Amanda Weissman
Amanda Weissman is a hospitality and events professional whose career has been shaped by creativity, organization, and a genuine passion for helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Based in Great Neck, Amanda built her foundation in the hospitality industry, spending more than a decade working in restaurants and guest service roles while pursuing a degree in communications and media studies from State University of New York at Old Westbury. Her early experience taught her the importance of adaptability, attention to detail, and creating memorable experiences for others—skills that would later become central to her career in event planning.
After graduating, Amanda transitioned into marketing and administrative roles, gaining experience in digital operations, communications, and executive support. She worked with organizations including Publishers Clearing House and Northwell Health, where she developed expertise in campaign coordination, client communication, scheduling, and project management. When industry changes led to a layoff from marketing, Amanda used the moment as an opportunity to pursue a more personal and fulfilling path. Inspired by planning her own wedding and recognizing how important emotional support can be during the process, she launched Arden & Rose Events
, a boutique event-planning business focused on weddings and intimate celebrations.
Today, Amanda continues to grow her brand while also serving as a Sales & Events Coordinator at NYIT de Seversky Mansion. Known for her honesty, kindness, and hospitality-driven approach, she specializes in creating highly personalized events that reflect each client’s unique story rather than a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether coordinating an engagement party on short notice or designing elegant wedding celebrations, Amanda is driven by the joy of seeing people come together, make memories, and feel fully supported throughout the planning process.
• State University of New York at Old Westbury- B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, my parents raised me with a wonderful work ethic growing up. They just always told me, get out there, make money, you can do what you want once you have your own life. But more recently, I would say my husband and my sister have been wonderful. They've just been pushing me to just launch it. They're like, you can do it, and they just know that I can do it. So when I was doubting myself, they were telling me that I could. That support system has been incredibly valuable in helping me take the leap and start my business. Having people who believe in you when you're struggling to believe in yourself makes all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've been so fortunate to have two incredible women business owners in the wedding industry who have given me such wonderful advice without asking for anything in return. I actually went to cosmetology school when I was in high school, and I have a friend who I still go to for my hair. She became very successful in the wedding industry on Long Island, doing hair and makeup. Her name is Soontel the Stylist, and she's given me such wonderful advice and is very inspiring. Also, my photographer for my wedding, Kristen Mel, has been such a wonderful support. I ask her questions all the time. They're just two small business, women-run business owners who just love giving wonderful advice. You can go to them, they're so great. Having mentors like them who are willing to share their knowledge and experience has been invaluable as I've built my own business.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to get out of your head, because I spent so much time in my head just doubting myself, telling people that everything needs to be perfect before you can come out and just be a business and try to promote yourself. But that's not the case. Things don't have to be perfect. Things will come together as you work on it. You can't stay in your head and just keep saying, oh, well, I have to do this first, I have to do that first. The second you take action is when things will start coming together. It took me so long to do it, but now that I'm doing it, people are reaching out to me. Something that's difficult for me that I do have to work on, and something to tell people as well, is always market yourself, even if you don't like posting on social media. Social media is very important, especially for a small business. You just have to keep up with it. Don't wait for everything to be perfect. Just take the leap, and things will fall into place as you go.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the event industry right now is the rise of standardized, “factory-style” events that can feel impersonal and repetitive. At the same time, that creates a major opportunity for planners who focus on creating customized, meaningful experiences that truly reflect each client’s personality and story. Another ongoing challenge for small businesses is consistently maintaining marketing and social media efforts while balancing the day-to-day demands of running events and serving clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think honesty is very important. Just, you know, if something's bothering you, be honest. If something makes you happy, be honest. Just saying how you feel in the moment, I think, is very important. And I try to just be kind, honestly. I have been, you know, it just takes effort, obviously it's easy to be mean, but I feel like it makes people's lives better. If you have a nice conversation with somebody, it honestly makes my day, like, just innocent conversations, like at a grocery store, if somebody tells you about a chicken they made or something. You don't really have those interactions anymore, and I love them, so I just think being kind and having those genuine human connections is so valuable. Kindness can be contagious, and you're passing along that good energy to others.