Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Bonelli.

Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started Philo as a passion project, to bring more connection and joy to my life through meaningful gatherings with friends and family. After hosting Orange brunch (link to last Canvas rebel feature that tells this story) I felt a creative spark , but it wasn’t until friends & colleagues started to reach out asking if I would help recreate the magic did I think there was a path forward for Philo as a business. A colleague who had recently launched a Saffron business and had seen photos from Orange Brunch asked if I would help style a lifestyle photoshoot for the brand, and I dove in headfirst. I loved getting to create concepts for the Saffron brand, bringing to life the vibrant purple saffron flower through a butterfly pea cocktail, the yellow hue post-bloom in bright beautiful orchids, and vintage tableware with a touch of modern – just like the brand’s ethos of bringing the modern day consumer into the wonder of the Silk Road. That shoot crystalized everything for me. I couldn’t see it at the time, but my whole career – going from food media to brand strategy – was leading me to Philo. Today, I continue to plan and design events for individuals (like baby showers, microweddings, engagement parties, etc.) and brands, doing launch events, new product activations, & influencer dinners.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I am a little over a year into running Philo and while it has largely been smooth, of course there are trials and tribulations along the way. The biggest thing that comes to mind is transporting inventory and florals to and from events – to say there have been some accidents would be an understatement. Whether it’s florals falling over in an uber, or a plate cracking, you always have to have a contingency plan. The day before an event my apartment turns into chaos – with packing materials, boxes, tissue paper and tubs taking up every square inch. As a small business owner, a studio of my own is not currently in reach, so creating a separation between work and home has definitely been a challenge that both myself and my husband have to deal with. After a big event it might take 2-3 days to return the apartment back to its state of peace.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Philo?

Philo is a full-service event planning and art direction studio, inspired by the word Philoxenia—the ancient Greek art of hospitality. Philo specializes in creating magical moments for brands and individuals through experiential storytelling and gathering community around a beautiful table.

Philo is most known for styling and experiential marketing events / activations for brands in the CPG & food space. We focus on taking a brand’s story, vision, and key tenants and turning that into both a visual activation as well as an experience for the brands’ customers.

In a social media world where brands and algorithms are fighting for our most valuable asset—attention—intentional in-person gatherings are an opportunity for brands to form a genuine connection with their customer, and tell their story in a unique way.

Philo takes elements of the product or story to produce the theme, florals, details, food & bev, and decor. The rise of the conscious consumer has made events like this not just a nice-to-have, but a requirement for winning with customers who want to know the deeper story of the origins, practices, and promises of any brand they spend with.

I am most proud of my reputation in the market. With almost no marketing outside of social media, all of Philo’s clients have been through word of mouth or referral marketing – speaking to elevated experience that Philo clients receive.

What matters most to you?

What matters most to me is being proud of what I produce, and aligning my views on life to what I bring to work. When I started Philo, I decided that I would not take on every job that came my way, and only do projects that I really believed in and thought I would be able to produce in an interesting or beautiful way. As I started living and breathing my brand, I thought, if I’m not excited by and proud of the work, why would my clients be? With Philo, I believe that creating and appreciating beauty with a focus on community is the journey and the goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://philo-studio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philo_studios/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabonelli/

Image Credits

Shannon Sturgis

Molly Algeo

Adeeb Haidari

Amanda Colombo