Did you know that one way a start-up can really garner a spotlight position is by signing on to be part of the Celebrity Connected award show gifting suites? Here is where talent (actors, social media influencers, top athletes, etc.) converge with brands and media to help promote top-notch products and services. Plus, it is a TON of fun to attend!
Last week, I had the privilege to be a VIP guest at the Celebrity Connected gifting suite to celebrate the upcoming Emmy Awards. The location was one of my favorites in all of downtown Los Angeles- the Millennium Biltmore. The grand ballroom was all “abuzz” with dozens of vendors hailing from all over the world.
While all were amazing, several were standouts, and I would like to highlight them here. Also, I will sprinkle my vendor spotlights with a few anecdotes from the red carpet and the ballroom – you may see some familiar faces!
First up: Unicorn Cupcake Boutique
Meet Tracy Lombardi from Unicorn Cupcake Boutique. She is one smart entrepreneur! Her Unicorn Cupcake Boutique was amazing ! This brand truly is adorable! Cupcakes and a unicorn theme! Plus, the SWAG (gifts) were very clever, including unicorn soap and a sassy t-shirt that read “ Less Bitter, More Glitter!”
Also note, that they donated several SWAG bags to be used for a pre-Emmy event. As I came home from Celebrity Connected with a dozen bags I opened my email to a special request. I received a note from a Mom who has a child attending the Parkland HS in Florida (Stoneman – Douglas), asking for any donations for an upcoming event. Knowing that these children have experienced the unspeakable, I saved most of the goodies from the Unicorn Cupcake folks and will ship it to this family. So, Tracy and Unicorn Cupcake gals, I hope you don’t mind, but your donations are helping young women in Florida feel less bitter with more glitter!
Connect:Tracy LombardiUnicorn Cupcake BoutiqueBig Cupcake TruckInstagram and Facebook: unicorncupcakeboutique
SPORTAMIX: Bringing Coaches and Athletes together
When I first arrived at Celebrity Connected, owner Gene Sheynis invited me to spend time at the SPORTAMIX booth in order to learn more about this “matchmaking” for athletes to professional sports, colleges, etc. and to meet sports agent, Leigh Steinberg. Luckily, I love sports, especially football and soccer, so interviewing Mr. Steinberg later in the day proved to be a pleasure, despite no real preparation. What I learned is that this UCLA/ BERKLEY graduate does not predict Penn State to be in the Rose Bowl, but he does have a winner with SPORTAMIX!
Here is the description of SPORTAMIX straight from their website:
Sportamix is a sports networking platform that enables direct communication between athletes, coaches, recruiters and fans.
Any athlete from anywhere in the world, despite nationality, age, geographical location, or social status, can be discovered and connected.
Follow on Instagram: @SportamixLive
Scenes from the Celebrity Connected Red Carpet and Ballroom:
There are only a handful of “celebrities” that would reduce me to becoming a “fan girl”. Two of those celebrities happened to show up at this Celebrity Connected event. Sadly, George Clooney did not show.
Steven Webber is a character actor known for his roles in WINGS, NASHVILLE and countless other shows and movies. I love his evilness in NCIS and truly it was an honor to meet him. He was funny, gracious and after 20 minutes I stopped being a “fan” as he declared us “new friends”. Steven, if you read this blog – know that I appreciated our conversation, the laughs and hope you get to say “alive” in upcoming roles! (wink, wink).
Judd Hirsch! Oy Vey! Ordinary People is one of my very favorite movies. Taxi was a favorite TV show and Superior Donuts, was light entertainment – but he made it work! It was a pleasure to be in his presence. A true master at the craft of acting and a “helluva” nice guy, too!
PIECE JEWLERY
I like bling. And, bling with style made with clever design gets my attention every time. That is why I really enjoyed meeting Dana from Piece Jewelry. Her passion “overfloweth”.
In their own words:
The Story Behind PIECE:
Many years ago I fell in love with another local jeweler’s website and designs, and seeing her pursue this dream gave me courage to go after my own. I always wanted to create and sell items from my own hands. My love for jewelry started when I was very young, and I have always been a one PIECE kind of jewelry girl. Finding that one PIECE that’s your favorite, and then picking your whole outfit to match that one awesome pair of earrings or that one amazing necklace. Hence the name of our business “PIECE” and our tag line “Find Your Favorite”. I hope everyone finds a PIECE that is their favorite, just like I have for so many years!
COFFEE LOVERS: LIGHTHOUSE ROASTERS
The “family” at Lighthouse Roasters are so kind, generous and knowledgeable about one of my very favorite topics in the whole world- COFFEE!!! Their brews were excellent and they gifted many social influencers during Celebrity Connected and other events that weekend a generous boxed set of TWO of their signature coffees and a drip coffee maker!
Label me a FAN FOR LIFE!!
Yes, Virginia it is a SOLAR POWERED HAT with a FAN by KOOL BREEZE!
Have you ever sat outside to watch your child play soccer/ football/ softball/ baseball ,etc. IN THE HOT, HOT SUN? You end up sweating from the top of your head to your toes! Well, the creators of the KOOL BREEZE hat came up with a solution that uses a mini-solar panel to operate a small fan in the core of the hat. It works! The minute you step outside you hear the BZZZZZZ of the fan. Bring on the summertime concerts! (The photos below looks like I am dreaming of all the applications this hat / product design could have! Shark Tank??)
Instagram: KoolBreezeSolarHats
Now there were many more brands, but due to space, I will give them shoutouts and upload photos on my Instagram account.
Enjoy the photos taken by the amazing JOY DAUNIS of JOYDAUNISPHOTOS.com
