Mary Irizarry, known as Ivy, is the driving force behind two distinct businesses: Ivy’s Events and The Venue. Ivy’s Events specializes in event planning, décor, balloon design, and floral arrangements. The Venue is a boutique-style event space that offers comprehensive décor packages for various types of gatherings. Although Ivy is the face of both businesses, she relies on a dedicated team that makes her vision a reality.

Ivy’s passion for event planning dates back to when her children were young, decorating their events and receiving encouragement from family and friends to turn her passion into a business. This sparked her curiosity, leading her to delve into the world of event planning. With over 20 years of experience in the field and one year running The Venue, Ivy thrives on the intricate details of event creation. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing the joy on her clients’ faces when they experience a personalized celebration crafted just for them. Ivy’s Events and The Venue are located in the heart of Liberty Heights in Springfield, Massachusetts, and serve the Springfield area and its surroundings.

How do you ensure authenticity and trustworthiness to your clients? My
background is in customer service. So when I first meet with a client, I will always
bring my true self. My goal is to make them comfortable, and to ensure their trust
in my creative process. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my events. I provide top service with quality products. I also understand that they could have gone to
anyone, but chose me. Therefore, I will always go over and beyond. Customer
satisfaction will always be my number one priority. My clients also know – I will
always bring the extra.

What’s your favorite part of being a business owner? The reoccurring
clients! I have clients, who contact me every year to make their event amazing. I
have created their Quinceaneras and now I’m helping them plan the wedding or
baby shower. It truly makes my heart skip a beat, because I get a little glimpse of
their very important milestone and celebration.

What makes your business unique?  I will always go over and beyond. No
two parties are alike. I have become friends with some of my clients.

What motivates you?  My little chicas – ( chicas is girls in Spanish ) I have
glambabies, nieces that look at me for inspiration. I want them to know that they
can do anything their little heart desires, they are strong and beautiful.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be? Run the World (Girls)
from Beyonce. Im a girls-girl. It’s always girl power over here.

What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs who are just
starting their own businesses? *Or remove female – Do not wait to have all of
ducks in a row, because you will lose valuable time. Start NOW. You will learn
along the way. Don’t let them process tear your confidence; it will not be easy but
at the end it will be so worth it. Continue to learn and network.

What’s one crazy business idea you’ve had that worked out better than
expected? – Opening The Venue, as a one stop shop for events. Took a few years
to find the perfect place. Although the process was not easy, we learned quickly
from our own mistakes. It’s bittersweet to finally have a place to call home for my
events.

What do you want to achieve in the future? Having my own building, able to
offer a full catering kitchen, area for wedding ceremonies. Having it running
properly to leave for my children and glambabies.

What strategies or practices have helped you navigate the demands of
entrepreneurship? – One of my best practices and that I am still working on it is,
learning to say no, I can no longer take last minute clients. I would feel bad for
those last minute clients, needing a balloons arch two nights before the event, I
would get consumed with the last minute request, lose sleep over ordering and
getting things ready. Now – I just have to say no. I am also still learning to stop
answering messages in the middle of the night. I’m working on funneling all
inquiries through one system.

Can you share a memorable success story or achievement your business
has experienced? I had my first wedding ceremony at The Venue. During cocktail
hour, we moved pcs of furniture around the room to get it ready for dinner. I cried
in the corner, because honestly this was a big moment for me. My team was there
and we moved everything effortlessly and seamless.

What motto/quote do you always try to live by? Life is too short to have
boring parties- author unknown.

What’s the last show you binge watched? – Bridgerton

What do you do for fun in your down time? – Spending time with my
husband, going to dinner and visiting family. I also love shopping!

What’s your favorite snack? – I love sweets and kitkat!

What was the most recent interesting conversation you had? My glambaby,
Myabelle. She said Mimi, “I’m so proud of you, you have a whole business now”
And I said- we have a whole business now. Because what’s mine, is yours and
your sister.

What’s your dream vacation? Thailand, Bali or Figi.. its those beaches for
me.

Coffee or Tea?– I will forever be a coffee girl! I need it first thing in the
morning to function.

Favorite show or movie? Crazy Rich Asias and The Notebook. When I have
my moments and need to relax, I will rewatch either of these.

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it
be? – Just start, don’t be afraid and follow your heart chica!

What Inspires you? – My glambabies (aka-the grand-daughters) They make
me laugh with all of their curiosities and always keep me on my toes.

Do you have any pets? What type and their names? We do have a grand-
pet. He belongs to my daughter. His name is Joey- and his full of personality. He
is very bossy and makes me laugh.

Tell us about your family! – I am very family oriented and believe in family
values. I absolutely love my family & will always turn on them for support and
guidance. I have an amazing supporting husband, who always makes me laugh
with his craziness. I have two adult children, Alex and Areeana. Who make me
incredibly proud. Two grand-daughters, known as “ the glambabies”- and I am
crazy about them. They are in the perfect age of 8 & 9. I am incredibly close with
my extended family, we travel in packs – and celebrate everything. At any given
time you can find us celebrating a birthday with 25+ of us sitting at a restaurant
table.

Learn more about Ivy’s events and The Venue here

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