Meet Amanda Murphy of Torrance/ South Bay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Murphy.

Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My business journey began in February 2022, when my son was just two years old. I started this adventure alongside my best friend, creating beautiful, memorable parties while building friendships and connections that made this journey so special. When she eventually stepped away, I continued to grow the business, following my passion for creativity and bringing unique visions to life.

What began with beach picnics and children’s parties has grown into so much more—from crafts and girls’ nights to engagements, weddings, and full-service event planning. Today, I love bringing every detail together, coordinating vendors, and creating seamless experiences so my clients can simply show up and celebrate.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the incredible community I’ve built within the event industry. The friendships, collaborations, and support we share make this business about so much more than just events.

At the heart of it all, I started this business to have a creative outlet while being more present with my son, and I feel so lucky to have built something that allows me to do both. You’ll rarely see me without him by my side—he’s known by so many in this community and has become the best little mascot. This business is more than a job to me; it’s a passion, a community, and a journey I’m so proud to continue growing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building my business has been an incredible journey, but it’s definitely come with its challenges. One of my biggest learning curves has been balancing running a business, raising my son, and making sure I’m still showing up for myself and my personal life. When my best friend stepped away from the business, I had to navigate what moving forward on my own would look like, which pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. Being a business owner means wearing so many different hats and constantly finding ways to keep everything running smoothly, even during slower seasons or rainy weather when events can be unpredictable. I’ve also learned how important it is to build genuine, trusting relationships with both vendors and clients. At the end of the day, I want people to feel confident in choosing me, love their experience, and come back to me for future celebrations. Every challenge has taught me something new, and I’ve learned that growing a business takes patience, adaptability, and a whole lot of heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Coastal Collective is so much more than just creating beautiful events; it’s about bringing people’s visions to life and creating memories they’ll cherish. I love getting creative with different themes and details, whether it’s a kids’ party, a beach picnic, or planning an entire event from start to finish. Over the years, I’ve grown from creating small setups to coordinating all the details and vendors so my clients can simply show up and celebrate.

What I’m most proud of is the community and friendships I’ve built along the way, and how far this business has come since I started in 2022. I put so much heart into every event and love making each one feel personal and unique

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the event industry is moving toward more personalized, experience-driven celebrations rather than just beautiful decor. People want events that feel unique to them, with interactive activities, creative details, and memorable experiences for their guests. I also see more demand for full-service planning, where clients can hand over the details and truly enjoy their event without the stress. Social media will continue to influence trends, but I think authenticity and creativity will always stand out. My goal is to keep evolving, trying new ideas, and creating experiences that feel special rather than simply following what everyone else is doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalcollectiveca?srtk=MWE5dHRmM24xMW01cA==

Image Credits
Confetti and Sprinkles (balloon artist)