Rising Stars: Meet Ivy Manfredi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Manfredi. 

Hi Ivy, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love for hospitality, marketing, and event planning began at a very young age when I was involved in musical theatre. Theatre along with Speech and Debate gave me the tools to succeed throughout college as I completed my undergraduate degree at CSU, Chico with Communication Studies. I double minored in PR and Marketing and Criminal Justice (Elle Woods anyone?) 

After I completed my undergraduate, I was accepted into a master’s program in Milan, Italy for Brand Communication. I was given the opportunity throughout college to use my skills as a Marketing and Events manager for a local bar and music venue along with being a Brand and Marketing manager for a local real estate brokerage. I ended up getting my real estate license which sharpened my sales techniques and networking capabilities. 

After marrying my rockstar husband in 2018, we relocated to Nashville, TN in 2019 to further our careers in music and hospitality. Immediately after moving to Nashville with no job lined up, I snagged a bartending gig at one of the popular honky tonks downtown where I could begin networking to find the perfect place for me to build my career. 

In early 2020, along came Virgin Hotels. I was hired as the “Life of The Party” which was my dream come true career. The position is heavily a hybrid position from sales, marketing and overall being a socialite/face for the company. My signature color “red” has become iconic and you will never find me on property or off property representing Virgin NOT in red. I have a collection of over 70 red dresses and continue to grow the collection. I am currently directing a 12-week apprenticeship program for future life of the parties to lean the ins and outs of how to succeed. My previous apprentice is now fulfilling her dreams as The Life of The Party at our newest location in New Orleans. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have certainly hustled a lot and there have been really hard days, weeks, and even months balancing my work life and personal life. A lot of people don’t realize this position is truly 24/7 and does not ever stop. I am incredibly fortunate for the platform and pipeline that I have built, but it hard to relax and fully disconnect at times. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known as “The Woman in Red” or “The Life of The Party” for Virgin Hotels Nashville. I get the opportunity to plan incredible events in our social spaces such as our 14th-floor rooftop pool bar, called: “The Pool Club” and our swanky bar and lounge: “Commons Club”. I also help plan small celebrations for bachelorettes, birthdays, and so forth with our rooftop pool cabanas and VIP booths. 

What sets me apart from so many others is not only the iconic red dresses that I am always wearing but that I get to connect with so many of my clients (past, present, and future) via social media. I am very proud of my social media presence and absolutely love connecting with people on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and so on. I also am incredibly fortunate for the opportunities that have been given to me on being the face for Virgin Hotels. I have been able to travel to London for a large media award show, help open our newest location in New Orleans, throw the first pitch at the Vandy baseball game, be a part of many podcasts, radio interviews, and MC our annual Fashion Show. Getting me in front of the camera and on mic is second nature and excites me! 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
I am a firm believer in risk-taking! I would not be where I am today if I did not take risks and think outside of the box. I have always believed that you will learn and grow from your mistakes, but you can’t learn from them if you never make a mistake. By taking a risk, you can absolutely be making a mistake – but you could also be creating something beautiful that will shape what you do for the rest of your life. 

Taking the risk to put myself out there and deck myself head to toe in red is a bold statement, but a statement that has proven to be one of my most successful tools. 

One of my current risks that I take is Instagram Reels – I started recording silly videos and the internet trolls definitely try to break you down, but they have grown my following and branding to new levels I never thought possible! I always joke with my friends and family that a highlight for me is when people will stop me and tell me they follow me on Instagram or TikTok. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @lifeofthepartyvhn