Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Pignatello.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I had always worked in restaurants and catering. I loved the fast-paced atmosphere of bringing something to life, working behind the scenes and experiencing people making memories. I always knew I wanted to do something that was creative, interactive and socially stimulating. When I was in college, event planning was not a major or a common profession. I would say it was more like something I organically fell into.
The summer going into my senior year of college, I secured an internship with the Events team at Louis Vuitton in New York City. It was the first corporate-event experience I had, and also my introduction to working in the fashion world. I remember the second day of the internship, being tasked with dressing a model for a private Cruise collection presentation for Anna Wintour. At the time, I didn’t even know who she was. Fast-forward to the end of my internship, I was offered a permanent position which I reluctantly – at the behest of my parents – had to decline to go back and finish my senior year. I was determined to not lose the opportunity, and continued to stay in close touch with the LV team throughout the school year. Upon graduation, I returned to Louis Vuitton in a role under the Public Relations team. I remember graduating on a Saturday, starting work on a Monday and have not stopped since.
After a year at Louis Vuitton, recognizing I had more of an interest in events than PR, I accepted a role on the Events team at Burberry. I was there for four years, growing from a coordinator to manager role, traveling all over – from Brazil to Canada and everywhere in between. My team contributed to opening stores, being a part of launching live-streamed 3-D fashion shows and growing the footprint of the brand in the Americas market.
Following four years at Burberry, I was recruited back to LVMH, to be on the Events team of Christian Dior Couture. Dior is such a special brand – its heritage and history of being one of the last remaining couture houses was an incredible thing to be a part of. I was there for 8.5 years, finishing my tenure as the Senior Director of Events. The experiences I had during this time – being at fashion shows from Paris to LA, creating showcases of the highest level of fine jewelry and couture, planning events that hundreds of people attended – I am forever grateful for. This time gave me the best education I could have ever asked for – and my time working for all of these legendary, global brands, has given me essential lessons, relationships and friendships that I have continued to foster as an entrepreneur.
Similar to that first job out of college, I left Dior in December 2020 and started my own company in January of 2021. Having my own business was something I always aspired to do – and now having it as a reality has surpassed anything I could have imagined. I am humbled and grateful everyday to be able to still work with incredible brands – still many of which are in luxury fashion, but also in wellness, beauty, automotive and tech. Having the ability to do something you love and to build your own brand is truly a gift.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In business, what road is ever smooth? Of course, there have been obstacles and challenges along the way – but all of them have gotten me here. I couldn’t tell you the number of dinners I was late to, birthdays I missed, vacations I worked on – I remember working on my honeymoon. Sleeping in the office, taking a red-eye and being at my desk that same morning, fighting for recognition, doubting my worth – it has all been part of this journey. But I never held any regrets or resentment – every obstacle was a discovery, every challenge was an opportunity to grow and to learn. I am stronger and more confident in my career from having experienced it all – there are no highs without lows.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
That moment when you walk into an event, and it takes your breath away. . . This is what drives us here at Colette Events LLC.
We strive to deliver a personalized planning experience, with creative design and flawless execution for each of our clients. Whether you are looking for a full planning service or day-of support, our team is here to bring your vision to life. We are highly versed in both corporate and private event planning and look forward to working with our clients to provide a memorable experience for all that attend.
The thrill of the behind-the-scenes hustle that transpires to bring something unique and beautiful to life is the guiding force of Colette Events LLC – I work directly with my clients to create experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Services include:
Event Consulting & Project Management, Project-based creative event consulting
Corporate & Private Event Planning, Full scope planning or day-of on-site management services
Production & Design Services, Inspired concept design and event production
How do you think about luck?
To quote Roman philosopher Seneca: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I have a hard time believing in luck – I know how hard I have worked to get where I am. I also recognize and am forever grateful to my incredible mentors, colleagues, vendors, my husband, family and friends who have supported me through it all. Chance may give you an opportunity, but you are responsible for not only recognizing it, but taking advantage of it. I strive to continue to leverage each and every opportunity – good or bad – that may come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coletteevents.com
- Instagram: @colette.events
Image Credits
BFA BlueSpark Photography / Diana Zapata
