Summer Series Interview #3 - Amanda Vela, CELEBRATE

Amanda Vela, CELEBRATE

This week I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Amanda Vela, the founder of CELEBRATE, a company which specialises in creating stunning platters for events ranging from business meetings to birthdays. While completing her degree in communications, Amanda worked part-time for a boutique catering company as well as at a interiors and lifestyle magazine. She later worked in PR at Estee Lauder before becoming the Brand Events Coordinator at MAC Cosmetics. Amanda has a natural eye for beauty and this can be seen through the way she presents her platters.

So, first of all tell us a little bit about CELEBRATE, what kind of services do you offer?

Decadent, over the top, outrageous platters served on slabs of marble. 

We pride ourselves on our generous catering and ability to surprise and delight our customers and their guests. It is organised chaos in a visually delightful way. 

What inspired you to start your business?

I grew up with a loud, over the top, incredibly welcoming Croatian family who love to celebrate life and host generously -  so of course I am no different! 

Cooking and creating beautiful food for people has always been a passion of mine and these platters were something I would make for friends all the time. I put a photo up on my Instagram story one night and the response was a bit overwhelming. It sparked an idea and after researching I saw there was a gap for the market for my aesthetic. My creations are over the top and they take it to the next level in a beautiful, luxe way. 

What does a typical day in your life look like?

I love to start my day in good company - either by taking my little dog for a walk in the sun or going to the gym to spend the better part of a session laughing with my best friend!

I have some incredible suppliers who deliver their beautiful produce to me from all over the country. Quality ingredients make such a huge difference and receiving these in the mornings at the beginning of the week is always so exciting.

There are so many beautiful homemade elements on my platters and making them is definitely one of my favourite parts in the CELEBRATE process. I turn the music up loud in the kitchen, open all the doors and windows for the sun to flood in, and get to work baking, cooking and generally making a bit of a mess to create delicious pieces!

Depending on what time orders are booked for impacts how I structure my day. We do some incredible breakfast platters, so on those days my alarm is set quite early to create and deliver on time. Luckily I’ve always been a morning person, my ‘snooze’ button has probably never been used! 

Typically, deliveries are requested for later in the day though, so I usually have the afternoon free to catch up on admin, trial some new ideas and concepts in the kitchen, or meet a friend for lunch.

Then it’s time to prepare, create and deliver a CELEBRATE special! I love being part of people’s milestones and celebrations.

I’m also a co-owner of Kate Solley Workshops, which are fabulous two hour, hands-on makeup workshops that I’ve launched this year with one of my best girlfriends. We host 4 or 5 different themes a month and attendees also get to enjoy glasses of bubbles and a signature CELEBRATE platter while they’re there. Held at 6.30pm, this is such a great way to finish my day and so lovely to be able to see people enjoying my platters at the same time. 

What’s been the hardest part of running your own business so far?

Taking photos of food is really surprisingly difficult! But besides that I really can’t think of anything? I love every aspect of running my own business, from all the admin to the building of each platter! I’m so proud of what I have created with CELEBRATE, it has been one of my most rewarding achievements. 

What’s your favourite part of what you do? 

Delivering a CELEBRATE platter is one of the best parts of my job. I will never not love seeing a customer’s face light up when I deliver their order. Each platter is such a labour of love, with so much planning and thought going in to create a gorgeous and delicious result!

What advice do you have for someone planning on starting their own business?

Do plenty of research and talk to people who will challenge your ideas and help you see different perspectives. Then be brave, back your own vision and surround yourself with those who encourage you when it gets hard. It’s scary to put yourself and your name out there but it’s also so exciting! Every time an order gets confirmed I still feel like doing a happy dance. 

How can we get our hands on one of your beautiful platters?!

Easily! Check out our platter size options at celebrate.net.nz then email me directly at info@celebrate.net.nz to ensure your date is available to place your order. The cost includes delivery to your event and pick up the following day - it couldn’t be easier for you to wow your guests. I believe a CELEBRATE platter is perfect for any celebration, whether that’s one of life’s great milestones or simply getting everyone together on a Friday night.

Thanks again to Amanda for being apart of my Summer Series. I hope you've all a wonderful Christmas break! 

- Ruby x