Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Shaffer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a love for event planning and first became involved in the industry in my early 20’s. I handled the logistics of several festivals and large events in town. Once I had experience under my belt, I was ready to build my career with a business that I could truly call home. When the opportunity to interview for the director of special events position at The Farm at South Mountain was available I knew this was the perfect fit for me. It not only encompassed one of the most cherished brands in Phoenix, it was the hidden gem I’d been waiting for. I knew that with my experience I could add to this amazing space and bring more fun to The Farm.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
At The Farm at South Mountain, we host over 100 events a year, so it definitely took some time for me to create the perfect system for success. However event planning really is never a smooth journey, there are so many moving parts. It is just so important that you understand that in this job things will change.
Timelines will change, the weather will change, headcounts will change and you have to be prepared to go with the flow and make it work. Listen to your client’s dreams and make them come true. That is your job.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Farm at South Mountain story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the Director of Special Events at The Farm at South Mountain. The Farm is a 10-acre property in Phoenix with two event venues, three restaurants (Morning Glory Café, The Farm Kitchen, and Quiessence), a modern boutique, Botanica, and an organic-style garden that produces seasonal and fresh ingredients for our restaurants and Saturday Grower’s Market.
I have been lucky enough to work at The Farm for the past 10 years now. I oversee our two event venues, The Canopy in The Grove and Stone Grove at The Farm. In any given month I organize up to 20 events on the property, which requires a Rockstar team to back me up. Our weddings & events team is extended with our sister company, Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering, the number one caterer in Arizona. Artisan by SBC is the exclusive catering company at The Farm.
With my role, I also oversee events with Artisan by SBC at other fabulous venues in Phoenix, Scottsdale and more. Some of my favorites are the Phoenix Art Museum, Warehouse 215, Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, and a new venue in town, Madison Center for the Arts.
This business has become a huge part of my life and something that I completely believe in. Local, seasonal, fresh is not a trend for our company. I am passionate about the local purveyors and farmers that we source from and think that our mission to provide this type of food to our guests is important for our Phoenix community.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I’m fortunate to work for a company that is all about being a #girlboss. We are a women-owned certified business in Arizona. Throughout the years, my mentor (owner), Pat Christofolo has always encouraged me to take charge. I never look at something as a barrier, but more as a challenge and I love a good challenge. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Address: The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042 - Website: https://www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com/
- Phone: (602) 276-6360
- Email: info@thefarmatsouthmountain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheFarmArizona/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmAtSouthMountain/
Image Credit:
https://www.aribellaphotography.com/, http://www.joshsnyderphotography.com/
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
