Where We Came From
Since 2006, The Invisible Hostess has evolved into a team that is passionate about dependable service, quality work, and positive relationships. We aren’t successful unless your wedding is successful. Get to know us here, then give us a call. We’ll show you why we’re Seattle’s best.
THE HISTORY
as told by Sheena Kalso
In 2006 my team celebrated a decade of serving party throwers and happily betrothed people all across the Puget Sound. Our story is long, because ten years is basically a 4th grader, so the Cliff’s Notes version begins with me wanting to make some “shoe money” and results in a business that executed 250 events in 2015 with a team of 50 and office space in Seattle, WA.
The Invisible Hostess began as a party help business, which explains my business name. Weddings weren’t in the original plan, but that quickly changed when clients began asking me if I coordinated weddings. “Um, sure!” I replied.
As the years progressed, our party help expanded into bartending and found a market in wedding reception help. All the while, the wedding coordination team slowly grew and secured its first of six consecutive Best Day of Coordinator awards given by Seattle Bride Magazine in 2011.
By 2015, just shy of our 10 year mark, The Invisible Hostess had an event team of 50 employees, an Event Manager, an internship program, 5 wedding coordinators and a wedding assistant program. We accomplished 250 events, with our record breaking month being August having 83 events in 30 days. We were tired.
THE PRESENT
When the 10 year anniversary arrived, with any milestone moment in one’s life, I reflected about what continues to inspire me and keep us all motivated after all this time. In 2016 I chose to to streamline operations by exclusively offering our award winning wedding coordination service, freeing up my time and energy to work on mentorship and education based projects for a nationwide market.
The next decade of The Invisible Hostess is excitingly a little unknown and full of possibility. One thing hasn’t changed—that is, wedding coordination has been a fulfilling passion from the start, and will remain a part of our story indefinitely.
MARCH 2006
The Invisible Hostess launches with a website and a dream.
MARCH 2007
Afton is the official first coordinator of The Invisible Hostess.
JUNE 2007
The Invisible Hostess launches a sister company, Totally Tabletops Party Rentals.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sheena officially expands the business roster by turning friends-doing-favors into 5 official Hostesses.
JANUARY 2009
The Seattle WA wedding coordinator team expands to three Coordinators.
SEPTEMBER 2009
We answer the call and add bartending as an official service.
AUGUST 2010
Sheena has a baby, is basically gone all summer and her coordination crew rock the season, turning no business away. Business model was tested and passed!
JUNE 2011
We ARE shocked out of our gourd to win our first Best of Bride, Best Day of Coordinator award.
OCTOBER 2011
Natasha joins the team as a Hostess, and quickly moves up to the new role of Event Manager
JUNE 2012
We win our second Best of Bride award and are tickled pink.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Natasha join the Wedding Coordination team, where we remain a trio for the next three years
JUNE 2013
We win our third Best of Bride award and think it couldn’t get any better.
JULY 2013
We sign a lease on our first office. It was a floating houseboat on North Lake Union.
JANUARY 2014
The Invisible Hostess brings Mary and Jocelyn onto the team as assistants.
JUNE 2014
We win our fourth Best of Bride award and break the record!
SEPTEMBER 2014
We bring on our 50th employee to the team roster, preparing for a record breaking year ahead.
OCTOBER 2014
Kristine joins our team as an intern, then as a wedding assistant.
JANUARY 2015
Mary and Jocelyn join the company as official Wedding Coordinators, and immediately delight all of their clients.
MARCH 2015
We leave our floating oasis and expand to a third floor downtown loft, naming it Legacy Studios and booking it out for parties and events.
JUNE 2015
We win our fifth Best of Bride award and Sheena pretty much cries because it was a rough year and this honor was so welcomed.
AUGUST 2015
We party staff a record-breaking 83 events in 31 days. Natasha needs a vacation.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Kristine joins our coordination team as the newest Associate Coordinator and In-house Designer.
NOVEMBER 2015
The Invisible Hostess moves operations to Capitol Hill in Seattle, WA.
JUNE 2016
We win our sixth Best of Bride award and more than ever feel the challenge to live up to the name and reputation this honor brings.
OCTOBER 2016
We conclude the staffing and bartending chapter of the business, opening doors for fresh and new services for our clients in 2017 and beyond.
OTHER VENTURES
TOTALLY TABLETOPS PARTY RENTALS, 2007–2011
Specializing in unique tableware for rent, this rental business was a pioneer for the future emerging boutique rental company concept that is more abundant in today’s Seattle landscape.
LEGACY STUDIOS, 2015
Located in the birthplace of Seattle, on the corner of 1st and Yesler, the once named “Legacy Building” acted as HQ to The Invisible Hostess during the week, and private event space on the weekends.
THE AISLE FILES, 2016–PRESENT DAY
www.theaislefiles.com
Sheena Kalso and Desiree Hartsock teamed up to present the online planning series. In six modules, three covering logistics and three covering style and design, Sheena and Desiree demystify the first steps of wedding planning for the newly engaged.
THE WEDDING MENTOR, 2016–PRESENT DAY
www.theweddingmentor.com
Realizing the lack of career development advice geared toward the wedding industry minded, Sheena shares her unique knowledge of hiring 100 people in the last 10 years to coach those interested in the industry how to get their foot in the door and gain the experience needed to succeed.