Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Kelley.
Hi Peggy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles in 1982 and started in the restaurant arena at the Hamburger Hamlet chain. Harry and Marilyn Lewis were amazing teachers, I learned culinary, business and most of all the power of community relationships. From restaurants it was a natural stepping stone into catering and event design and production. In 1988 I started at Walt Disney Studio in Burbank, moved to the Getty Villa to join the museum community where my skills blossomed in so many ways there and at the Huntington Library. With the start of the new millennium, opportunities to launch the OLA Cathedral plus redesign the event space at the Natural History Museum kicked off my next career chapter. The 2007 and 2009 NHM Dinosaur Balls are still two of my best Gala events.
In 2006 it became time for me to step out on my own and with that Timeless Celebrations was born. Now nineteen years later with hundreds of non-profit, social and wedding celebrations, Timeless Celebrations is proud to say…we are honored to be a major contributor to the Los Angeles event industry. Now it is my time to give back what was so freely given to me…with that TLC mentors/coaches budding event students, I speak at conferences such as The Special Event & David Tutura Experience plus I support my non-profit community thru sponsorships and complimentary services. With 37 years in the event space, we have only just begun.
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?
Although I have been blessed with mostly smooth sailing, my biggest challenge was a marriage & a divorce as my former husband was my business partner. Needless to say that got sticky.. I got the business…he got “EVERYTHING” else.
I had to start over in 2008 and from 2008 to 2013 it was one step at a time with alot of support from the event community. This was the time when relationships were the key. We all helped each other and still do to this day.
I speak on the topic of “challenges” as the event industry tends to put on a “pretty face” even when one’s butt is falling off.
We all have challenges, health, wealth, family, business and more… I always say it is not what happens to us it is how we use it to help & serve others to know they can make it through anything too:))
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative storyteller. For me it is all in the details…personalization…deep relationships that touch all of our senses. There is what is called a “Peggy Party” ..Still today, I have clients call me and just say…”I want a Peggy Party.”.
I am a listener and observer of people, I am willing to ask deep questions so that together we can create the event that people walk into and say….”It’s sooo you” and walk aways saying…”I have been somewhere special” People give us their time, we need to give them value , respect and WOW!
I provide alot of my personal items plus pull from my client “treasure chests”. too:))
I am a researcher, the Huntington Library taught me well the power of story.
I am also known for never doing the same “Party” twice. Yes we are “Timeless” but with a twist…not dated!.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My family moved alot as a youth so I was shy, I starting reading and painting at age 4…Books were and still are my safe place. Art, drawing & painting were nurtured in my home along with music and performing arts.
I was and still am a “girlie tomboy” & athletic …sorry no dolls for me.. I played baseball, built forts plus biked & canoed in the Girls Scouts.
I started babysitting at 12 and by 14 I was painting for a few of my babysitting families. I was a great duplicator and kids loved them for their rooms.
I also displayed my art/drawings in my high school. A landscape was framed and placed in the principal’s office lobby.
I started work at 15 at the YMCA and by my senior year I was full time at Montgomery Wards in Warren Ohio. That is how I got to college as I paid my way.
Pricing:
- Custom packages based on client needs
- Coaching: 125/hr
- Speaking: Based on conference or organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.timelesscelebrations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timelesscelebrations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimelessCelebrations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-kelley-3a18204
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@latenitebride7552
Image Credits
Mikki & Sonja Photography -Wiltern Wedding
Mikki & Sonja Photography- Huntington Wedding/whites & green photos
Peggy Kelley (me) for the second Huntington Wedding.
Mardi Gras Wedding (photographer has passed away.
