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

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 trend cycles with pieces that are timeless.Go visit her site https://www.tayloredeventsandrentals.com/ and go follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tayloredeventsandrentals/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 venue ownership, the challenge of building genuine connections in a saturated industry, and why meaningful collaboration is key to long-term growth.Go visit her site https://petitsocialstudio.com/ and go follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/petitsocialstudio/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 the qualities it takes to run a successful business, the realities of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the behind-the-scenes essentials needed to execute successful installations.Go follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianarene_luxevents/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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, including the growing presence of female artists, why strong organization is essential for running a successful creative business, and what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry.Go visit her website https://emilyarts.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emartiste/?hl=enThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 energy of every crowd.  We talk about his journey in the industry, what he’s learned working alongside so many women in this space, and what it takes to stay relevant and consistently booked, especially in the wedding world. Go follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/djlennoxdotcom/ and check out his website https://www.djlennox.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 for everyone.Go follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caketocrumbsweets/Check out her earrings for sale https://birdsongclay.bigcartel.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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, and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.Go visit her website https://sophiascissorhands.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophia_scissorhands/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 whimsical cartoons to eerie horror. We chat about letting go of imposter syndrome, why supporting fellow local businesses can actually help grow your own, and how to handle the emotions that come with seeing your original designs used to solicit copycat work.Go visit her website https://www.cakerybake.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cakerybakebakery/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

 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 delivering excellence to clients, and why grit is one of the most valuable traits an entrepreneur can have.Go visit her website https://sebestadesign.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sebestadesign/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 experience builds resilience and perspective, and why speaking negatively about others can be a costly move in the small business world.  Recorded outdoors on a sunny summer morning, so excuse the faint lawn mower in the background! Go visit her websites:https://www.delawarefemalecreatives.com/ https://www.hmvdesigns.com/https://lanuneryapothecary.com/Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/delawarefemalecreatives/https://www.instagram.com/hmv_designs/https://www.instagram.com/lanuneryapothecary/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

 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 success. And because no good story is complete without a twist, we had a thunderstorm and a power outage, but it couldn’t stop the conversation. We pivoted, pressed on, and made it happen in true entrepreneur style.Go visit her website https://www.chesterdalefarm.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chesterdalefarm/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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, and what it really takes to thrive in the events industry.Go visit her website https://jennifersylphoto.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennifersylphoto/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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, she is also the Venue Director at Worsell Manor, a wedding venue in Maryland. She’s wildly talented, in high demand, and hands-down one of the best in the business.Go follow Ashlee on Instagram at @ashleeemersonphotography and @poppyandprim.events and visit her website at https://ashleeemersonphotography.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 Event Decor, who shares about her amazing journey from the educational field to entrepreneurship. We traverse through the changing landscape of students' attitudes, parenting styles, and the support system that nudged Anne to rediscover her passion for vintage furniture design and refinishing, ultimately leading to her embarking on a whole new career. This episode is a treasure trove of experiences about resilience, transition, and pursuing your passion.Go check out Deb's podcast!Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 challenges and rewards of working in the events industry, the importance of communication with clients, and overcoming the fear of trying something new.Go follow The Party Kween on Instagram at @thepartykween and visit her website at https://www.partykween.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 in Delaware. From owning a brick and mortar candy store for many years to now being at the helm of a booming e-commerce business, Daneya shares plenty of wisdom and valuable business tips. We chat about how we balance family life and business ownership, the importance of knowing when to change your mindset and shift your business model, her appearance on the Today show, and what's to come in the future for Candy Connections.Go follow Candy Connections on Instagram at @candyconnections and visit her website at https://candyconnectionsinc.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 talks about just how empowering it is to be on stage on her own terms giving audiences a dynamite show. She's even started teaching classes at the Philadelphia Burlesque Academy for anyone interested in learning the art of burlesque or people who simply want to do something fun!Go follow Miss V on Instagram at @missvpinupmodel and visit her website at https://www.missvpinupmodel.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 business partnership.Go follow The Party Girls on Instagram at @thepartygirlsde and visit their website at https://www.thepartygirlsde.com/Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 episode, we talk about her success in a male-dominated space, tips for scaling up a small business, and how skills from past careers can be helpful when running a business in the events industry. Go follow Luv'd Up DJs on Instagram at @luvdupdjs and visit their website at www.luvdupdjs.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 competition among women business owners, and the financial challenges of owning a small business.Go follow Harp & Hare on Instagram at @harpandhare  and visit their website at https://www.harpandhare.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 to grips with failure, and having the courage to take calculated risks in business.Go follow Posh Vintage Rentals on Instagram at @poshvintagerentals and visit her website at www.poshvintagerentals.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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's "It's My Party Tour!"Go follow Precious Jubilee Decor at @precioujubileedecor and visit her site at www.preciousjubileedecor.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

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 design guru. She's owned two successful business over the years, so she knows a thing or two (or three or four) about entrepreneurship and the pursuit of one's passions!Go follow Steele Orchid on Instagram at @steele_orchid and visit her website at www.steeleorchid.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

Join me as I sit down with Jewell Rowlands of Oasis Coordination, a Philadelphia based event coordination business. She is the founder and co-owner of Oasis, and she is all about bringing tranquility to the wedding planning process and putting the needs of her couples first. While sipping gin and tonics, we share interesting (and funny) stories about our successes and frustrations as business owners, and she gives me some pretty valuable advice.Go follow Oasis Coordination on Instagram at @oasiscoordination and visit their website at www.oasiscoordination.comThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com

Over Moscow Mules, I chat with Brittany Bensch of Brittany Elena Photography and Eclectic Branding Co. Brittany is a Philadelphia-area photographer with an edgy and unique perspective that truly sets her work apart. We discuss the origins of her passion for photography, how her background in radiology  influences her artistry, and she offers valuable advice for women entrepreneurs.Visit her site at www.eclecticbrandingco.com and follow her Instagram page at @eclecticbrandingcoThanks for listening!  Follow us on Instagram @champagnestars1 and check out our site at www.champagneandstarsdecor.com