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