Hello!
Let me introduce myself; I am Erin and I am the owner and official Boss-Babe of
Events by Pins & Petals. Though my business is new to social media, I am not new to this industry!
With a total of 15 years of Hospitality and Event industry experience under my belt, I pride myself on my knowledge and expertise in this field. Being an Event Planner is more than my career, it is my passion. In all of my years in this industry I have had the pleasure of working on events ranging from major production sporting events, to corporate events, to weddings, to galas and all of the things in-between. And, honestly, I love all of them! As one of my idols, Martha Stewart, once said, “There is no single recipe for success, but there is one essential ingredient: PASSION.” My passion shows in my work, my commitment to my clients, and my drive to always be a better version of myself.
My passion started rather young when I was working at a private country club a lifetime ago. I worked my way up from being the weekend receptionist and designated coat-check girl to taking on more and more responsibilities to eventually taking on my own events in their Food & Beverage department. After many years at that venue, I eventually branched out to other opportunities at other venues throughout the Bay Area. When I was just getting started I can remember the tedious task of displaying clients’ seating charts and escort cards for their events, but I took the task very seriously using my own yardstick in order to ensure each line was perfectly straight and even! No matter where I am working or what type of event I am working on, I stay humbled by how I got started in this industry and always recall that trusty yard-stick and my attention to the smallest detail from the very beginning.
While working my way up through this industry and gathering experience at all types of different venues, I received my college degree in Hospitality Management with a minor is business. I went on to become a certified event planner, also, through a UC Berkeley program. I am proud of my education and certification and I think it speaks to my dedication to my career but I also feel that my vast experience is a truer indication of my skill and abilities. I believe in investing in my career by constantly challenging myself, learning new things, and expanding my skill-set so that I stay on-trend in this industry. I think Martha Stewart (yes, I know, another Martha quote…) said it perfectly when she said, “Once you realize that you have identified a passion, invest in yourself. Figure out what you need to know, what experience and expertise you need to develop to do the things that you feel in your heart you will enjoy and that will sustain you both emotionally and economically”.
There are people out there who have the type of careers that they can truly leave their work at the office once their work day is done but in my line of work, that isn’t an option! Not only do I figuratively take my work home with me and literally work all hours of the day & night and weekends sometimes, I love what I do so much that I apply it to my personal life and hobbies, also. ​I often make the joke that my three children will never know what a small birthday party is because mommy is an Event Planner through-and-through! With three children who love parties, decorating, and hosting friends over just like their mommy, I am never bored when it comes to birthday and holiday celebrations. I’m also never short on little helpers who are slowly learning to be creative, too!Â
Being creative is absolutely an outlet for me and the design aspect of being an Event Planner carries over into everything from my home decor to hosting parties at my house to my love for fashion. All of these creative areas require an eye for design and a love for styling. Of course in the event industry, being an Event Planner is more than simply styling and decorating a beautiful table; I have to have the math skills to handle budgeting, the skill of spatial awareness to put together accurate and true-to-scale floor-plans and diagrams, and analytical skills to handle complex logistics of complicated venues and events. Not too mention, I have to be organized, timely, and a total BOSS when it comes to commanding respect and attention in coordinating vendors, guests, and even bridal parties on such hectic days! But I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that the styling is my favorite part. Well, that and being a BOSS​ because as the fabulous original boss herself, Anna Wintour, once said, ” You can’t be some difficult, shy person who is not able to look somebody in the face; you have to present yourself. You have to talk about your vision, your focus, and what you believe in”.
Just like Anna Wintour, the great Martha Stewart, Coco Chanel, and countless other BOSS-Babes, I have no qualms with speaking up, speaking out, and taking charge on my events. With that being said, I’m also a great listener and have always said that being an Event Planner is similar to being a hairstylist where you almost take on a pseudo therapist role! Part of my job is being an ear for clients during what might be a stressful time for them in planning a major event, as well as being there to make them laugh and relax a little so that the experience is more enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you need help planning your wedding, your corporate event, or a social gathering, I want you to know that you are important to me. Your event is important to me. And no matter what your event is or how big your budget might be, I am here to make it work and work for you. I am here to ensure that your vision comes to life at your event and at the end of it, you are stress-free and happy! I hold myself and my work to a high standard and that is absolutely carried over to every event thatI plan and even my own parties that I host. I live by the ever-fabulous and iconic Coco Chanel reminding us all to, “Keep your heels, head, and standards high!”.As a lover of champagne and french-fries, I encourage all potential clients to schedule a time for us to get together. We can enjoy a glass of bubbly and some fries while we get to know each other and talk all the pretty things for your even. I can promise a good time but I cannot promise I won’t quote Martha Stewart, Coco Chanel, or Anna Wintour a few times!
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