Interview & Giveaway From Splendid Events

Mar 24, 2011 by Natasha

A few weeks ago, ShopHaven attended Colourbomb, a fashion event organized by Splendid Events. I never met Amy in person before – the creative force and founder of Splendid Events. We always chatted on Twitter but never really in person, so I was really happy when I had the chance to meet her at Colourcomb. And the more I talked with her, the more I realized that she was a great representation of Ottawa’s businesswomen.

I’m happy to profile Amy and Splendid Events this week on ShopHaven, and it just so happens that Amy is a fan of ShopHaven.

Giveaway: Amy is generously donating a pair of tickets to “Rouge: Ottawa’s Ultimate Bachelorette Party” for this Saturday night March 26, 2011. All you have to do to win is comment below and tell us why you an your girlfriends deserve a night out. We will randomly pick a winner on Friday March 25 at 7:00pm E.S.T.

 
Here is ShopHaven’s interview with Amy.

ShopHaven: Can you tell us a little about yourself.
Amy: I’m originally from Vancouver but have lived in Ottawa since 2000 and definitely consider it my home. I’m married to a wonderful man (hi Michael!) and we’re animal lovers with two adorable rescue cats, Sigmund and Pinot.  I like to keep pretty busy but if I have a free night, I’m happy to stay in with a great bottle of wine and some really tasty cheese.

SH:  How did you get started in the event planning business?
A: I first got interested in event planning while I was working for a cosmetics company, where I planned their in-house corporate events.  I thoroughly enjoyed that experience but really got hooked while I was planning my own wedding. I had always been a huge supporter of small businesses, local artisans, and local farmers, and wanted to help others plan weddings and events that were natural, personal, worry-free, and locally-focused.  No one in Ottawa was doing that so I decided to launch my own event planning company — Splendid Events!

SH:  What was the first event you planned?
A: Great question! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the girl who loved to throw a great party.  My very first event was probably a friend’s birthday party back when we were 10 years old, but as Splendid Events, my first event was my own wedding which was last spring at the National Gallery of Canada.

SH:  What is your favourite type of event to plan?
A: I’m a bigger romantic than I’d like to admit, so weddings will probably always be number one for me.  But I’ve discovered that another favorite of mine is helping emmerging small businesses plan launch parties, grand opening parties and trunk shows.  These businesses often want a little extra help getting their name out there but aren’t sure where to start.  That’s where I come in: I help them execute a great event that fits within their budget and generates the publicity they need. My most recent small business event was the Blush Beads COLOURBOMB Spring Trunk Show, back on March 3 at HUSH Boutique.

SH:  What are some of the interesting events you’ve done since you started working?

A: Actually, the most intriguing event I’ve been involved with is a wedding that’s coming up this summer.  You may have heard of Jordan and Brian of Project: Priceless, an engaged couple who didn’t have much money for a wedding so they decided to see if they could get married for little to no cost through trades, donations, and goodwill, and they’re blogging about their journey as they go.  I’m offering my services to them free of charge to help them bring all the details together into one cohesive, effortless day.  You can read more about them at http://projectpriceless.blogspot.com/.

SH:  Can you share with us some of the hottest wedding trends for spring? What about hot Ottawa trends?
A: My top pick for spring wedding trends is feathers!  Ottawa brides are head-over-heels for them at the moment and so am I.  Use them in your bouquet, add them to your gown, or forego a traditional veil and opt for a high-impact feathery fascinator by local designer Kate Arnold of Flights of Fancy.  Another hot Ottawa trend that’s continuing this year is smaller weddings with a real focus on the couples’ personalities and the local area; many couples are keen on working with local farmers like O’Brien Farms or local food artisans like koko chocolates.

SH:  What is the most outrageous request you have had when planning an event?
A: I love when clients have a unique idea they want to incorporate into their event, and my current favorite is an idea from Project: Priceless.  The motif of their wedding will be feathers, leather, and motorcycles.  They’re even replacing traditional wedding rings with tattoos.  For some couples that would be outrageous but for them it’s absolutely perfect.  I’m all for bringing your own personality into your event, it makes the day that much more meaningful and unique.

SH:  From your experience working with and watching brides, what would your advice be to them on their wedding day?
A: My advice would be to get plenty of rest the night before and remember to eat and keep hydrated on the day of the wedding.  It’s a full day and you’ll need all your energy!  Delegate tasks and make sure you’re not the point of contact at your own wedding; you don’t need anyone coming to you to ask questions about light switches or place settings.  I’ll manage all of those little details for you.

SH:  What are some of the benefits and challenges of being an entrepreneur in Ottawa?
A: Being an entrepreneur in Ottawa can be a bit intimidating since we’re such a government town, but I really see that starting to change.  Ottawans are increasingly in-tune with their communities and the talent in those communities, and many are avid supporters of the local economy.  The small businesses I’ve worked with have been incredibly supportive and collaborative, and that’s been a real treat.  We all have goals and are helping each other reach those goals.

SH:  Do you have any events planned soon?
A: I do!  This Saturday March 26th is ROUGE: Ottawa’s Ultimate Bachelorette Party, which will be held at Mansion Nightclub.  Ottawa’s top-notch wedding and event professionals have joined forces to launch an un-wedding show; what’s an un-wedding show? No convention centre, no booths, just creative, stylish professionals showing what they can do instead of giving a sales pitch.  The night will include great food by Essence Catering and Auntie Loo’s Treats, a performance by Ottawa hip hop artist SJ STACKS, a cutting edge bridal fashion show by Luxe Bridal, and a lot more. Tickets are only $10 each and we’re donating all proceeds to the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO).  We also have three huge raffle prizes worth over $1000 each that ladies can bid on to help us raise even more mone for the ACO.

SH: Thanks Amy!