An Inspired Chat with Elayne Sawaya of Eastside and Westside

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elayne Sawaya. Check out our conversation below.

Elayne, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Flower arranging and tablescaping which to me go hand in hand. I love foraging for all sorts of things that I find in the urban and rural landscapes. I collect them and have created a special space to store them so that when an event comes I have the raw material with which to work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I connect clients to the right caterer for their events. Corporate, Non Profit and Private clients who want to host an event that has a food and beverage component contact me and ask for my advice on who on my roster of clients might fit their needs. I quiz them extensively about what they are trying to achieve, who their guests are, and what their budget parameters are. I also ask them what their expectations are in terms of menu, service style, food presentation etc. It is this discovery process that allows me to make an informed decision as to who might be able to meet their needs and even go above and beyond their expectations.
Although there are many caterers out there, I believe there are only a few that are a perfect fit.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I used to compare and despair quite a lot. I had a feeling of being less than- that I couldn’t measure up. That I was somehow not capable. That everyone else was “cool” and I was in the out crowd.
Now I know that not being like everyone else is my super power. It’s the secret sauce that allows me to be innovative, to take chances on people who maybe don’t have a recognizable brand and nourish and encourage their unique qualities and talents.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that is always with me is that I can’t do something I’ve never done before. Taking a chance and trying to do it. Understanding that if it’s worth the effort then fear is something that accompanies it. My fondest memory is when an employer wanted to give me a raise and I decided to turn it down because I thought “well if they give me that raise and promotion then they will be expecting me to do things I will be unable to do. When my colleagues at work heard that I turned down the raise they were rather taken aback.
I eventually was persuaded to take the raise –that I would be ok.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that I really care about being straight with people. I hate surprises and I assume that other people (Clients) don’t appreciate them either. Hence my extensive questioning of clients. I am honest to a fault and you will know how I feel about things . I don’t like to schmooze. I like to get down to the meat of the matter. I hate wasting time and I am anxious to know whether we share enough in common to become true partners and have each other’s back in all situatioins.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I could be trusted to be a straight shooter and that I possessed impeccable taste in all things related to food and design. That I had a sense of humor about myself and that I forgave easily. That is was the best mom a dog could ever have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cateringconcierge.net
• Instagram: @cateringconcierge
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/cateringconcierge
• Other: phone: 213-999-5856
  [email protected]