Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Furniss,
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this inspiring publication! Thank you. I’m a believer, wife, mama and I’ve always had an affinity for celebrating. I got that from my mom. I threw parties with help from her and grandma before I knew it was a thing. After graduating UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management, I’ve been around the world working for major corporations hosting conferences and all types of social events. Weaving social impact and sustainability practices into into each event has become my specialty. After my kids were born, I wanted to be home more so I decided to lean on my skills as an event and party planner and start an event management company. Party for a Purpose Events was born in July 2019 in Westchester, NY. Our family ended our lease in Feb 2020 weeks before the pandemic. We found ourselves in a precarious position but went ahead with a move back to Orlando in the height of the pandemic. Starting over has been a challenge, especially since the live corporate events industry was hit so hard. Having my kids closer to their grandparents makes it all worth it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Relocating has probably been the biggest setback. I’m getting out there and meeting wonderful people every day. I ask God to lead me to people that will benefit from my services.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I set up Party for a Purpose using the Triple Bottom Line. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) incorporates the creation of economic, environmental, and social value in business. This is how I’ve set up the TBL for Party for a Purpose Events:
We create economic value through a service that takes away the stress of event planning so my client can enjoy more time with their guests. I take on creating their purpose, vision, activities, budgets, timelines, vendor selection, & negotiations, making sure details are in place, day-of coordination, etc.. We create special experiences that guests walk away from feeling they were part of something special. Celebrating with our dear ones gives us something to look forward to and joyful memories to look back on.
-We bring environmental value in sustainability, which is an important part of the future of events. It starts in the planning stage when we decide which cutlery we use, is it reusable silverware or biodegradable plant-based cutlery? The decor for the event, can we repurpose or do we donate a custom piece after the event? We set up a food rescue recipient in case there is extra food. My goal for every event is a 90% diversion rate, meaning 90% or more of the event waste is kept out of landfills by repurposing, reusing, recycling or composting. Live tablescapes and event gardening are in. Luxury can be sustainable!
-Social Value – People want to do business with companies that are doing good, it’s part of my blueprint. I set up Community Giveback, where 5% of earned event proceeds go back into the community through Hope Helps or the charity of my clients choice. I also do two pro bono benefits each year. Right now, I’m working on a benefit for Ukraine, and later in the year, it’s a local organization that helps fund extracurricular activities for children who can’t afford them.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m a member of the 5 am Club!!! I like to start my day talking with God, manifesting, writing, and movement before I get my kids up for school. I try to shut off my phone every night by 9 so I have time to wind down and get my 7-8 hours.
Contact Info:
- Email: nicole@partyforapurposeevents.com
- Website: www.partyforapurposeevents.com
