Meet Angela Pantorno

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Pantorno. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angela, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Avoiding burnout as a small business owner is no easy feat. I remind myself often that it is okay to take a day off, go on vacation, or put my phone on “focus” mode. One of the reasons I started my own business was so that I could make my own schedule. I recognize that weddings and events more often than not do occur on the weekends. But I prioritize weekends off every so often, as well as avoiding working on holidays if at all possible. Time with loved ones is so important to me, whether it’s celebrating a birthday, going to a hockey game, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, or vacationing together. Because I do work a lot of weekends, I often will take off a random day in the middle of week, making time for self care, running errands, and the like. We have to recognize that we are human beings, not doings, we cannot work 24/7 and days/weeks off are absolutely necessary.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I own Pineapples & Parties Ltd. I started my business in 2018, once I earned my Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University. I actually attended three colleges in total. Right after graduating high school, I moved to Chicago, and attended Roosevelt University. I eventually moved back home, to NW Ohio, and earned my AAB in Hospitality Management from Owens Community College while interning at a local hotel. I loved the industry and working all sorts of events during my time at the Holiday Inn French Quarter, but I wanted the luxury of making my own schedule, choosing what clients and events I worked, and never having to be forced to work a holiday. Pineapples & Parties Ltd. AKA P&P specializes in wedding and event coordination, with special attention to detail, where no two events are the same. I am all about incorporating special, personal touches into your event to make it uniquely yours. P&P will gladly lead any elements we are hired to coordinate and will happily work with any and all vendors! We are all about collaboration over competition, it’s something I preach regularly.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I actually have an intern working with me for the fall wedding season, so this is something I’ve thought about a lot recently. It’s okay to make mistakes, fix them, and learn from them. I wouldn’t encourage that on the actual day of someone’s wedding or special event, but trial and error can be a great way to learn sometimes! Be willing to learn from others in the industry, maybe you’ll teach each other a few things along the way, and make a great collaboration partner while you’re at it too. As far as three qualities or skills, I would have to say my attention to detail, my ability to listen, and my calm demeanor. To expand on those… attention to detail is so important to me, whether it’s when creating the timeline and making sure every last important detail is included in the document for all vendors, or setting things up in exactly the ways that my client asked for and improvising in ways that fit with their wants if we do run into any hiccups. My ability to listen… as an introvert, I tend to listen more to begin with, but I like to truly listen when my clients are speaking to me, what are their concerns, what is important to them, what are they feeling anxious about. Whatever is a priority to them, is a priority to me too now. If they are anxious about particular things, I want to talk through those, and figure out any way I can to make it go away or at least slightly less overwhelming to them. For example, if their first dance at their wedding is making them anxious with all eyes on them, what if we do it right after the grand entrances, so you don’t have to think about it all through dinner. My calm demeanor, I tend to be a very calm and patient person. If a vendor is running late or there was a miscommunication in who was supposed to bring something, this is where my calm demeanor can save the day. I never want to worry the couple, bridal party, or family members. If a vendor is running late, is there something we can do for them now so that they aren’t behind once they do arrive? If someone forgot to bring the plates, where is the closest store? This is also why we have emergency kits with us at every wedding, whether someone needs a bandaid, tape, hair pins, these little things can help keep people calm and not cause stress on the big day.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have always been so incredibly loving and supportive, especially when it came to my schooling, career choices, and now being a small business owner for the last six and a half years. They have shown up to countless events to help me setup and/or tear down. Even something as simple as them sporting P&P branded gear regularly or having my business cards on them to give to someone potentially in need of my services.

I would be remiss to also not mention a few other people as well that have been impactful in my career. My incredible significant other, Justin, who always has food waiting for me after working long event days and has come to my rescue for multiple events. My amazing assistant, Kim, who is a full time interior designer with her own small business too, but cares about my clients like they were her own. My brother and sister in law, Dominic and Kassara, who have worked multiple P&P events and who hired me to do their wedding two years ago, which was the biggest honor and so so special. My friends, Toni and Emily, who have also worked multiple P&P events and will always support in any way that they can. Shari and Kaitlyn offering their support from across the country. Gabby Wilson, Social Events Co., who is the literal definition of collaboration over competition and a huge blessing in my personal and professional life. My friends, family, clients, referral partners, vendor friends… you have all supported and cheered me on and I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career without you all!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandparties?igsh=cXAxNXpnYmQ3Mmg3
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EvWzuZt3Q/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pineapplesandparties?_t=ZT-8rbw6xy55xO&_r=1

Image Credits

Emily Manders Photography

Belle & Bee Photography

Kelsey Fisher Photography

With Love Photography