Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Conaway
Hi Collin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for weddings and events began in childhood, spending countless hours under my grandmother Carol Boothe’s sewing table. She was an incredible fashion designer who specialized in wedding gowns. I vividly remember being surrounded by her stunning sketches, stacks of wedding magazines, beautiful fabrics, and the elegant gowns she created. It was during those years that my love for weddings and event design took root.
After graduating from college, I began my career at Walt Disney World, an experience for which I will always be grateful. The training I received there was truly unmatched, helping me refine key skills in client service, attention to detail, exceeding expectations, and leadership. Disney’s high standards shaped my approach to event management and instilled in me a relentless pursuit of excellence.
One of my roles at Disney was as a wedding event manager for Disney’s Fairytale Weddings, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most talented and creative individuals, both within our team and across the entire property. When you’re surrounded by excellence, it pushes you to rise to the occasion and continually strive to be your best.
My career in various roles, such as public relations, communications, operations, and client experience, has given me the opportunity to work in a diverse range of organizations—from large corporations like Disney to non-profits, start-ups, and global entities—allowing me to develop a multifaceted skill that I’m very proud of. Ultimately, it was building on all of these experiences and opportunties that led me to create Lily & Boothe.
In early 2023, after being impacted by the widespread tech layoffs, I made the decision to fully embrace my passion for event production and design. Five months later, I launched Lily & Boothe, and I can say with complete sincerity that it has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While I’ve been incredibly fortunate with the growth and success of Lily & Boothe, no entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges. Transitioning from large organizations, where I had the support of established teams, to suddenly being a company of one was a significant shift. A close friend of mine, Sheri Kaiser, who owns Casa Bianca Bridal, had a similar experience when she opened her boutique. She once told me that running a business can feel lonely at times — and she was right. The remedy? I had to actively build a network, reach out to new people, and find meaningful ways to stay connected with others inside and outside the event industry.
Going from established organizations with built-in infrastructure to running your own business is an entirely different experience. To prepare myself for this new chapter, I invested first in taking a business course through the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network. The tools and insights I gained from that course were invaluable and helped me confidently launch Lily & Boothe. Every day since, I’ve continued to learn and grow, both as a business owner and as a creative professional.
Another challenge has been finding the balance between my passion for creative event design and the realities of running a business. The creative side of events is what fuels me, but I’ve also had to master the financial, operational, and logistical side of things to ensure the business thrives. Striking that balance has been key to our success.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. When challenges arise, I trust my instincts, stay positive, and keep focused on the bigger picture. I’ve also been fortunate to have the support of an incredible network of industry professionals, clients, and my personal support system. That encouragement, combined with my relentless commitment to excellence, has made all the difference. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lily & Boothe?
Lily & Boothe is my full-service event production and design firm, where I blend passion with purpose to create unforgettable experiences. While weddings will always hold a special place in my heart, I take pride in collaborating with a diverse range of clients to craft events that span corporate functions, non-profit galas, and milestone celebrations like anniversaries. Among these, Celebration of Life events resonate deeply with me, allowing us to honor lives with utmost care and sensitivity. This embodies Lily & Boothe’s core mission: to create events rich with meaning and emotional depth.
By focusing on a select number of high-touch, bespoke events each year, I invest the time necessary to understand my clients’ visions and values. I believe every event should celebrate the relationships that make it special, creating authentic experiences that leave lasting impressions.
I take particular pride in the brand we’ve built, and it all begins with our company name. When I founded Lily & Boothe, my vision was to root it in joy and kindness. The name “Lily” symbolizes the yellow calla lily, representing kindness, a core value in our interactions. “Boothe” pays tribute to my grandmother, Carol Boothe, whose legacy of creativity inspires our work. If you look closely at our logo, you’ll notice ‘Boothe’ is in my grandmother’s handwriting—a meaningful homage to her immense influence.
What truly sets Lily & Boothe apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience alongside our dedication to excellence. My philosophy is simple: every event should feel like a meaningful journey, connecting clients and their guests on a deeper emotional level. This dedication enables us to forge lasting relationships with those we serve.
If you’re planning a special celebration, whether at home or the office, I welcome you to get in touch and discover how we can partner together.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
L&B was not in business during Covid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lilyandboothe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyandboothe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilyandboothe
