How Chris Harmon’s Personal Wedding Planning Experience Inspired Her to Start Her Own Company

This interview is part of the Entrepreneurial Women Series, a column published by Leila Lewis, to shine the light on the inspiring women making waves in the business world.

Christine “Chris” Harmon is the founder and lead event planner and designer for ChrisFête Events, a Boston-based boutique event planning and design company offering creative event services all across the East Coast. After receiving amazing support and encouragement from her friends and family when she planned and designed her own wedding all by herself, she decided to turn her passion for hosting into a thriving business focused on creating detail-oriented events that pack a punch. We were honored to hear more of her story!

Interview with Chris Harmon, Lead Event Planner/Designer, ChrisFête Events

I've always had a passion for hosting and being surrounded by good conversation, laughter, food and drinks. My inspiration came from the overwhelming support and encouragement received from family and friends after my husband and I got married in 2016. I planned the entire event alone, from all the logistics to the design. They still say our wedding was the most amazing wedding they've attended! Since then, the company has grown immensely! From the planning process, to the experience the clients get, to the smallest design detail.

I've taken things from prior managers I've worked under. I always noted the good things from managers/directors and told myself if I'm ever someone's boss, this is how I'd want them to feel. I've learned that making employees feel that they are able to reach their full potential in their work is the most effective way to have your employee not only bring their best to work every day, it gives them the confidence to know they are the best at what they do. When someone can show up to an environment and feel their best, they will always be drawn to that environment and continue to bring their A-game! The aces behind the brand are everything. Without them, there is no brand.

The hospitality industry is certainly one of the industries hit the hardest during the pandemic. We've adapted to change pretty smoothly I'd say. We don't take on too many events, and those that we do are pretty intimate, and that is the brand: bespoke intimate events. In general, the changes in the industry overall have really given us the flexibility to adjust the brand to really focus on our niche.

Design! The design aspect is what I live for! I live for that initial WOW from the client and guests when they enter the event.

Mocha cookie crumble with almond milk and warm butter croissant from Starbucks! A Pink Drink if it's a light day.

A nice power nap. A great way to redirect my focus from work to the house, kids, and husband.

My explore page is full of Australian and European event designers! I browse for hours!

1942 with pineapple, sugared rim, martini glass :)