Briefly describe your job and responsibilities.
I am the founder and sole employee of The Venue Specialist. I research and establish relationships with venues and other Philly area event vendors to be able to match clients with venues that are perfect for their event.
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What does a "typical" day at work look like for you?
Each day is different, but during the pandemic it's been webinars, industry and venue research to stay up to date, and carving out time for social media.

What was your first job in the hospitality industry?
My very first job was at a deli when I was 16 years old. I enjoyed working in the food industry, so the next job I had was as a hostess then waitress at a restaurant.

When did you know this industry was right for you?
The year after college, I waited tables at a fine dining restaurant. We had the capacity to host private parties, which included weddings. I enjoyed working the events, and especially enjoyed being able to work as the assistant to the Event Coordinator. That was a huge turning point for me.

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to where you are today.
My undergrad is from Drexel in Marketing. After my 3 co-ops, I knew I wanted to spend as little time as possible in a cubicle and I did not want to work for a massive company. After college, I waited tables for a year, and then I taught English in Germany for a year. When I returned to Philly from Germany, I tried to get a job in the events world, but I had a very difficult time getting my foot in the door. I ended up taking a cubicle job at a large company and immediately started applying to grad schools. I was accepted into Temple's Tourism and Hospitality Management program, which I absolutely loved. I did all of my research in the craft beer industry, which led to an internship with a local brewery and a full-time job after graduation. I spent the next 7 years working and teaching in the beer industry, but a few years ago needed a break. I wanted to stay in the Tourism and Hospitality Management field, but I wasn't sure what was next. I spent a few months both self reflecting and reconnecting with friends and colleagues from over the years, trying to figure out how I could use my talents doing something that I enjoyed, and of course make a living! I recognized the difficulty that people had in finding the right venue for their event, more specifically for weddings, and I just started running with the idea of being a venue specialist. Once I came up with the idea, I started asking friends who were already married if they would have paid someone to have found their wedding venue for them, as opposed to them doing all of the research and contacting themselves. The response was overwhelming, and I realized that I had a great idea for a business!

What is your favorite part of your job?
So many elements! I love working with the venues and cultivating relationships with other event industry colleagues. I love being able to problem solve and think outside of the box to offer my clients suggestions and solutions that they wouldn’t have arrived at on their own.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
Finding clients! Since the concept of a venue specialist is relatively unknown, potential clients who are frustrated in their venue search don't know they can pay someone to do the work for them. It's a lot of work to get the word out about the services I offer!

What advice would you give to students interested in your profession?
Everyone has their own path, so even though the door to working in the events world wasn't open for me before, I found another door. Whatever you decide to do today, doesn't have to be what you are doing 5 years from now. Just keep learning and networking and find out what you are truly good at and passionate about, and that's what will drive you.

What achievement are you most proud of?
The implementation of our elopement and micro wedding packages - our COVID 2020 pivot. I'm absolutely loving working with these smaller weddings!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Travel and explore other parts of the world, enjoy adventures with my husband and dog.

What is your favorite food to make or eat?
I love sandwiches!

What's at the top of your bucket list?
Traveling to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

What does a "typical" day at work look like for you?
I sell social and corporate parties for my venue through servicing inquiries, cold calls and networking.
It’s a lot of time on the phone going through event details, building out contracts, and making event dreams come true!

What was your first job in the hospitality industry?
A server when I was 16.

When did you know this industry was right for you?
I tried working in other industries and I hated how stuffy and monotonous it was. I crave the excitement and human interaction this industry gives me. Plus, I'm a hospitable person by nature, so I love giving people a great experience.
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Briefly describe your career path and how you got to where you are today.
I was a server and bartender throughout my 20s. Eventually, I craved a more stable paycheck, so I transitioned to a management position. From there, I fell in love with sales and marketing, and dedicated myself to the event sales sector of the hospitality industry. There are more typical hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm) which gives me a great work life balance, although I still crave the night life from time to time.

​What is your favorite part of your job?
Making connections with people! I love knowing that I am someone's go-to contact for events or partnerships. Like I said before, I want everyone to have a great experience when they are working with me, so if I can make someone's life easier, my job is done.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
Meeting sales goals will always be a challenge because there can be external reasons why certain groups aren't returning, or we aren't seeing the same business month after month. However, it's what makes the job fun.

What advice would you give to students interested in your profession?
Make connections! This is a tight knit industry full of professionals that want to help, so go out and meet people. Make yourself known. Be prompt with responses, and people will love working with you.

What achievement are you most proud of?
I was recognized in my company as a Rising Star in my first year- that's when I knew I found a home!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Bar hopping, hiking, playing video games, hanging out with my husband and dog. I'm a reality TV addict.

What is your favorite food to make or eat?
Mac and cheese.

What's at the top of your bucket list?
Travel more. I'm crossing Belize off my list this year, and I hope to do Machu Picchu soon.

What was your first job in the hospitality industry?
I worked as a prep cook in a small restaurant after failing out of college.

What does a "typical" day at work look like for you?
My days can be so much fun! I typically start and end my day with desk work and emails. I then plan for the day and make any adjustments to schedules or processes needed for any of the different profit centers under my care. I usually am working a station somewhere during our lunch rush. This could include anything from cooking to pulling shots of espresso or bussing tables. Throw in a few meetings throughout the day and that pretty much completes it.
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When did you know this industry was right for you?
I knew this was the correct choice after working in the industry for a few years and committing to go to culinary school. I loved the challenges and camaraderie of the kitchens.