Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Boucher.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had this very fun job in college as a concert coordinator, scheduling a series of live music events, and collaborating with an event council that planned larger events for the student body. My two years on that event council gave me a taste of some of the things I do today– event planning, marketing, hosting an event, management, and especially the rewarding experience of creating the environments where memories are made, and culture is created.
After getting my liberal arts degree, I started working for a catering company in Beverly, Massachusetts which brought me to mansions, museums, galleries, and private estates in the greater Boston area. Catering is such a dynamic and challenging job that I found to be so rewarding. I’ve been working with Willowdale Estate since 2009, wearing a variety of hats, starting as an event coordinator, then marketing manager, and now the Director of Sales and Marketing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, it’s tough to change your path from what is expected when you finish school or face a major transition in life. I had been studying music for and preparing to be a music teacher for several years before I decided to look for full-time work with weddings and events and giving up on that original dream was difficult. I will say that sometimes the prescribed or expected path just begins to feel wrong and in those cases – it’s important to keep an open mind and move towards the things that are interesting, exciting or personally fulfilling for work.
At the end of 2008 the catering company that I had been working for decided to close, in a way that abrupt ending forced me to seriously consider if I was going to fall back on my degree or pursue a career in hospitality, building on my experience with event planning and management. I’m so happy I decided to look for openings at venues and catering companies! I’ve been working with Willowdale Estate since 2009, wearing a variety of hats, starting as an event coordinator, then marketing manager, and now the Director of Sales and Marketing.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Willowdale Estate is a venue for weddings and events that are known for our historic location (a private mansion hidden away in a 700-acre forest), our restaurant quality catering, and our warm friendly service. Our team is dedicated to creating personalized events, providing innovative planning services, and delivering professional hospitality for our events year-round.
This year was our 10 year anniversary of Willowdale Estate and I am so proud to have been part of the growth of the company for the past 8 years. We have a loyal community of clients, partners, neighbors, and friends that make our jobs so rewarding and fun.
We are building a sister property in Rowley, Massachusetts that will open in the Fall of 2018! This resort style property, Briar Barn Inn, will have a 100-seat restaurant in a post and beam barn, 30 spacious guest rooms, a pool, and spa. I love working with a company that is constantly growing and improving.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Like most people, my life and career have a mix of hard work, self-determination and of course a little bit of luck too! There are so many chance meetings, opportunities, and circumstances in life, and being prepared to act on those lucky chances or big breaks is what can make all the difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowdaleestate.com/
- Phone: 9788878211
- Email: sarah@willowdaleestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowdaletoday/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillowdaleEstate/
Image Credit:
Annmarie Swift, Molly Quill, Erica Ferrone
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