Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessee O. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessee , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

“The story behind my brand name wasn’t easy, and I lost many nights of sleep over it. Like many creatives, I struggled with finding the perfect name that truly captured what my brand represents—who I am and what I’m delivering. The name has to resonate not only with me but also with my audience, and the fear of launching something that doesn’t click or isn’t reciprocated the way I envision it can be paralyzing. I’ve heard my brand name described as amazing and catchy, and I’ve also heard it’s cheesy.

Having worked in hospitality, nightlife, and entertainment for years, I’ve always been inspired by the energy and magic that New York City exudes. Its consistency, its transformation, its people, and the creative power behind the city’s many unforgettable moments and people, have always shaped my vision. My brand needed to capture that magic—create events that complement the city’s vibrancy and spaces through music, art, and performance, while also highlighting the love I believe we need more of in the world.

One day, I kept repeating to myself, ‘Love Is The Answer.’ It felt like the perfect expression of my philosophy, and that’s when ‘LITA’ was born. I wanted something short, catchy, and meaningful. But then, someone I work closely with—a confidant, a work husband/wife, Neto Soberanes—suggested it was missing something. They asked, ‘What about GLITA?’ And I immediately knew that was it. ‘Glitter and Love Is The Answer’—that’s how I landed on my brand name, GLITA

Jessee , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I bring over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, beginning my career at just 13 years old. (I had to claim I was 17 to get the job—a move that wouldn’t be possible today!). For ten years, I honed my expertise working in private homes for an exclusive, affluent clientele, mastering the art of service excellence and discretion. I had the privilege of being surrounded by the world’s most influential tastemakers across a variety of creative industries, including art, fashion, architecture, film and music. During this time, I worked with top chefs and event coordinators, where impeccable attention to detail was paramount. Symmetry, ambiance, aesthetic, and taste were not just valued—they were essential. Every element of the evening was meticulously planned and executed, from the curated guest list and warm greetings upon arrival to the seamless flow of hors d’oeuvres, dinner seating arrangements and table settings and an exquisite selection of food, wine, and spirits. After-dinner aperitifs in the lounge, movie screenings in the home theater, and the occasional performance by a special guest rounded out the experience. Precision was everything. Every teacup had to be placed with its handle facing right, no course could be cleared until every guest had finished and no salt and pepper could be left on the table while guests had dessert. Deviating from protocol wasn’t an option—hosts were quick to point out even the smallest misstep.

I fell in love—the glitz, the glam, the celebration, the networking, the fashion. I took immense pride in ensuring people had an incredible experience and that every detail was flawless. My dedication didn’t go unnoticed; clients often specifically requested me to be present. It was during this time that I knew without a doubt that this was my industry. Some of the concepts I’ve yet to unveil have been in development for over 15 years.

In American culture, there’s a constant emphasis on asking people what they do for work or what they want to be when they grow up. When I shared my dreams, I was often met with disbelief or outright doubt—many told me I could never achieve them. Those words stuck with me and fueled my determination.

In 2013, I moved to New Zealand, where my passion for event production, direction, and ideation truly took shape. There, I had the privilege of working alongside someone I still call my mentor to this day, Vinci Ginnen—though he doesn’t even know that. In my opinion, Vinci is the best creative director I’ve ever encountered—a true creative genius. I learned so much from him, and he inspired me to believe that my dreams could become my reality.

From developing creative concepts to collaborating with creatives, performance artists, musicians, and DJs, to handcrafting décor and floral arrangements, every event felt like we were building something extraordinary from scratch. Each event was a masterpiece, a testament to the power of vision and collaboration.

It’s so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and whose vision you also support. Mutual encouragement and respect are essential in cutting through the noise that often surrounds us. These special relationships—where trust and belief are shared—become the foundation for growth and success in your career.

Through my current work, my brand has become known as a party and production house, though it will grow into something more eventually. I collaborate with boutique hotels and member club spaces, specializing in helping brands conceptualize creative events—whether it’s for a venue, a fashion brand, or something entirely unique. I produce a diverse range of events—from nightlife experiences and performance art shows (this includes drag) to fashion events and intimate dinners. I take great pride in creating safe spaces where artists feel seen and valued, while also celebrating all forms of performance and artistry. Every project is an opportunity to showcase creativity and bring diverse expressions to life.

I love bringing people together for an unforgettable experience. When attendees leave smiling or having made meaningful connections, I know the event has been a success. I believe events are a powerful way to foster genuine, in-person conversations and connections. It’s about making people feel as though they’ve stepped out of their daily routines and into an entirely different world—where they can connect yet disconnect, be inspired, and experience something truly memorable—or even discover something new they didn’t know they would enjoy. That’s what truly sets me, my brand, and my vision apart: my deep passion for what I do and my ongoing desire to take it to the next level.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey in the events, entertainment, and hospitality industry. Over the years, I’ve encountered countless challenges that forced me to adapt, grow, and, at times, completely start over. Entertainment and nightlife aren’t like any other industry. While every industry requires a hustle, the hustle here is constant and unpredictable. It’s a space where you’re expected to merge creativity with strategy while navigating countless moving parts. It’s exciting but also relentless, and finding balance is a skill you have to actively cultivate.

There were times when I felt like my world had stopped. I’d be strategizing, creating, and leading while presenting a confident smile, all the while feeling completely overwhelmed and lost in my personal life. I’ve faced moments where it felt like I’d lost everything—my creative vision, clients, connections, friends and relationships I’d spent years nurturing. I’ve experienced burnout, anxiety, and even moments of self-doubt. But through all of it, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving those moments; it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, refocus, and push forward.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to nurture relationships—both personal and professional. This industry, while exhilarating, can be harsh. You can encounter people who may take advantage of you, your ideas, your connections, or your trust. But resilience means holding on to your integrity, surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you and who are true to your values.

I’ve always taken pride in leading with kindness, honesty, and care for others, truly believing in those I work with. Even when I’ve faced criticism or negativity—being told I no longer brought any value or encountering moments of betrayal—I refused to let it define me. Instead, I leaned into my core values: humility, vulnerability, and passion. I know that my reputation and success are built on community and authentic relationships, and that’s something no one can take away from me.

For me, resilience is about balancing the creative and the practical, the personal and the professional. It’s about learning when to step back to nurture yourself and when to push forward. Most importantly, it’s about staying grounded in who you are, no matter the challenges. I take pride in knowing I’m someone who truly cares about others, who wants to see everyone win. That mindset has been the key to not just surviving but thriving in this industry.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

At the core of my values, the most important pillar has always been the power of nurturing relationships. In a world where scarcity, insecurity, and a lack of character are all too common, it’s easy for people to step on others or act in ways that leave others feeling hurt, used, or underappreciated.

From the doormen and bar staff to venue management, owners, and the artists I work with, I’ve always made it a point to show the utmost respect and courtesy. I learned early on that character is something you choose to cultivate—it’s about staying true to your values and treating people with kindness, even when it’s not the easiest option. While this doesn’t always guarantee that love and respect will be reciprocated, I refuse to let the actions or decisions of others dictate my own. That said, I’m not afraid to speak my mind and stand up for myself when needed.

Along the way, I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries. Respect for others begins with self-respect. I’ve come to realize that protecting my time, energy, and well-being is essential to building healthy, sustainable relationships. Boundaries aren’t just about saying no—they create the space to say yes to what truly aligns with my values and vision.

I also recognize that I’m not perfect—no one is. I’ve made my mistakes, owned up to them, and learned from each one. And I’ll likely make more. It’s about striving for growth, not perfection. Embracing imperfection allows me to stay grounded, authentic, and open to new learning experiences, which is key in building resilient relationships.

What has allowed me to remain resilient, thrive, and grow to where I am today—though I know it’s just the beginning of what I aim to accomplish—is the fact that my reputation is built on a foundation of acceptance, community, and relationship management.

Contact Info:

• Website: coming soon!!
• Instagram: @glitanyc @jesseeo

Image Credits

Brittany Drays, Michelle Paradis, FEJZ, Sean Turner, Miguel the Colored Cowboy