HAYVN HerStory: Ashley Krauss & Megan Palmer Rivera
About HAYVN HerStory
Chronicles of Women Who Innovate. Celebrate, Learn, and Be Inspired!
HAYVN HerStory with Ashley Krauss, A Little Something White + Megan Palmer Rivera, Palmer’s Market & Palmer's Catering. VIP Reception option!
Agenda
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
VIP Reception
Meet & Greet – You’ll have the opportunity to meet with our featured guest during an intimate VIP reception before the main event.
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Main Event
Engaging Conversations – Hear firsthand accounts from successful female entrepreneurs followed by an audience Q&A. Authentic Stories – Dive deep into their personal narratives and discover what drives them. Guidance & Empowerment – Gain invaluable insights and advice to fuel your own journey!
Speakers
Ashley Krauss, Founder and Owner, A Little Something White
Ashley Krauss is the founder and owner of A Little Something White, an award-winning bridal boutique based in Darien, CT that she opened in 2012 after leaving a successful career in finance to pursue her entrepreneurial dream. Within days of opening the boutique, Ashley knew she had found her calling: helping brides find the gown that brings their wedding vision to life while providing unwavering support throughout the journey. Ashley has built her reputation on a client-first philosophy that combines expert bridal styling with genuine compassion. Whether she is helping a bride discover her perfect dress, solving unexpected challenges, or carefully curating collections from top designers, Ashley approaches every aspect of her business with dedication, creativity, and heart. Over the years, she has helped thousands of brides celebrate one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Her commitment to personalized service and creating an exceptional experience has made A Little Something White a trusted destination for brides throughout the region. In 2021, Ashley tripled the size of A Little Something White’s physical footprint in Darien, moving the business into a gorgeous 13,000 square foot space and adding evening wear gowns, mother-of-the-bride gowns, special occasion dresses, menswear, little white dresses, and wedding-related gifts. When she’s not at the boutique, Ashley is a devoted wife and mother of two teenage boys. She enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, walking her two Golden Retrievers, staying active through running, cycling and strength training, skiing, reading, spending time with family, and enthusiastically singing along to her favorite Backstreet Boys songs. For Ashley, every customer who walks through the doors of A Little Something White is treated like family. Her mission remains the same today as it was when she first opened the boutique: to celebrate, support, and guide every customer with the same care and love she would give to her sister (who is also her best friend in the world).
Megan Palmer Rivera, CEO, Palmer’s Market and Palmer’s Catering
Megan Palmer Rivera is the Chief Executive Officer of Palmer’s Market and Palmer’s Catering, a 105-year-old, fifth-generation family business based in Darien, Connecticut. With three generations actively involved in the company today, Megan brings a unique perspective on what it takes to lead a legacy business while preparing it for the future. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts, she joined Palmer’s with a professional food background and went on to expand the company by launching Palmer’s Bakery, Palmer’s Gourmet to Go, and Palmer’s Catering & Events, the company’s high-end off-site catering division. Megan became Managing Director in 2018 and was named CEO in 2023. Her work focuses on balancing tradition with innovation, strengthening workplace culture, developing the next generation of leaders, and building systems that allow a beloved family business to grow without losing what made it special. She offers real-world insight on family business leadership, managing and motivating hourly teams, navigating growth, and leading with both discipline and heart.
Moderator
Kristen Rzasa | Holistic Business Strategist
Kristen Rzasa is a business and life strategist who helps people find a brand-new rhythm in their bodies, days, businesses, and lives. She combines her Corporate leadership experience with her background in health and wellness to guide clients to elevate their mindset, enhance their energy, expand their time and enrich their environment. She is a speaker, productivity expert, intenSati leader and wellness educator.
Sponsors
Owl’s Brew
Darien New Canaan Lifestyle
Showcasing Inspiring Journeys of Local Female Entrepreneurs
Hear ‘HerStory’ in HAYVN’s special series highlighting challenges, triumphs, innovative ideas, and offering all a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these events are designed to empower and motivate our entrepreneurial community. Come and connect with like-minded individuals, share your own experiences, and leave inspired to innovate and excel.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of an empowering experience!
Cost
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
General Admission
Main Event: $35 Early Bird Tickets: $30
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
HAYVN Member*
Main Event: $20 Early Bird Tickets: $18
Why Attend?
Meet & Greet – You’ll have the opportunity to meet with our featured guest during an intimate VIP reception before the main event.
Engaging Conversations – Hear firsthand accounts from successful female entrepreneurs followed by an audience Q&A.
Authentic Stories – Dive deep into their personal narratives and discover what drives them.
Guidance & Empowerment – Gain invaluable insights and advice to fuel your own journey!
Questions? Contact questions@hayvn.com
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WANT TO SEE MORE? View our full calendar of events
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Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
