60 Seconds with Jessica Stefan
Jessica recently moved over to Ampersand from our sister company ITA*, and it's great to have her aboard. In her role as Sales and Events Executive, Jess helps us to build our client relationships, and ensure that everyone who works with Ampersand enjoys an event that completely exceeds their expectations.
What has been your all-time favourite event you have worked on and why?
My most recent event actually, an intimate wedding at Clissold House. The couple were a dream to work with and wanted the focus of the evening to be guest socialising over dinner – nothing was to be rushed. We managed to transform the room quickly and the couple's colours of white and gold fitted perfectly. It was the first wedding I had co-ordinated and one I'll never forget.
What is the best thing you have ever eaten?
Last year I visited the Red Lion Freehouse, right by the river Avon. I had the most amazing rib-eye steak ever; it was so delicious I completely forgot to eat the sides with it! With it being a special weekend, we'd taken a lovely bottle of red with us and that bottle is still standing with all the other memorable wines that have been enjoyed in the restaurant today.
Tell me about an event situation that required a quick creative solution?
During my time as the Christmas guru for our sister company ITA* I looked after all of our Christmas parties, from theming to co-ordinating the event. One year, my client had a huge increase in numbers three days before their party. This was great, but we didn't have enough centrepieces or crackers for the additional tables. Our preferred florist was unable to create additional centrepieces, and by that late stage in December, our cracker supplier was running low.
Knowing what stock we had at each of the venues, I travelled around London to pick up spare table-centres from each of our venues and then to the shops to pick up crackers. It was a very tight but I managed to get enough centrepieces and crackers, and we had a very happy client!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’d love to become a seamstress – I know the basic skills but it would be great to be able to make my own clothes and dresses.
If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be?
Every Glastonbury Festival that has ever happened and that will ever happen!
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
Mary Poppins. When I was a child, you could catch me watching it every day, and I would always be looking up the chimney. Who wouldn’t want to be able to fly around on an umbrella and carry their whole life in one bag?
If someone asked you to give them a single piece of advice, what would you say?
Never panic – it’s wasted energy and stops you for focusing on the end goal. Things always work out in the end, and if you keep a level head, you’ll reach the light at the end of the tunnel much quicker.
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I would love to be able to fly – imagine how quickly you could get to work!
