Buffalo Boss Babe: Sam Nelson, EVL Events
Happy Friday Babes! This week’s Buffalo Boss Babe feature is on Sam Nelson from EVL Events. Read more on Sam and the fun events she plans in WNY below.
What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
I have lived in Western New York my whole life. People always ask me, if I could live anywhere, where would I pick and I always say here! Though I wish it was a little warmer here more often, there really isn't another place I'd rather be. I have lived in Ellicottville for the past 7 years. However, my business brings me to Buffalo very often. Wedding and Event Planning always peaked my interest. In my early twenties, a girlfriend and I really wanted to start our own business but had no idea how or where to start. Fast forward to my very own wedding in 2013... my now husband and I planned the most amazing 80s themed wedding you could image and did it in 3 months. I am one of those people who weirdly work extremely well under pressure, so planning an event couldn't be more perfect for me. I had so much fun planning our wedding and I was really good at it. However, again, didn't know where I would even start and I was extremely comfortable with my job making a ton of money and felt secure. I was often asked to help plan small parties, events, and help with weddings. Planning kept finding its way back to me. In 2016 EVL Events was born. I decided to start it as a side business... something just for fun while I still worked my corporate job. After doing a wedding at Marcy Casino, I just knew that this was what I was meant to do. In December of 2017, I decided to quick my comfy full time job and hustle and make EVL Events something amazing. I started my Facebook and Instagram pages and started making phone calls! What makes me a Buffalo Boss Base? Well I was super passionate and driven to make my new baby a success that I did everything I could from networking to marketing and working hours on end and turned it into an amazing award winning business now! I am extremely hardworking but most importantly I think I am most know about creating relationships with people that are true and genuine! I am all about helping others grow and succeed as well!
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
Gosh! When I got the email today (on my birthday) that I was nominated, I literally teared it. To me being a Buffalo Boss Babe means that you are recognized for being a strong woman who is making an impact in Buffalo and helping contribute to making it an amazing place! I am beyond honored to have been nominated along these amazing Boss Babes who have been recognized.
Becca Sutherland Photography
Who are your favorite people to follow ?
I am super motivated by Boss Babe Rachel Hollis! She is such an inspiration. In my industry, I also follow, Marcy Blum, Carats & Cake, Jove Meyer and Easton Events. I also love scrolling through my Instagram feed and seeing all the amazing Buffalo Businesses and what they are up to!
What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY
Gosh there is so much to do! I do love experiencing the things right in our own backyard like at Holiday Valley and the Village of Ellicottville. In Buffalo, we love taking our son to fun things going on, concerts and Bills games!
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?
So far my most favorite collaboration was at La Galleria spring of 2019. We put together an amazing shoot with some super talented local vendors. This shoot was such a great experience for me because I got to work closely and get to know some great women! This was also first shoot that got published and I was so proud of our group! It was so beautiful and different! I just fell head over heels for it! However, it's going to be really hard to hold on to this one as a favorite because we have some really great things coming up in 2020!
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
Ooh this is a tough one. In the current moment, I think I would have some tea (not a caffeine drinker, crazy, I know) with Marcy Blum. I would love to pick her brain and ask her a million questions!
What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or Small?
My hopes and dreams are that I keep growing my business and it remains successful. I am finally doing what I love and on my own terms and I couldn't be happier. I want to keep surrounding myself with amazing, positive people like I have been and watch my tribe grow! I want to keep making my friends and family proud!
Tell us about your family?
I have the most amazing family! My son Weston is my everything. He is about to turn 4 in May but certainly acts like he is a teenager. He is totally my kid! He is so fun, spunky and is teaching me things on a daily basis. I have been married to John for almost 7 years. He is so extremely supportive and my biggest cheerleader! He is the one who pushed me to quit my job and follow my dreams. Weston is super lucky to have two grandmas who love him beyond words! Though we have a small immediate family, we have some pretty amazing friends in our lives are the best family we could ask for!
Leanna Alexis Photography
FEEL GOOD FAVORITES
Food:
Pizza- but a good NY Style pizza
Color:
Tiffany Blue and Pink
Super Power:
The ability to control time, slow it down, stop it. It just goes by too fast.
Animal:
Giraffe
Season of the year:
Fall
Favorite thing about Buffalo:
Watching it grow and turn into the beautiful city it's meant to be.
Social Media Info: @evlevents
