Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Johann.
Hi Kathryn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up working in fine-dining restaurants as a waitress and bartender and also spent years learning how to cook. When I moved to LA, I started hosting pop-up dinner parties and small cocktail parties through a company called Feastly. I truly love to entertain, meet new people and create a beautiful space for people to enjoy their time. My past restaurant experience has helped me train my staff to make sure every detail is perfect for my guests. I started Parties By The Sea and built my company to expand into Orange County where I have many clients and work with the best chefs, florists and photographers in the industry. I am fortunate to be featured in Vanity Fair magazine and plan the parties for The Real Housewives of the OC and Selling The OC.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid was definitely hard to navigate especially during the riots in LA. I had to figure out ways to create small, intimate events and started relationships with boat charter groups in LA and Newport Beach. My clients could enjoy cocktails on a boat and I would handle the catering, flowers, birthday cake or anything else they needed to have a safe but wonderful experience. I also work with a helicopter company in Malibu that sends my clients to a private mountaintop retreat for romantic picnics overlooking the ocean.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from the others is my extensive network. I am very outgoing and I am now well known to not just host the best parties but also find the best people in the area. I pride myself on my ability to design a gorgeous environment that my guests can either benefit from making new friends, creating new business contacts or possibly finding the love of their lives. If that’s the case, then I also get to plan their bridal showers, weddings and baby showers!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I learned a lot from the Covid crisis in having to become very creative to be able to host events in a safe manner. I design luxury beach picnics that can be small and intimate. I also do photoshoots for brands on yachts with a team of Instagram models. I truly had to persevere through a time most party planners had to give up on their dream. I am very fortunate that I was able to flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.partiesbythesea.com
- Instagram: @partiesbythesea.la
- Facebook: Facebook.com/partiesbythesea
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/partiesbythesea
- Other: (949) 698-2255
Image Credits
Benjamin Paul Benoit
