own baking business. Melanie is known for her elegant, bespoke wedding cakes, but she also creates incredible gravity-defying designs in themes ranging from...

 In this episode, I sit down with Corinne Sebesta, the owner of Sebesta Design, a Philadelphia-based floral studio with a national reputation. Her work has been featured in publications like Brides Magazine and spans everything from bold, modern installations to romantic, whimsical designs. Our conversation dives into the power of saying “no” to protect your peace, the non-negotiable importance of...

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Nunery, founder of Delaware Female Creatives, an organization that provides space for women-owned businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow. Heather wears many hats as the owner of HMV Designs, a graphic design and marketing business, and La Nunery Apothecary, where she crafts organic candles and skincare. We dive into the power of networking, how experi...

 I sat down with Theresa Gallagher, owner of Chesterdale Farm, a stunning new 18th-century farmhouse venue in West Chester, PA. Theresa shares the rich history of the property, and the journey of restoring the barn into a one-of-a-kind event space. We dive into the value of building connections in business (even when it means risking a little rejection), and why living without regrets is key to su...

In this episode, I interview Jennifer Gordon, owner of Jennifer Syl Photography. Based in the Philadelphia area, Jen is known for her striking edits, keen eye for detail, and calm, collected presence behind the lens. We get into the good stuff like how to deliver standout client experiences, why venting about clients online might do more harm than good, navigating unexpected hiccups on event day,...

In this episode, I chat with Ashlee Makuch, owner of Ashlee Emerson Photography and Poppy & Prim Events. With over a decade of experience across DE, MD, and PA (and beyond!), Ashlee shares real talk on pricing your services, putting yourself out there on social media as a business owner, and why being kind in this industry goes a long way. In addition to running multiple successful businesses,...

This episode is from Women Entrepreneurs Spotlight Series hosted by Deb LaMotta. Deb interviewed me in August of 2023 about my business. This is my story. Enjoy! Episode Description: Ever wondered how a high school teacher and college professor could transition to an entrepreneur owning a flourishing event decor business? Tune in as we welcome Anne, the dynamic woman behind Champagne and Stars Eve...

I chat with Kathy Nickolson, aka The Party Kween. Kathy is an event stylist whose ability to bring her clients' visions to life has garnered her a reputation for being one of the best in the business in Delaware. Whether it's a wedding, quinceañera, or baby shower, Kathy and her team work to ensure that the aesthetic of each event is on point. In this episode, we talk about the challenge...

On this episode, I talk with Daneya Jacobs, owner of Candy Connections, a Delaware-based company that has perfected the art of making cotton candy. In addition to selling their delicious cotton candy at the Christiana Mall, they also sell their confections through QVC and via their website. They also continue to be in demand for private events such as the grand opening of Kendra Scott's store...

On this episode, I talk with Miss V,  a stunning pinup model and burlesque performer. She's based in Philadelphia but has traveled all over the country entertaining both small and large audiences. From parties to theaters to corporate events, she's done it all! In this interview while sipping Coca Colas, she explains the history of burlesque, describes some of her signature moves, and ta...

On this episode, I talk with Madyson Ellsworth and Kayla Young of The Party Girls. They are sisters whose business provides decor and event planning services in Delaware. While drinking Moscato, we chat about the growing interest in bounce house rentals for events, including weddings, the distinctions between full-scale event planning and day of coordination, as well as the keys to a successful bu...

While sipping Pink Palmers, I talk with Gemma Sherry of Luv'd Up DJs. Gemma is the founder of this woman-owned DJ agency that also offers lighting and photobooths. They aren't a "cookie cutter" agency. From traditional to eclectic genres, they play music that perfectly suits their clients' tastes, and they bring fun and energetic vibes to each and every event. In this epis...

Over a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, I chat with the ladies of Harp & Hare, a luxury picnic and events company in Delaware. Their ethereal picnic setups are meticulously detailed, and they even have a harpist who sets the mood with music! In this episode, we talk about the importance of customer satisfaction, including tips for keeping clients happy, the benefits of collaboration over competit...

On this episode, I talk with Susan Buzin, owner of Posh Vintage Rentals in Downingtown, PA. She carries an amazing collection of vintage tableware and decor from plates to flatware. She has everything needed to create a stunning vintage tablescape for large weddings, intimate events, and picnics. While sipping our coffees, we discuss the importance of striking a healthy work-life balance, coming t...

While sipping Blue Punch Bugs, I chat with Adrieane Jackson, the owner and creative genius behind Precious Jubilee Decor. Based in Delaware, Adrieane is a master balloon artist known for her stunning Instagram-worthy displays. In this episode, we delve into the vital role of networking, the juggling act of being a business owner and a mother, and her experience creating balloon displays for JLo&ap...

In this episode, I chat with Sherrerd Steele, owner of Steele Orchid. She is a Philadelphia area floral designer who is disrupting the industry (in a good way) with her unique and innovative creations. From weddings to elaborate displays at The Kimmel Center, her work is simply amazing! Over a ginger and juice mocktail, she tells me all about her journey from engineer and geologist to floral desig...