Lovelynn’s Story
I grew up working in my parent’s sail making business just outside of San Francisco and was exposed to the nuances of running a business, (and sailing many different types of boats) at a very young age.
My passion for events began with organizing the annual logo t-shirts silk-screening and painting of the loft floor, planning the infamous Hogin Sails Loft Holiday Open House (complete with reindeer costumes and a dingy full of beer), and executing various company dinners. I learned about keeping clients happy, the books straight, and creating amazing experiences for our guests.
…and yes, that is me in the crazy pants!
Not surprisingly, my first “real” job after Hogin Sails was working in a family-owned vintage gift shop as a Victorian gown model and sales clerk.
At 14 I learned how to tie the perfect bow (on bears) and had my first experience catering the Victorian Charity Ball, in costume of course. While dancing with San Francisco Ballet gave me my strong sense of discipline, running the drama club & assemblies for my high school taught me organization and color coordinating. It was the early 1980’s after all!
I think I still have that apron!
In 1999, after college and 8 years in feature film as a costume supervisor, I applied all these lessons to creating my own event production company in Pasadena, CA, and continued to develop and hone my business operational skills while designing and executing successful events for numerous clients.
My love of all things historic lead me to specialize in vintage themed events. The strong desire to give back to the next generation guided me to lead educational workshops for up-and-coming event business owners and eventually traveled all over the United States for speaking engagements at event conventions. I am just one of those rare individuals who thoroughly enjoys speaking in front of large groups and is energized by helping others learn and grow.
I definitely still have that dress!
Fun Fact
In 2003 Lovelynn served as the technical adviser on the feature film “Wedding Crashers”
Wedding Crashers Interview with Lovelynn from special features on the DVD
In 2004, I sold my business in California and moved to Tampa, Florida with my family.
There I found employment with an historic boutique hotel, a catering business, an historic event and concert venue, and event production and destination management companies, all of which were rich in history. For these companies I created operational designs and marketing plans, developed new revenue streams, sold and executed events, and saw exceptional growth with each company I became a part of.
You will always see me with my signature flower in my hair. One day when my kids were young I forgot to wear my flower. My then 6 year old son genuinely said “But mom, how will anyone recognize you?”
In February of 2012 my journey brought me to Newton, Massachusetts.
Aramark, a global food service company, placed me at Pine Manor College to direct the event sales department. I was in charge of renting any space not being used by the college which included a 500-seat theater. I gained insight to the ins and outs of the business of education, oversaw a team of individuals in a variety of departments, and managed an ambitious budget. My skills allowed me to design the website, create social media marketing, and assist the developer of a new catering software to customize the system for the College and implement it. My drive to give back once again lead me to develop an internship program that helped many students achieve their goals.
During my time at the rebranded “Dane Estate” I was fortunate to assist in the planning of The Country Club in Brookline, MA’s Centennial Celebration which included dressing the staff in period appropriate attire.
My CCL (Chief Cheer Leader) and Bestie, Rusty, visiting me at The Dane Estate at Pine Manor College.
Then in 2016 one of my clients at Pine Manor College was so impressed with my skills they offered me a position as Practice Manager for their medical facility.
During the next four years I ran the clinic, managed the financials, oversaw insurance collections and doctor credentialing. As the Human Resources director (which included recruiting), I helped implement a robust Customer Relationship Management software program, managed the marketing, and oversaw the build-out of a new building and the subsequent move into a new office. Once moved into the larger space, I managed the other tenants and maintenance of the building, oversaw the build-out of operating room suites, and hired nurses and staff. Here too, I developed an internship program to give up-and-coming medical professionals a place to start.
This is a photo of me and my kids at the grand opening of the new clinic. They were such handsome greeters!
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and my boys were not going to be in the classroom, I needed to step down and take care of my family.
This break provided me with the opportunity to reflect on what matters most to me, helping other’s grow.
As Albert Einstein said,
“In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity.”
Lovelynn Ivey Consulting is the result. I truly gain a great sense of accomplishment helping others grow & have a passion for teaching and a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of industries. If you are still reading this, you know what I mean.
Since launching Lovelynn Ivey Consulting, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best private clubs in New England from Lake Sunapee Yacht Club on the 12th Districts and Western Hemisphere’s regattas to Kernwood Country Club on refreshing it’s Catering & Event Department.
Just as I guided the sails through the machine at Hogin Sails, I will be your compass through the journey of updating your infrastructure, transitioning to new leadership, and executing extraordinary experiences for your members and guests.
We Build Upon the Culture of Your Club
We embrace the traditions, people and experience that make your club unique.
Photo by: anne-mariephotography.com