We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Mahoney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.
Maya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Have you ever wondered how our owner, Maya, came up with the name Honey & Lavender Events? It all comes from her mom who was so proud and excited when Maya launched her business in 2017. On what would have been her mom’s 73rd birthday (she passed away from cancer in 2017), here’s a glimpse into the name Honey & Lavender Events!
There used to be a TV show on Nickelodeon called ‘Maya the Bee’ when Maya was a child. Since her family didn’t have cable, this was unbeknownst to her. However, Maya’s classmates used to terrorize her by singing the theme song around and calling her “Maya the Bee” all the time. Maya HATED it. With encouragement from her mom through the years, the hatred started to wane and Maya embraced it. Her mom, friends, and family to this day have whole heartedly leaned in to it by buying Maya everything under the sun with bees on it (candles, pillows, figurines, honey, blankets, etc). It’s memorabeelia – get it? 🙃 When Maya’s first born, Ava, came on the scene in 2015 Nana Joan immediately started calling her Mini Bee.
Maya’s love for lavender began with her mom’s love for anything lavender, particularly fresh lavender. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t buy her mom something “lavender” for her birthday or Christmas or when we didn’t have a bundle of fresh lavender in the house. The beautiful color and scent has stayed with Maya – not only does she love the flowering plant herself, but it reminds Maya of her mom and childhood.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Maya! I’ve been passionate about event planning my entire life and feel lucky to work in such a fun industry.
I’ve been planning events for over 15 years, ranging from personal intimate gatherings to events on the Hill to nonprofit galas and dinners to weddings.
In addition to event planning, Honey & Lavender Events has an e-commerce shop and small rental inventory that we are frequently updating with new offerings.
I am also a seasoned political and nonprofit fundraiser having spent several years on Capitol Hill and working at Share Our Strength and the National Institute for Civil Discourse. I would love to continue the opportunity to help organizations, big or small, with any development services or consulting needs!
I am a proud mama to two kiddos, Ava and Luke, and our sweet puppy, Lily. And can’t thank my husband Tommy enough for supporting my Honey & Lavender Events dream!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes! Leaving my comfortable, full-time job in July 2020, to take Honey & Lavender Events full time.
I began with two interns and myself then and have now grown the team to six employees, all in the time of COVID. I think my success and blessing has stemmed from my wonderful connections, investing in myself and my business (marketing opportunities, business coaches, etc), my passion and work ethics, and my amazing support system.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I love networking – meeting new people and making new friends. Networking and using my professional and personal connections with my business have served me well and continue to serve me well. In addition to wanting my business to succeed, I truly believe in collaboration over competition, which people can see right away. I will always offer a helping hand to a fellow business owner or vendor, I will make referrals of my own for vendors, and I always seek ways to work with people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeyandlavenderevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyandlavenderevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeyandlavenderevents/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-mahoney-5868144/