The Swanky Soiree team is proud to announce that Swanky is celebrating 10 years this summer!

From bigger cars, to a bigger office and warehouse space. Swanky has grown A LOT from when it first stated. Christina and Kourtney started planning and decorating weddings and events when all they had for storage was Christina’s loft for office space and garage for warehouse space. Not to mention that Jamie drove a small sedan and Christina had a SUV. Now, Swanky is proud owners of a full show room and office space, 2 large warehouses, a trailer, 2 trucks, and a large SUV.

We also asked the owner and operator of Swanky Soiree a few questions…

  1. What made you want to start Swanky Soiree Events?

I have always had a passion for designing and planning parties. My background in interior design, graphic arts and hospitality helped me navigate into the industry. I come from an entrepreneurial family and always knew I wanted to start a business.

 

  1. What is your all time proudest moment that Swanky has given you in the last 10 years?

    I have so many proud moments. When the rental division  first starting taking off it was pretty chaotic. There was no rhythm and structure. I love all the amazing systems we have put into place. I love watching our team grow professionally and individually. We are blessed to have such a talented group.

 

  1. Did you ever think Swanky would be where it is today?

    I knew I wanted to create a business with a niche. I had no idea what that niche really was when I first started. The longer I was in the industry the more I realized there was a need for a one stop shop planning and rentals company giving all the destination weddings and events that take place here.

 

  1. About how many weddings/events did Swanky do the 1st year it was established? How about now?

    The first year in business we maybe had 15-20 weddings. Last year we had 284 events. Not all of them are planning, some are  rentals only . We have expanded from just weddings and small gatherings  to large corporate productions.

 

  1. What would you like others to know about starting and running a small business, that maybe you didn’t know when you started?

    You will work harder than you ever imagined. But if you truly love what you do it doesn’t matter you just keep grinding. Passion will get you far in life.

 

  1. What is your all time favorite wedding you have worked in the last 10 years? What made that wedding stand out from the rest?

    This is hard, We host so many unique events but I would say my top was a wedding at the Ringling that had multiple clown acts. It was so intimate and unique.  Really anything that brings a unique touch is always memorable

 

  1. Where do you see Swanky in the next 10 years?

    We will continue to grow in the wedding and event  industry . I would love to keep growing the corporate side of the business and expand our rentals inventory. You never know, we may franchise!

 

8. What is your favorite rental item that is in the warehouse?

    I love our rattan jumbo lanterns right now. We just purchased more styles.

 

9. Why do you think couples should hire a planner?

   You spend way too much time, money and effort not to. Without a planner the event is vastly different. Someone needs to captain the ship to avoid sinking. Our professional advice is truly invaluable. For weddings this is the biggest party you will probably ever throw so why not make it the best party you will ever throw.

We also asked Stefanie a few questions relating back to the success of the business!

  1. How exactly did you come into the Swanky Soiree Events family? 

I was selling weddings at a local tiki hut on Anna Maria Island. I had met Christina and Jamie by using swanky Soiree draping and lighting to dress up the tiki. They were looking for another swanky ninja to  join the family it was a very easy yes for me! 

2. What is your all time proudest moment that Swanky has given you in the years you have worked here?

This is a hard one, as I don’t think I have only one. This job is the jack of all trades-  and there has individually been several

Moments I’m proud of. The two most generic ways to describe my several proud moments would be watching your design ideas come to life and clients and co workers are happy with the outcome. Also running a large event at difficult venues, and being the head puppeteer for it and it all goes smoothly. The five star reviews that follow that is a great feeling!!

3. Did you ever think Swanky would be where it is today?

Yes and more to grow baby! 

4. What would you like others to know about working and helping operate a small business, that maybe you didn’t know?

The community and overall vibe is completely different and homey. We put in a lot of time and effort in this job and you mind as well do it in an environment that is comfortable, kind, strong and open for growth in any paths. It’s hard to find that in larger companies. 

5. What is your all time favorite wedding you have worked in the last 6 years? What made that wedding stand out from the rest?

Well as much as we love all of our couples, the weddings that are usually my favorite are the ones that add in an extra unique twist that you don’t see. Such as hiring entertainment and special effects that really wow your guests and vendors. 

6. Where do you see Swanky in the next 10 years?

Hopefully branching out to additional services to offer like floral design, or bar services, or just having our own “swanky” venue space to host. 

7. What is your favorite rental item that is in the warehouse?

I love our green walls, they are super fun and make a great canvas to elevate a photo backdrop or signage / welcome space 

8. Why do you think couples should hire a planner?

A planner helps create an organized and calm environment when planning any sort of special event that takes time and details. We want to be your bestie when planning a special occasion that you can rely on , and stay focused in a fun way. 



Swanky Soiree Events is growing more and more each and every day. We absolutely love to see the growth! HAPPY 10 YEARS OF SWANKY!!