I Just Threw My First Sponsored Event From Scratch–And It Was A Success

This was literally in my 2024 manifestation book since last November.

**Scroll to the very bottom for editorial needs/thoughts/all the things

We all have our yearly goals. Some people want to lose weight, some want a relationship, a new job, a house—I wanted to throw a successful event. Like a real event, with sponsors, a beautiful setting, a huge group, all the things.

If you don’t know me IRL, you may be thinking, this is a very random goal. So, let me back up a second. I’m obsessed with fall—sure, isn’t everyone? No, but I’m truly the self-proclaimed queen of the season. And 12 years ago, I started a silly ol’ thing called “The Fall Party,” or “Forever Falliday.” That first year had a whopping 13 guests—including a short-lived friend who did so-called tarot readings. She had dark energy, but she was the only person I met up to that point who was also obsessed with fall. We bonded over the season, then never spoke again.

As the years went on, my annual shindig evolved. What began as, wait, what’s a fall party? turned into, what date is your fall party this year? Some guests have been to 10+ parties (if only the aspiring tarot girl could see me now! l-o-l). I’ve never had a wedding or a baby shower. This has been like my one thing, and I will proudly embrace it. It really goes to show if you have a unique idea and you *confidently* run with it, people will hop on board.

Since its inception, my fall parties have gone in many directions. It’s seen houses in the hills, DJs, a wide array of bartenders—and it’s also seen my one-bedroom apartment (I’ve thrown more parties there in general than I can count). One year, my fall party (at a huge house) was even filmed for a short-lived Netflix series. It’s even seen its way to a friend’s apartment complex rooftop with makeshift lighting and music that went in and out of service. Ok, that one was kind of a doozy, but one flop out of many is acceptable and adds to the lore.

Last year’s event was at my ol’ Weho abode. While it was fun and garnered the usual cast of characters, as soon as it ended I made a declaration to myself and anyone who would listen: Next year’s fall party is going to be huge and event-like. People threw out the names of various friends with yards or patios—but those were not going to be it. I knew I needed to find something totally disconnected from my friend group or anything I’d done before. I also knew I didn’t want a completely transactional Peerspace situation, where you’re in and out in a given timeline with zero ties to the home or the owner. I put my message out into the universe, and I was confident the stars would align.

Time was ticking (this year could not have gone by quicker), but I never gave up. I still firmly believed something would transpire. Sure enough, fall officially approached with no leads (not that I’d really been trying. I don’t know why, but I just had this gut feeling something would work out). At this point, I had a couple friends who could put me in touch with a publicist for one of those transactional Peerspace-y situations, but I knew that just didn’t make sense for me.

In a wild twist of fate, Camrin Agin, the founder of Altyr holistic wellness, invited me to a sound bath at the Altyr House in the Hollywood Hills. She’s been kind enough to invite me to several of their events over the years. While she’s invited me as media, she’s also aware that my personal brand completely aligns with her business. I’ve always been deeply spiritual. Sound baths, reiki, crystals are my love language. Unfortunately, I was unable to go on the day of her invite because of a close couple’s baby shower. I told her to keep me posted on the next one—and then an aha moment hit me like a ton of bricks.

I figured I’d take a chance and run my idea by her. At this point, I had about eight weeks to make magic happen. We hopped on a call, and she was thankfully totally on board to let me use her outdoor space and tie her brand into it. Though, we had one issue: lighting. I told her I’d handle sponsors if she could arrange lighting (whatever that meant). Of course I went into the situation thinking there’d be some magical way to escape a serious lighting fee. I was wrong. What I’ve learned is unless an event is being thrown for you, you won’t be able to escape fees. What I also learned, however, is you miss all the shots you don’t take.

I reached out to a large chunk of friends and colleagues and landed some incredible gift bag and bar sponsors. I also received an insane catering donation from Zinc Cafe & Bar, which is one of my favorite eateries in West Hollywood (they also have locations in DTLA and OC—Laguna and Old Towne Orange). Then of course I had Camrin’s huge outdoor space, and intuitive readings and ritual kit making from her brand.

I’m still in awe that I landed a slew of legitimate, well-established gift bag sponsors (Chaser Brand, Ciele Cosmetics, Eye of Love, The Route Beauty, Innovative PR, Le Mini Macaron and Kiko Milano). In the theme of sponsors, the bar was aplenty with Bomani (espresso martinis in a can), Three Spirit (high-end non-alcoholic elixirs) and Casamigos (@Cocktails__by__Kristin). I also want to acknowledge Soberish, shots of THC/CBD that apparently offer a wine-like buzz. That particular donation came from Substack (thank you, Kristjana!). I just love the community-building and networking on this platform. I hate using cliches, but this app really does make me feel seen.

Anyway, the event was amazing. I think there were like 85 people there over the course of the night. I’m filled with so much gratitude to everyone involved or who attended. I also ordered a bar rental with the event logo, bartender, and alcohol/mixers to match what we didn’t have donated. And gift bags, along with logo stickers and logo matches for each guest. I put so much effort into it, and I’m glad I did because it was worth every bit of energy and every dollar I initially didn’t want to spend. If you want to contribute to (or attend) the next one, please let me know!

As a thank you to all of you for reading my Substack, I’m sharing a special 25% discount code to receive an intuitive reading with Altyr. Use DAHVI25 at checkout. These readings were provided in abbreviated form at my event, so if you feel like going deep, here’s your big chance! Please LMK if you decide to take the plunge—it’s a really cool experience.

I’d been so entrenched in event planning (behind-the-scenes vlog HERE), I didn’t have a moment to stop and smell the roses (err… fall leaves). Hence why I planned a quick trip to Portland a few days post-event. There’s nothing nature can’t fix, and Portland was a beautiful escape. I visited Knot Springs members-only wellness club, along with the forest-like Japanese Garden, and even a yet-to-open luxury wellness hotel called Cascada. I also experienced my very first solo sound bath in a private residence in rural Portland. This was my first solo adult trip to The Rose City, and I really maximized my 72-hour stay. I even had a spontaneous night out after meeting a girl at the bar of my Ritz Carlton hotel. Portland is a fabulous city with truly something for everyone. I’ll be posting vlogs and general thoughts from my trip on IG and TikTok soon, so if you follow along, you’ll get a glimpse ;).

Oh, but as for how that whole stopping-and-smelling-the-roses thing is going? Umm it’s not. I’m busier than ever, I can barely move through my apartment, and I’ve been canceling plans left and right. But also, this is the life I wanted, and I still do. I’m just way backed up, and knowing what I know now, I will approach 2025 differently—but still excitedly and adventurously.

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ICYMI: I interviewed Patrick Ta over the summer, and my article finally went live last week. He doesn’t do in-depth interviews frequently, and I feel like we get a chance to know him on a deeper level from this piece. He touches on life being lonely at the top, and his desire to build a community within his professional network. He also explains why he dresses the way he does and why he has an affinity for the finer things. He enforces the fact that he has a deep soul and feels emotional pain easily. I think it’s a solid overview of his life and success, especially since lockdown.

I also just published a piece on the bustling advent calendar business. The good, the bad, the controversial, and just how these little guys have become the season’s hot ticket in wellness and beauty.

Also… I’ve never been one to post holiday gift guides early, so you still have time. Both of mine (for Forbes) will go live around Black Friday.

1. Best Gifts for the Girl Who’s Obsessed With Her Chic Bathroom

Can be literally anything that fits this description. A fancy soap dish, a cute tray, a luxury hand cream, a piece of art, elevated air freshener, a charming houseplant, stunning candle. Not really looking for traditional beauty products here unless it makes sense for whatever reason.

2. Best Day-to-Night Accessories for the Stylish Girl On-the-Go

Pretty self-explanatory - looking for any giftable accessories (jewelry, handbags/clutches, hats, shoes, scarves, etc…) that are appropriate for going from the office, straight to dinner at Olivetta. Note: the word “stylish” doesn’t have to imply expensive (though it can). But I do want to avoid blatantly cheap.

***I encourage pitches regarding either of the above from anyone with a fit, but please, first genuinely ask yourself if you would include the product in question. I’m only including 10 products for each gift guide, so everything needs to count! Let’s think elevated, giftable and maybe (but not limited to) even a little unique ◡̈

Is there untapped media territory you’d like to dive into next? Shoot me a note and let’s chat!