Women's History Month

A Women’s History Month reflection from Chef Joann

‍

Women’s History Month always feels personal to me.

‍

When I started Chef Joann & Co., I didn’t have a perfectly mapped-out plan. What I did have was a deep love of hospitality, a belief that food brings people together, and the determination to build something meaningful around that idea.

‍

Over the years, that vision has grown into a culinary services brand supported by an incredible team—many of whom are women who share the same passion for hospitality, creativity, and care.

‍

In our kitchens, on event days, and behind the scenes, I’m constantly surrounded by talented women who make what we do possible. Chefs, coordinators, planners, designers—women who bring intuition, leadership, and heart to every experience we create.

‍

Behind every wedding, retreat, corporate event, or celebration is a community of people working together to bring a vision to life.

‍

This Women’s History Month, I wanted to take a moment to recognize a few of the incredible woman-owned hospitality partners I’m grateful to collaborate with.

‍

Bee Loved Events: Celebrations Designed with Heart

‍

Working with Bee Loved Events, founded by Brittany Love, always feels like stepping into something thoughtfully imagined.

‍

Brittany and her team approach every event with creativity, warmth, and an intuitive sense for how celebrations should feel. There’s a natural ease to the experiences they create—beautifully designed without ever feeling overproduced.

‍

Over the years, I’ve also had the pleasure of collaborating with wonderful members of their team, including Jessica and Danielle, whose care and attention to every detail help bring each event to life.

‍

As a chef, collaborating with planners who understand the emotional side of hospitality makes all the difference. Bee Loved creates spaces where food, design, and guest experience come together beautifully.

‍

Details Details: The Beauty of Thoughtful Execution

‍

There’s a reason Details Details, founded by Lisa Vorce, has built such a strong reputation in the events world.

‍

Lisa and her team understand something fundamental about hospitality: the experience lives in the details.

‍

My team and I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kristi Lee, whose thoughtfulness, organization, and calm presence make every event feel seamless. Kristi has an incredible ability to keep everything moving gracefully behind the scenes while ensuring every element comes together beautifully.

‍

Their events are polished and organized without losing warmth. When we work together, the evening unfolds exactly as it should—allowing everyone involved to focus on what matters most: creating a memorable experience for the people gathered.

‍

Godoy Events: Turning Vision into Experience

‍

One of the things I admire most about Alana Godoy, founder of Godoy Events, is her ability to translate a client’s vision into something tangible and beautiful.

‍

That skill—the ability to listen, interpret, and create—is incredibly valuable in the events industry.

‍

When we collaborate, there’s a shared understanding that every event should reflect the people at the center of it. That kind of partnership makes the entire creative process feel natural and inspiring.

‍

It’s always a joy working alongside partners who value thoughtful hospitality as much as we do.

‍

Marcy Blum: A Pioneer Who Changed the Industry

‍

There are certain women whose influence can be felt across an entire industry.

‍

Marcy Blum is absolutely one of them.

‍

For decades, Marcy has helped redefine what luxury events and weddings can be—moving beyond tradition and into fully curated, immersive experiences. For many of us working in hospitality, her work has been both inspiration and blueprint.

‍

While I haven’t had the opportunity to work directly with Marcy herself, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with the incredible women on her team, including Julie, Nicole, and Corey. Their professionalism, creativity, and collaborative spirit embody the same level of excellence Marcy is known for.

‍

Women like Marcy—and the teams she has built—have helped open doors for so many others in this industry, and I’m incredibly grateful for that legacy.

‍

Best Day Ever Events: Joy at the Center of Every Celebration

‍

Best Day Ever Events, led by Stephanie Wooding, truly lives up to its name.

‍

Stephanie is the owner and lead planner behind the firm, and we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating together at Sacred Mountain in Julian, one of Southern California’s most magical wedding venues.

‍

What I appreciate most about working with Stephanie is the joyful energy she brings to every celebration. Her events are beautifully organized and thoughtfully produced while still feeling relaxed and full of heart.

‍

We also happen to share a love of Disney, which has led to plenty of fun conversations over the years—and even a memorable moment where we found ourselves navigating unexpected weather together and pivoting a wedding indoors on short notice. Moments like that are when you really see the strength of a planning team.

‍

Stephanie’s calm leadership and positive spirit make her an incredible partner in creating celebrations that guests remember long after the evening ends.

Jasper & Lane: Events as Storytelling

‍

Jasper & Lane approaches events as storytelling—an idea that resonates deeply with me.

‍

My team has collaborated with Averi Linch, whose work as a designer and planner brings incredible creativity and thoughtfulness to every event.

‍

Averi has a wonderful ability to think about the full experience—from the design of the space to the emotional flow of the evening.

‍

When food, design, and hospitality align in that way, the result is something truly immersive. Working with teams who think about events this way always pushes me creatively and reminds me why collaboration is such an important part of what we do.

‍

The Power of Women Supporting Women

‍

When I look around our industry, I see something incredibly powerful: women supporting women.

‍

While Chef Joann & Co. may have started with one woman’s vision, today we’re supported by a community of extraordinary women who help turn gatherings into something truly memorable.

‍

And I’m honored to share the table with them.

‍