Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmine Gonzalez.
Jazmine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career in the event industry started on the entertainment side. I was 18 and an opportunity came along to work at a Bar Mitzvah as a party favor girl, handing out all of the glow favors, sunglasses and more. Quickly after that, I became an interactive dancer for the company which led to me becoming an MC (Master of Ceremonies). I learned the business so well that they offered me a sales position too. All of this was just supposed to be a job while I was in college. My dream was to become a News Anchor.
When I decided to leave the company and pursue my dream, I received a call from a few party planners encouraging me to start my own entertainment company. I started H.Y.P.E. Productions (How You Prefer Entertainment) as a hobby and it quickly became a full time job. As most people, my dream career shifted. I fell in love with the event industry and knew I would transform H.Y.P.E. into a career. So here we are 23 years and over 70 employees later, with an opportunity to open my own Venue. With the nudge of yet another party planner, I decided to look into it. After three long years of searching for the right property, designing the space and finding the right people to join our team, Loft 21 has finally come to fruition.
Loft 21 is a private event space with a distinct blend of industrial and ultra-modern design. With 31,000 divisible square feet, we have been able to attract corporate and social clientele. Our long list of amenities and blank canvas ability allows clients to personalize and create the perfect space.
The outdoor terrace, nature trails surrounding the property along with the convenience of being on Milwaukee Avenue have truly made Loft 21 a venue in demand.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening any business is always a struggle. I am thankful for my team along the way.
From my H.Y.P.E. family, legal and accounting advisors, industry colleagues and most of all my husband Kory and two young daughters Aubriana and Alexia. Without their support, I would have never been able to pursue my dream and create 2 companies that have given opportunity to others with the same passion to make the event industry a career.
Following zoning, city codes and accommodating for changes in my vision were not easy, but we made it through. We have completed Phase 1 and are anxious to begin Phase 2. My brain and creative ideas just won’t stop. I am so excited to continue finding ways to help clients create the perfect event space and put their personal stamp on their event.
Please tell us about Loft 21.
Loft 21 is known for being a private event space that allows the client to approach their celebration with a blank canvas. They have the ability to design the venues lighting, sound and visuals with our 11 screens throughout the space. Clients can also choose from our list of preferred caterers. They can be as creative as they want by choosing a personalized cuisine and budget.
We offer so much in our package of amenities. Exclusive Venue Access, an Event Director, A/V Technician, Security, Customized Bar Packages, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Lounge Furniture, VIP Private Suite, 4 Outdoor Terraces, Plenty of Parking, convenient location to O’Hare Airport, Hotels and Restaurants.
I am most proud of Loft 21 being considered to be a venue that genuinely encourages clients to be as creative or turn-key as they would like. We can help with the creativity as little or as much as they are comfortable with. Some people want to handle every detail while others give us a guideline and want us to make it happen.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was when I was 12 years old and playing in a championship softball game. I was the runner on 3rd base, there was one out and we were down by 1 run. My coach said, “Gonzalez you are stealing home on the next pitch, I don’t care if the catcher is standing there waiting for you with the ball, you better score!” Sure enough, there she was waiting and there I went sprinting right at her. As she went down to get the tag, I jumped over her and scored. That moment taught me to be fearless. It is incredible, the lessons you learn in life and the ones that define who you are, who you will become and what you will teach your own kids. If I lived in fear, I would have never ventured into becoming a performer, learning sales, starting H.Y.P.E. Productions and now Loft 21. I tell my daughters every day before they leave for school, “Be a leader, be kind, be fearless and stay true to who you are.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 1501 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 - Website: Loft21Events.com
- Phone: 847-868-LOFT (5638)
- Email: info@Loft21Events.com
Image Credit:
Wedding Shots (couple with mirror and couple 1st dance) – Northshore Photography
Grand Opening Room Shot – Cobalt Photography
Bar Mitzvah Room Shot and White Staging Jumping Shot – PJ Photograph
Personal Shot – Winger Marketing
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