Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Mcconney
Hi Paige, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire with big dreams of living in New York City. I was fortunate enough to receive a full athletic scholarship to Manhattan College’s Division 1 Track & Field program where I high jumped for all four years
After graduating in 2009 with a degree in Marketing, I started my career in retail. Eventually, I transitioned into the experiential event industry by working as a Brand Ambassador for some of the biggest sports, entertainment, and beauty brands in the world.
I set a goal to work in account management for an agency. Over the next five years, I gained valuable experience by working in every position involved in running events. I worked my way up and eventually landed a job at a major experiential event agency. I have now been working in the events industry for over 13 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to where I am today hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a rare nasal cancer that required a year of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgeries. After I went into remission (it’ll be 25 years cancer free this December!), I needed something to keep me busy and help me get back to normal life as a pre-teen. That’s when I discovered high jump and joined the Track & Field team. High jumping became my therapy, and I continued with it through college earning myself a full athletic scholarship to Manhattan College.
In 2018, I lost my job and then two weeks later, I had a stroke. Even my doctors were puzzled as to why a healthy 30-year-old like me would have a stroke. I spent the next year recovering, moving back in with my family for a few months so they could assist me in my recovery.
Fast forward to 2023, I was on a work trip in Anaheim, CA when I tripped over a curb and tore my left Achilles. Compared to everything else I’ve been through, this was just a minor setback, but boy was it painful and frustrating. A year later, I’m still working on getting my strength back.
I won’t sugarcoat it – I struggled mentally for a long time. It felt like one thing after another, but I’ve come to see each challenge as a lesson. Each hardship has taught me something and helped me become a better and more compassionate person. So, if you ask me if I would change anything, my answer would be no.
We’ve been impressed with Spruce NY, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Spruce in 2022, an event planning company that focuses on event planning, day-of coordination, and staff management. From private luncheons to bachelor/bachelorette parties, I can handle it all.
What makes my company stand out from others is me. I genuinely care about my clients’ happiness throughout the event planning process. People appreciate my honest recommendations, even if it’s not what they want to hear. I also seem to have a knack for getting people to open up to me quickly and seek my advice. I take that trust seriously and strive to make every event special.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Running a business while also working a full-time job can be overwhelming at times. I’ve realized the significance of asking for help (it’s never been that easy for me) and making sure to take breaks when necessary. Prioritizing my physical health helps me stay focused and perform at my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itsspruceny.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsspruceny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsspruceny/
