End of the Night spotlights creatives leaving a bold mark in the world of events and hospitality industry in the Midwest and throughout the country. Inspired by conversations shared amongst colleagues over a cocktail after the event is over, join me as we recap it all.
Patrick Clayton is the Founder and Owner of Patrick J. Clayton Productions — a full service event design and production company based in New York City. In today's episode, Patrick shares his philosophy around creating those tangible moments to appeal to the senses, which certainly has applicability for many creatives in our industry. Patrick also graciously shares his principles around branding and artistic identity and a few comical opinions on gender reveal parties. If you're looking for a laugh, you're in luck. Enjoy!
Peggy Tarpley is the Founder and Stationery Designer of Whodrew, where she specializes in custom stationery, wedding invitations, beautiful custom watercolors, and more. While working full-time in design at American Eagle, Peggy launched Whodrew as a side business and after it took off, she never looked back. Peggy and I discuss her design process, who her dream client is, and what her thoughts are on digital wedding invitations. I'm thrilled to share this lighthearted, joyful conversation with you.
Jennifer Stucko is the Founder, CEO, And Creative Director of Prota Fiori, a luxury footwear brand that has caught the attention of Vogue, Forbes, and InStyle to name a few. After realizing the drastic negative footprint that the footwear industry has on the environment, Jennifer was drawn back to her roots to become a pioneer in the sustainable footwear industry, one feminine step at a time. I'm proud to share this incredible conversation with you all today.
After a whirlwind few years, it's no wonder there's millions of questions in the air re: what is and isn't okay to require from a client or vendor. If your head is spinning just thinking about it — trust me, I'm with you. David Glod is an expert in both litigation and business transactional matters. On this episode, Dave was generous to answer and discuss questions like, "As a wedding-planning couple, can I require my vendors to be vaccinated?", "As a wedding vendor, am I legally required to disclose that information to my client?", and many, many more. I hope you find value and answers in this conversation.
Meredith Stoecklein is the Founder and Designer of LEIN, a bespoke bridal collection made for the big day and every day. Meredith and I discuss how LEIN has restructured their business model, defined the importance of ease in a bridal look, and what it's like to have her work worn to events where designers like Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta have pieces in the room. I'm thrilled to share this emerging concept of ready-to-wear bridal fashion with you.
Meet Anja Winikka, CMO and Co-founder of Maroo, a platform designed to make paying for a wedding simple, fair, and support couples as well as the small business owners that power the wedding industry. Think of the "buy now, pay later" trend. During her 15+ years working with wedding vendors and engaged couples, Anja shares the gap she found in the industry and what inspired her to start a tech company for the 95 BILLION dollar industry. I'm thrilled to share this eye-opening and fascinating conversation.
Carl Ray is a celebrity make-up artist who has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. His experience includes a long roster of notable clientele including the official make-up artist for former First Lady Michelle Obama since 2009, amongst many other incredible women like Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman and more. We're so excited to share his incredible story on building a burgeoning artist brand.
Alexandra Griffin is the branding expert and baker behind Alma Kitchen; the wildly successful shortbread company that has delighted the likes of Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and more. Her elegant designs provide memorable food experiences unlike any other, and also do good for the planet because as you'll hear, Alexandra is passionate about social impact. Hey, if eating cookies is one way to protect the environment; I can get on board with that.
As a former teacher, Jennifer Haf of BLOOM Floral Design admits she fell into the business. It was after a move back home to Michigan that as her home garden took shape, so did her love for flowers. As a self-taught designer, her passion for flowers is truly inspiring. I hope you enjoy my conversation with this fellow Michigander.
Heather Leavitt is the cake designer/owner of the famed Sweet Heather Anne, located in Ann Arbor, MI. We are so excited to share her sweet success in the world of celebratory confections with our listeners! I know you'll become a fan of her fondant, but her sage advice and tactical business expertise is just as satisfying - especially for someone that started her business at the ripe age of 26.
Lisa Ashley is the owner and curator of The Wedding Artists Collective. From her sunny Northern California office, she manages the artists' day-to-day operations, freeing them up to do what they love and do best – make beautiful photos and films. She reps an impressive roster of talented filmmakers and photographers who have been recognized by Harper's Bazaar, BRIDES, Vogue and many more as bonafide tastemakers.
Capturing intimate moments of beauty and joy, photographer Meg Smith comes from a long lineage of visual artists in her family. And, it's a legacy she feels really privileged to continue. Meg has captured the most remarkable celebrations from Napa Valley to New York and exclusive destinations around the globe.
Adam and Jerome are partners in life and in business. Together they form the charming personalities behind one of the most fresh musical bands in the Midwest - OneUp Duo. On this episode of End of the Night, we dive into their journey as a same-sex couple working in the hospitality industry and their experience growing from solo entertainers to an unstoppable duo that landed a spot on Season 15 of The Voice.
Kelsey Sheofsky is the powerhouse leader behind the experiential outdoor event production company, Shelter Co., which she describes as the “antithesis of camping.” Shelter Co has produced large scale music festivals, outdoor weddings, corporate retreats…
Raise your hand if you're excited for a little shake up in the wedding entertainment industry. Me too. There are a few companies who are raising the bar, and Rock With U is certainly one of them…
Alicia has found a deep sense of purpose through her educational series, Confidence in Color, and shares her perspective on being an Afro-Latina woman in a traditionally underrepresented market…
The Shinola Hotel is nothing short of spectacular. As one of my favorite venues in the heart of Detroit, I had the pleasure to interview their Director of Special Events & Catering, Mary Caterhine Moore about the new era of hospitality.
Meet Chris and Julie Neubauer, the husband-wife team behind the incredible Yonder Design. Yonder is a luxury graphic design and event branding firm that specializes in creating unique, highly tactile pieces that often combine a variety of materials and production methods…