A very Jerseylicious start...

It all began on a reality show.

Before I begin, we have to go back a couple years when anything and everything "Jersey" was trending. Cue MTV's The Jersey Shore. The Situation couldn't stop showing his abs, Snookie had coined the term "guidette" and everyone was fist pumping or making fun of someone who was. If you didn't know about this time in television history, you eventually found out.

I was asked by a friend if I wanted to audition to be on a reality show which was set in New Jersey. They were looking for a party planner to coordinate their season-ending episode on camera. Before I knew it, I got the gig and went straight to the mall to buy the most ridiculous Jerseylicious wardrobe.

I knew planning an event of this size would be stressful but add cameras capturing every important decision made - things got interesting. I was a 25-year-old, amateur party planner trying to please over 100 people. I had to remember my name was on the line. The producers were already provoking me, hoping to overwhelm and essentially capture some sort of dramatic breakdown.

Let's just say I overacted what I did in everyday life. Not only could I handle the pressure of executing a fantastic event but I could do it while being filmed for national television. I kept my cool and made it through to see the end result, with only one dramatic breakdown along the way of course. I knew I was on the right path when seasoned cast and crew members were complimenting my work even after filming had wrapped. 

Overall, this experience opened a door for me, reality or not. It made me appreciate the organization and team work needed to truly execute such an large event. The show eventually led me in a direction to where I am today - but with less leopard print and more experience. I guess the rest is history...with only a couple of fist pumps along the way.

-Nicole