Julie Zambrini loves the challenge of turning ideas and concepts into reality for clients as an “eclectic” party planner.
She’s been with Artemia for five years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a diploma in Food and Beverage, it was “natural” for her to get a job at a hotel. She was “amazed” at how their event planners took empty spaces and transformed them into beautiful works of art. “The before and after were what really got me. I was drawn to the opportunity to use my creative mind.”
She entered the field herself learning by trial and error. “There is no ‘how to book’ so I had to just get in there and get my hands dirty. I’ve tried my best to work in every department and learn from my colleagues along the way.”
Zambrini said each client is different and brings with them an entirely unique element to a project. She enjoys being able to turn a client’s ideas and concepts into reality. “Watching the client first walk into the event and then stand there in awe – because not only were we able to meet their expectations, but also to exceed them – is the best feeling in the world.”
Zambrini’s passion is what makes her stand out in the crowd. “When someone comes to you with a theme or trend that’s already been done, we need to figure out how to make theirs even more special and unique. You invest so much time in an event that you consider it your own. Sometimes you put more pressure on yourself than the client does as you do not want to let them down. I want to ensure that they have the best event and experience ever. I don’t give up until that happens.”
So what’s Zambrini’s strategy when working on a project? “I’m a list maker. I basically put everything that needs to be done on paper and then prioritise. I go over it again and again until the day of the event. The night before is typically when I lose the most sleep because it’s all running through my head to ensure that all the T’s are crossed and the I’s dotted. Truthfully, I’m a bit of a perfectionist which I guess is an asset in this field.”
Zambrini keeps updated with new trends via Pinterest and Instagram, which she considers her best friends and worst enemies. If she has a chance to plan a party for anyone in the world, she would plan one for her granny. “I would set up a nice backyard party at her house in Trinidad with family, good music, drinks and some home-cooked banging roti.”
While over the years she has helped to plan the parties for many including an Ombudsman Conference, Rado, Tissot, Longines, Hublot, Patron, Heineken Regatta VIP, NutraBlend, Starwood and First Data, her best project to date has been the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conference held in St. Maarten a few years ago. “We were lucky enough to be a part of the planning committee and there were so many moving parts to this conference. We had to build everything from the ground up and coordinate everything from transfers to catering to night events. It was an unbelievable experience.”
Zambrini draws inspiration from everyday life. “There is so much beauty in this world; from breath-taking landscapes to something as simple as a flower. My goal is to make those special days for other people as beautiful as possible.” She urges people to not tackle everything at once, when planning an event. “First make a list, set a budget and overall be realistic.”
A married mother of one, the 35-year-old Aquarius was born in Canada, but has been visiting the Caribbean “since Moby Dick was a minnow.” She moved to St. Maarten in the 90s and said it instantly felt like home. “Living on an island isn’t by accident. I love going to the beach, so most weekends I spend with my family and friends doing just that.”
This “CrossFit junkie” enjoys being active. She’d love to one day do a Spartan Race/Open and see how far she can push herself physically and mentally. “Now that I’ve put this in black and white, I’m sure a few people are going to make sure this happens.”
In her spare time, she enjoys baking and experimenting with desserts.
Her message for youngsters who want to follow in her footsteps? “Believe in yourself. Somewhere along the way, you are going to run into someone who tells you it’s not possible or that you can’t do it. If it’s something you’re passionate about then put in the work and make it happen.”
