Meet Kate from Kate Landers Events LLC

Kate from Kate Landers Events, LLC

I am beside myself with EXCITEMENT writing this blog post! In 2009, when I first began Lily Chic Events, the person who took my breath away with their creativity was Kate Landers.  I remember seeing her Mermaid Party and at the time I was researching the twins Jellyfish themed Christening, and I was just in awe. I kept going back to it and was just amazed that one person could come up with something so beautiful. 

Mermaid Party by Kate Landers Events as seen on Hostess with the Mostess

When Kate announced she was slowing down her blog posts and collaborating with Layla Grace, I was disappointed {purely selfishly} that I wasn't going to be able to see her exciting posts so often.  But then the ideas from Layla Grace were always amazing and I came to look forward to seeing what Kate was up to next.

Baby Shower Inspiration by Kate Landers Events as seen on Layla Grace

Vintage Silhouette Party Inspiration by Kate Landers Events as seen on Layla Grace

Today Kate is a stylist, creative director and trend setter....but above all of this, she is a Mummy. A hard yet fulfilling role that Kate clearly cherishes. So without further ado...I introduce Kate Landers to you...

Gorgeous baby Noah!

'Tortilly Adorable' Turtle Party by Kate Landers for her son Noah

What do you love most about your job? 

"I love many things about my job. First, the ability to celebrate the lives of children and bring them joy. I also love the ability to teach mothers the joy of creating parties for their children! Then of course I *love* working with other designers and artists who share the same passion for children's party design and styling--it's like having many kindred spirits! There is no denying I love the creative freedom of my work, and ability to mix my passions for business, creativity and celebrations together!"

What makes Kate Landers Events unique to you? 

"I like to think that my interpretation of a theme (such as "mermaid") is something that no one else would have envisioned just that way. My design process and vision are my art, and what I hope creates some level of uniqueness."

What has been your proudest moment with your business? 

"I'm proud to say that I have struggled and learned to not be afraid of change. Change in my business plan. Change in my outlook. Being able to say "I could have done that a lot better" and "I'm not perfect--never have been, and never will be--but will ALWAYS give it my all"...I worked 14 hour days 7 days a week for years, and am proud of my perseverance. But more proud to say that I recognized that wasn't healthy, nor in the best interest of my family or business, and made the leap to big changes that have improved things all-around."

What has inspired you this week? 

"A vintage 1960s tiered tulle party dress!"

How do you make time for Kate Landers Events? 

"I am still working that out--it is on my mind and in my heart, but my number one priority is my son Noah, and my lifelong dream was to be a mommy, so fulfilling that is most important. I am working on finding a balance of working in the evenings, having Noah in the baby bjorn during photo shoots...lots to learn!"

What's in store for 2012/13? 

"Many shoots, more work for Layla Grayce (which I ADORE), Noah's first birthday party, and a few surprises that I really, really look forward to when they are done!"

What is your favourite item from Layla Grace? 

"Oh my, I only WISH I could choose a favorite. It is the style of Layla Grayce, the mix of timeless classic, romantic "shabby chic" and fresh current on-trend items that makes it so spectacular. I love the furniture, floor coverings, bedding, cake stands,....I can say what Noah's favorite item is: The Little Giraffe Luxe Blanket they gave him--it is the "blankie" he holds for comfort, and is the softest and most fabulous ever! I wish they had an adult size!"

 If you could have any style in your home, what would it be? 

"I love sophisticated cottage chic. I have a vintage cream armoire with pink and cream toile fabric in the doors that I LOVE--lots of white, soft colours, exuding warmth and comfort, with lots of style (like a pink  velvet pintuck headboard and a vintage barn door-turned-farm-kitchen-table!)"

What style trend are you loving right now? 

"I love the soft colors and textures in many of the textiles available these days. Pattern on pillows and rugs that is soft but striking makes it so easy to transform a room. For example, we have all-white couches and chairs in our living room. With a switch of throw pillows or an area rug, I can change it with the season or mood. I prefer items that are timeless an classic, not trendy--so I love the "trend" of classic patterns."

What style trend are you over right now?

"Well, it has nearly just begun, but I would love to see a bit less of "chevron"--I think it is striking when used here or there, just not all over!"

FUN FACTS ABOUT KATE:

-Favorite Colour & why? 

"Pink. And White. It's calming, fresh, pretty. It defines much of my wardrobe!"

-Fav Holiday Spot? 

"A tie between Martha's Vineyard and Santa Barbara, California"

-Food you couldn't live without? 

"SWEETS. I love eclairs, cream puffs, cake, pies, breakfast pastries....and chocolate."

-Fav Facebook Page? 

"Too hard to choose just one!"

-Fav item of clothing? 

"My wedding dress."

Lastly...finish this sentence.....

"When I was little, I always wanted to be......." a veterinarian, a wife, a mommy, and a party planner...",

Kate's Signature Nutcracker Suite Party 

Kate's Woodland Themed Party

Thank you so much Kate for taking time in between your very busy schedule and Mummy duties to answer my questions. It has been such an honour having you on my blog and on my last blog as Lily Chic Events too!

Yes...you read correctly.  

This blog will now be known as 'Olivers Alma Cottage'.  You see, for about 6 months now, I have been seeking the feeling I first had when I opened LCE.  And the closest I have felt that lately is when my husband and I purchased a 5 acre property with a small 100 year old cottage.  The farmlet sits on what used to be an apple orchard.  We loved the idea of naming the property {as they do in England}, so after days of deliberating, it was actually one of the twins who decided for us. Aurelia wanting an 'alma'. {Alma being an Apple in Hungarian, my heritage}.

And so it begins....and ends.

Shoppe with Lily will remain open {in September}, but will no longer stock party ware.  Instead we will be stocking one off beautiful Vintage wares along with gorgeous home wares.  

I have yet to decide what to do with Lily Chic Events, and have had offers to buy the business.  I will be keeping my options open as I am still completing the Preston Bailey Course...so you never know how Alma Cottage could be used as a Wedding Venue....we do have a lovely Barn!!

I want to finish off by saying thank you. To the large amount of emails I continue to receive from people I have not met, encouraging me, supporting me and just for being there...thank you.  To the friends I have met and worked with, especially Leoni from Just Call Me Martha, Melissa from The Sweet Society, Lou from The Little Big Company, Jen from Vivid Health/Jennifer Birkhead Design, Liat from Lee Bird Photography, Kate from Kiss Me Kate, Anita from Cake Envy and Lauren from LOve Cakes, you will never truly understand how much of an impact you have made on me in the last three years.  

So, until the next time you see me...as Olivers Alma Cottage..thank you!

Home