On today’s episode of The Press Office with Kate & Co. PR, Marisa Jayne chats with Georgina Damm, the founder of catering and events company DAMM FINE FOOD Co.
Georgina started her career studying marketing but always had a passion for food and entertaining. She loved the process of planning weekend activities for friends and the feeling of being hospitable; “I actually lived on a farm and had guests down all the time for the weekend” she tells Marisa. Thinking she’d end up in film or television, Georgina soon realised that food and creating events was her love and so she started Damm Fine Food Co.
Although beginning as a catering company, now the services Damm Fine Food Co. offers is more than just food, it is a catering experience; it is also design services, event management and wedding panning including invitation design to entertainment, transport, florals, and of course the menu.
On working for herself and starting her own business, Georgina says “those that starts our own businesses, it’s not for everyone, you have to be able to take risk and be comfortable with risk”.
Damm Fine Food Co. is a different business post Covid, with Georgina taking a more considered approach to the events she says yes to, and although she says no to major events these days, her love of big events will never waiver and she recognises that as a society we are all looking for that connection that events bring; “there’s nothing like 500 to 1000 people dancing under the stars to a DJ and drinking martinis” she says.
Now, Damm Fine Foods focus on the one-off experiences where they can be creative and innovative, use artisan suppliers and create something special that no-one will forget. Private parties including weddings, birthdays and other milestones are her favorite as she loves creating a memory for someone that they will have forever.
Georgina chats to Marisa about how to make an event special and what to consider when planning an event, including lighting, scent, entertainment and noise levels, temperature is really important and keeping “the warmth” within an event and of course the menu. Food has all the elements, “sense of texture, colour, taste, smell, it offers so many dimensions” Georgina explains, “the art of giving is what food service is about”.
Georgina and Marisa talk socially responsible events and being sustainable and she says “if we can throw an event with no glad wrap, no cable ties and no bubble wrap, I’ll be happy”.
Being in the industry for 20 years, Georgina shares her insights into where she draw inspiration, including her love of travel and eating out. She also shares her tips on newcomers to the industry and what to have on your CV.