Getting to know... Lavinia Stewart-Brown

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Lavinia Stewart-Brown, founder of eponymous hospitality firm Lavinia Stewart-Brown Events, talks about her passion for creativity, taking an event from concept to completion and how she still sheds a tear at every wedding...

We know you as the founder of Lavinia Stewart-Brown Events, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick… 

I have always been, and will always be, a people person, and this career allows me to meet new people while working creatively.

What I love most about this line of work is that no two days (or events) are ever the same, and being able to fully immerse myself creatively in such a diverse range of events is something I truly love.

Did you always want to work in the events sector? 

I always knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t know it would be this.

I started my career in the media industry at GQ magazine, where I assisted the picture desk with everything from sourcing locations to artist bookings and props for shoots.

This is where I learned the importance of organisation and having every detail down to a tee.

I then relocated to Australia for a year, where I worked in a photographer’s gallery.

This was where I really fell in love with event planning.

I got my first taste of the industry through planning exhibition nights and openings, which ultimately made me decide to pursue events management as a career when I returned to London – a decision I’m so glad I made.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst? 

The best bit is undoubtedly being able to take an event or experience from concept to completion, really thinking outside the box.

Whether it’s a deeply personal wedding day, something fun and playful to brighten a child’s birthday party or a sleek corporate event, I love approaching each brief as a completely new challenge.

Witnessing people getting married is also very special – I still shed a tear every time!

The most challenging part, though not always a negative, is that this industry is highly pressured.

People’s expectations are understandably very high, and working with trusted contacts and suppliers always helps to alleviate the pressure a little.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Alongside being a mother and running the business, one standout moment was winning a major contract for a significant and influential client’s milestone birthday.

I was up against large agencies, and the feedback I received focused entirely on my attention to detail.

It was a hugely special moment.

How do you relax outside of work? 

Country walks with my family and our lovely dog, a great Pilates class and a glass of wine with good food.

What makes the South East such a great place to live and work? 

Henley, where I live, is beautiful and far more peaceful than London, which is where I grew up.

From a work perspective, it’s also an excellent hub for business and client work, with London less than an hour away.

I regularly work across neighbouring counties, including Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, which has allowed me to build a strong, trusted network of local suppliers.

Many of these are now my go-to partners for most events.

Henley is also a fantastic location for local events.

The music and literary festivals, along with the regatta, continually inspire my creativity and influence the events I produce.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know... 

I trained with The Royal Ballet until I was sadly injured at 17.

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