Here at Calluna we are always looking for new ways to highlight and honor our amazing creative partners. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some truly talented vendors in the industry, and we’re always thrilled to shine a spotlight on our beloved Colorado wedding community.
Since COVID-19 hit the wedding industry (and the world) with a sledgehammer and subsequently shaking up life as we know it, these small businesses had to pivot and adjust – quickly. With every new challenge a new opportunity is born. We’re elated to continue this our vendor spotlight series but with an intentional focus on the creative vendors who have so beautifully shown up in this new normal with inspiring new business ventures.
Today we’re chatting with our dear friends at Eclectic Hive. Jill and her team quickly and seamlessly launched Feast + Fête, a new design service curated specifically around intimate gatherings. We’re so excited to learn more about it and catch up with this incredible team.
Tell us about yourself and describe what you do! I am the Owner and Creative Director of Eclectic Hive Event Design. I was raised in Indiana and moved to Los Angeles when I was 19 to pursue a career in acting (ha!). that was my introduction into the event industry where I was a part of design teams + venue management for cd release parties, the Grammys, product launches, and film/television shoots. When I moved to Colorado, I knew I wanted to continue down that path but bring a fresh take on events in Colorado.
We know COVID-19 has impacted the wedding industry in 2020 significantly. Tell us about how Eclectic Hive is pivoting in light of COVID-19? We aren’t pivoting much but are taking the opportunity to have a more focused approach to our events. Whereas, when the economy is strong and business is flowing, you have to spread yourself fairly thin to keep up with the demand. Right now, we are given a rare opportunity to invest time, creative space, and attention to the smallest of details with each of our projects. We are also investing in special projects in the company that we’ve always had a passion for but never the time dedicated to see those projects through.
What challenges have you had to overcome since COVID-19 changed the way your business operates? 1. Letting go of control. I’m really trying to stay nimble and trust that what comes out on the other side of this will be the best version yet. We were so caught up in stress, demand, overhead, and the constant need to stay ahead of the pack and what has been unfolding is to slow down, enjoy the job, cut costs and get back to our roots. 2. Feeling responsible for everyone and everything that is happening around me. I have always known, and now need to trust, that I can survive loss. Loss of people, loss of money, loss of momentum. We will all figure out how to take the next step, no matter how scary it might be.
Tell us about your new venture Feast + Fete! Feast + Fete was born when I was sitting in my backyard saying, “I can’t wait to host a dinner party and have 20 friends around, all dining and laughing and enjoying + celebrating life”. I realized there are a lot of people feeing the same way and there are milestones in life (and sometimes for no reason at all) to bring people together in the comfort of our home and celebrate!
What makes you most excited about launching Feast and Fete? Having the ability to consider each detail in the design. The food and how it’s plated, the craft cocktails or wine selections, how to transform someone’s backyard and make it truly celebratory.
How has your Feast + Fete impacted your customers/partners/vendors/etc.? The collaboration so far has been amazing! It’s so great to be able to refer business back to partners that have recommended us for years. We are having a blast together and I’m just so fortunate to have work to design again.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to couples during this time? Celebrate! Even if it’s at your home, now is the time to remember what is so important is connection. To each other, to the meal, to the conversations. This is an opportunity to remember what you are celebrating and why and make that the main focus.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to fellow vendors during this time? I wish I had sage advice but we are all in such different places and at different times. Some people may flourish after COVID. Some may be forced to close their doors. It’s not an easy road no matter which direction you are traveling right now let go of the stress and anger and fear. Because we can’t change what is happening. We can only put one foot in front of the other and keep our heads high.
What companies (in the wedding industry or beyond!) are inspiring you right now? Every single one. Each one has their struggles to overcome. Each one has made impossible decisions that broke up work families and challenged us beyond measure. I congratulate you all for giving it your best fight.
What are you most excited about in 2020? Time with family. Bringing things back to our roots and diminishing the “need” for more and more and more.
What are you most excited about in 2021? Whatever is to come!
Want in on this new service? Us too. To learn more about Feast + Fete, please reach out to Eclectic Hive where they will customize the gathering specifically to your needs. Happy gathering!
Photos by Werk Creative
