A couple of years ago, we introduced a series on our blog entitled “Creatives Who Inspire,” in an effort to spread the word about some of our absolute favorite event industry professionals we’ve gotten to know and trust over many decades in the business. We LOVED the sense of community it created, and in-turn felt refreshed and inspired by interviewing fellow vendors and leaders in the event world. Our industry, like many others, this year has had to show a great deal of resilience, creativity, and strength. So we thought there is no better time than now to bring back this feel-good series. We are SO excited to be kicking it off with one of the best in the business, Deborah James. Deborah is the Owner, Event Visionary and Producer behind Bella Vita Events. Over the years, she has received many industry accolades for her sophisticated and high-end event planning work. Bella Vita means Beautiful Life in Italian, and it’s fitting for such a beautiful and successful woman! Read below to hear what her current day-to-day looks like, where she finds inspiration and products she can’t live without!
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
With my first conscious thought, I always pray protection over myself and my family, and then as my feet hit the ground, I say “thank – right foot, you – left foot” and immediately hit my knees and be grateful to be healthy for another day…. Then, I hit the Nespresso machine…:)
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Forrest Gump – a wonderful roller coaster of life and emotion to remind us to never take ourselves too seriously, and honor the kid inside of us.
What’s one thing you love about the event industry?
I LOVE the people and their love stories and that I get to be challenged to pull a vision out of them and try to execute a “perfect” moment, in an imperfect world. – and that you never stop learning and being challenged!
Tell us about your pet(s).
LUCKY – found us some 10 years ago and has been the glue of our family, she’s a Chihuahua and King Charles Spaniel Mix and is my shadow & constant in each day.
What does your day-to-day look like right now?
Wow! That’s a loaded query – PIVOTING!!! – But in all honesty, we have lots of systems in place that create structure and accountability with our team. Our motto is “clients” are always first, then new business, and the other marketing and internal items. I find the days are a delicate awareness of service, postponing and educating so we can advise in the next steps, and keep a tab on the county, city, state, and national developments in an ever-changing climate. Also, the hours are filled with reaching out and encouraging our clients and friendors. We all have so many personal & professional challenges at this time… it’s nice to fill a need or lend an ear when others need it right now.
What’s your favorite quote to live by?
“Be still and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10
Describe your favorite meal.
I’m an Italian girl at heart, so anything that has pasta, protein, and veggies is good for me, or anything you put on the grill.
Where do you look for inspiration?
House design magazines, Interior design websites, Instagrams, Pantone webinars, event planners, florists, and designers from Europe and all over the world. Our clients, I find they have saturated themselves with Pinterest & Instagram, and then we get to help shape and guide it into a vision, and then execute it!
Name three things you can’t live without?
Jergens Original Cherry Almond Lotion, Loreal Colbalt Black Voluminous Mascara, with the curved brush of course, & Nerium Night Cream, you can’t beat the inflammatory quality – worth the price!
Where can we find you?
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Deborah of Bella Vita Events! Let us know your thoughts and leave additional questions for future guests of this series in the comments below!
