Name and Title:
Jennifer Zabinski, Founder
Company:
JZ Events
Contact info:
Address: 250 East 73rd Street, #15B, New York, New York 10021
Office ph.: (212) 362-4755, Website: www.jzevents.com, Email: info@jzevents.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
As a native New Yorker, I began my career on the west coast in luxury hotels and quickly moved back home to the city to begin my business in event planning which I have been doing for the last 17 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I got my start at Cornell Hotel Management School where I learned the foundation of any successful event is great hospitality. My career started in luxury hotels, working for both The Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons. With that level of service in my background, I was inspired to bring a client-centric approach to planning wherein I really allow them and their ideas to shine.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I’d say what makes us different is that JZ Events is more than just a team, we’ve formed a family. The women I work with have been with me for more than 10 years and to have an extremely talented group to collaborate with, is such a gift. We are always on the same page, and can even finish each other’s sentences at times! Having a tight-knit team is essential for the success of our events.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the relationship that is created while working so closely with my clients. So many have become friends and part of the JZE family. After planning their weddings, we go on with them to plan their baby showers, birthday parties and even mitzvahs for their kids!
I also love the adrenaline rush on the day-of the event when all the work leading up to the big day comes to life and memories are created.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Having had the privilege of working at some of the most amazing spots in the city – my secret spot is my home. There is no bigger luxury than uninterrupted time with my family.
How do you benefit mamas?
Go out for a date night, take the kids to a movie, or just kick off your shoes and relax! Give us a call and let us do it for you! Anything from last minute dinner parties to a milestone birthday. No event is too small - we’re all over it!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
The most heartfelt feedback I’ve ever received from a client was hearing how their 40th birthday weekend was more beautiful than they were able to envision; that the entire party was truly a dream come true. It is hearing words like these that make me smile! It was also quite the memorable event for the JZ team too; with details ranging from custom flight experiences with monogramed napkins to daily room turndowns to personalized bags and surprise fireworks. An amazing experience with a couple we’re happy to call our friends!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Darcy Miller. She’s a truly inspirational peer and friend. She always manages to find time to create, work and pack lunc hes for her children! Check out her book, Celebrate Everything for some of the best tips on how to turn any party into an unforgettable event!
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Best Advice: Someone once told me, when you're brought on to plan an event, the client always comes first (a given!); and that my number one goal should be to reflect my client's’ personalities. Making sure the space looks like them is the greatest achievement possible giving you the most gratifying reward - happy clients.
Mantra: “Educate. There’s always more to learn about ourselves and our clients”
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Hire a planner! I think all of you super-mamas out there can agree that there aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all yourself!