Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Brown.
Hi Ali, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in Santa Clarita, I have been in the event industry for over 15 years. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, I put my culinary skills to work as an assistant pastry chef at Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewery. It was there that I realized my real passion was interacting with people, which meant getting out of the kitchen. I was quickly promoted to the Catering Manager and learned all the basics needed. From there, I went on to become the Food & Beverage Director at The Paseo Club, where I learned many valuable tools while building the business and networking within the community.
In 2012, I moved to Santa Barbara to take a job at the beautiful Bacara Resort & Spa. There I was fortunate enough to work with top conference and event teams such as Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Google’s Executive Circle, and many others to produce one of a kind events for couples, corporations and celebrities alike. After getting married, I knew that we would need to move elsewhere to start a family and buy a home, so we came back to our hometown. When I came back, I realized Santa Clarita had something missing- there was nowhere to find unique or premium rentals like I was exposed to in Santa Barbara. My extensive background, coupled with my attention to detail, love of food, wine, and a fantastic party led me to creating Touch of Gray Event Rentals & Design.
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?
All roads have bumps along the way! The biggest struggle over the years was probably just always dreaming of having my own company but not feeling like the time was right. Luckily for me, the pandemic provided just the push and right circumstances needed for me to take the leap.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My company has many different sides to it. Just need tables & chairs? No problem! Throwing a party and need just a little help with the table decor and set up? I do that as well! Getting married and need full-service planning and design? Touch of Gray is just what you need! My passion is really for helping others- most people think throwing a party/event is extremely overwhelming. For me, it is fun. All events are different and have different challenges – which is where I thrive.
When coming up with my company name, I came across this quote that really felt perfect – “Gray is the queen of colors, because she makes everyone else look good”. – Helen Van Wyk
That is what my job is all about- making my clients look good and bringing to life their ideas.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.touchofgrayevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchofgrayevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touchofgrayevents
