Pauline Parry
Pauline Parry, Founder and CEO of Good Gracious! Events, never planned on building a career in hospitality. Her journey began unexpectedly in England, where she started working at an acclaimed French bistro-style restaurant in Somerset. Immersed in the world of food and service, she quickly found herself drawn to the pace and creativity of the industry. This early experience was soon followed by a position at a sixteenth-century castle in Thornbury, a setting as rich in history as it was in lessons.
At the time, Pauline was a divorced mother of two, navigating life’s uncertainties while discovering a surprising connection to the world of hospitality. She had no formal training but embraced each opportunity to learn, picking up skills through hands-on experience and a genuine curiosity for the craft. Her early days in the industry were less about ambition and more about finding fulfillment in work that felt natural and exciting. A new chapter began when she moved to the United States with her second husband. It was there that she felt inspired by the entrepreneurial energy around her.
Despite having no structured plan, she launched her own catering business from home. It wasn’t the most conventional start—she didn’t have a kitchen license and relied solely on word-of-mouth and a simple business card. But what she lacked in resources, she made up for in drive and resourcefulness. Her journey is a reminder that success often starts in the most unexpected places. What began with curiosity and courage grew into a respected and thriving enterprise. Today, through Good Gracious! Events, she continues to shape memorable experiences with the same spirit that first drew her into hospitality—passion, adaptability, and a love for bringing people together.
Finding Purpose in the Process: Pauline Parry’s Honest Take on Entrepreneurship
Looking back on the early days of building her business, Pauline Parry recalls starting without a clear direction. When she launched her company, she didn’t have a fixed idea of what she wanted it to become or even which parts of the work she enjoyed most. It was a step taken with more hope than certainty, driven by a desire to try something new rather than a detailed plan. As the business grew, so did her understanding of her own goals. Through experience, she began to see what truly resonated with her and what brought her the most satisfaction. It wasn’t about following industry trends or chasing rapid expansion. Instead, she focused on what felt right for her—building something meaningful and staying true to her standards.
Over time, Pauline came to realize that her aim wasn’t to create the biggest company in the hospitality world. She wasn’t chasing size or scale. What mattered to her was building a company that stood out for its quality. She wanted to be known for delivering exceptional food, service, and hospitality. That clear intention became the foundation of her work and remains at the heart of Good Gracious! Events today.
The Joy in the Journey: Pauline on the Value of Hard Work and a Positive Outlook
For Pauline, the driving force behind her success has always been a strong work ethic, something her father once acknowledged in simple words, calling her “hardworking.” Though it wasn’t said with fanfare, the recognition stayed with her. To Pauline, hard work isn’t just a habit—it’s a way of life. It’s how she approaches everything she does, believing that effort lays the foundation for achievement. Throughout her journey, she has relied on more than just determination. Her natural optimism and steady perseverance have carried her through the unpredictable nature of running a business.
In an industry that thrives on energy and creativity, Pauline finds inspiration in the variety of her daily work. No two days feel the same, and it’s this constant change that keeps her engaged and motivated. Rather than letting challenges weigh her down, she meets each day with a spirit of enthusiasm. For her, fun and joy are just as important as discipline and focus. She believes that when you enjoy what you do and carry that mindset into your work, success becomes more than just a goal—it becomes a reflection of the journey itself.
Inspired by Many: Pauline Parry on the Everyday Sources of Motivation
Pauline doesn’t point to a single person as her source of inspiration. For her, it’s not about one figure or a defining moment. Instead, she finds motivation in the world around her—in the creativity she sees in others and in the small moments that happen every day. Within the hospitality industry, she admires the work of many talented professionals whose ideas spark new ways of thinking. Whether it’s in the way a dish is presented or the feeling an event creates, she takes those influences and adds her perspective to craft something distinctive.
While industry peers fuel her creative thinking, it is her team that truly moves her the most. Their commitment to delivering quality and their attention to detail serve as a constant reminder of the standards they’ve set together. For Pauline, the people she works with are more than just employees—they are the backbone of her company’s reputation. Their shared drive to maintain excellence is what pushes her to keep evolving and delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression.
A Life of Recognition: Pauline Parry’s Mark on the Hospitality Industry
Pauline’s work in the events and culinary world has earned recognition on both national and international levels. Over the years, her company has been honored with numerous awards that reflect the dedication and quality they bring to every project. These accolades speak to a career built on consistency, creativity, and a deep understanding of what makes an experience memorable.
Beyond her success in events, Pauline is also an author. Her books, Food, Fun, Love Party Styles and My Culinary Love Story, offer a personal look into her journey and philosophy around food and entertaining. They serve not only as a reflection of her style but also as a way to share her knowledge with a wider audience. Her contributions to the industry have also led to several prestigious inductions. She holds a place in the Hall of Fame for Events through Event Solutions, for Culinary with the International Catering Association, and for Weddings with the Wedding Industry Professionals Association.
As one of the founding members of WIPA, she played a key role in shaping its foundation and even authored the Food and Beverage chapter for their certification guideline book. Pauline’s influence is also recognized through awards like the ACE and I3 from Catersource, which celebrate innovation, education, and leadership in the field. Through all of this, she has remained committed to her craft, leaving a clear and lasting impression on the industry she has helped shape.
Principles That Carry You Forward: Pauline Parry on Leadership and Growth
For Pauline, building a successful career hasn’t been just about creativity or business skills—it’s been about staying grounded in a set of principles that guide her through both challenges and progress. She believes strongly in trusting your vision, even when the path isn’t clear. There will be setbacks, and at times, failure may be part of the process. But to her, those moments are valuable—they shape understanding and fuel growth. She also emphasizes the importance of being open to change. Innovation is something she embraces, not as a buzzword but as a way to keep improving and evolving. Alongside that, she sees strong relationships as a foundation for any lasting success. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or her team, she values genuine connections built on respect and shared goals.
She holds the belief that a good leader not only leads but also supports others along the way. Uplifting team members and creating an environment where everyone feels motivated is, in her view, just as important as any business strategy. Accountability, both to oneself and to others, is something she doesn’t compromise on. Transparency and honesty are principles she lives by, especially when the pressure is high. Staying calm and composed, even in demanding situations, has helped her navigate the unpredictable nature of the industry. These values, developed over time and through experience, continue to shape how Pauline approaches her work, her team, and the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
Finding Her Voice: Pauline Parry on Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Business
Pauline’s journey through the hospitality industry has come with its share of challenges, many of which reflect the broader struggles faced by women balancing professional and personal expectations. For her, the pressure to succeed across all fronts—career, family, and maintaining a social life—has often been overwhelming. Juggling these roles while striving to excel in a demanding field hasn’t always been easy. Along the way, she has also dealt with inappropriate behavior and unwanted advances, issues that continue to exist in many professional environments and can make navigating the workplace more difficult for women.
In a society that still leans heavily toward male dominance, Pauline believes there are key qualities every woman must hold on to. Confidence, above all, is something she considers essential. It’s not just about appearing sure of oneself, but truly believing in your own worth and abilities. Courage also plays a crucial role—having the strength to speak up, challenge unfair treatment, and take bold steps, even when the outcome is uncertain. For Pauline, these traits have not only helped her move forward but have also shaped the way she leads and supports others. Her experiences have given her a deeper understanding of what it takes to persevere, and that insight continues to guide her as a business owner, leader, and mentor in the hospitality world.
Guiding the Next Generation: Pauline Parry’s Advice to Future Women Leaders
Pauline believes that the path to success begins with trust in one’s abilities, instincts, and choices. For the next generation of women stepping into leadership roles or building their paths, she emphasizes the importance of being confident in their decisions. It’s not just about making plans but about staying grounded in who you are while working toward your goals.
She encourages young women to set clear objectives and develop strategies that align with their values. Challenges are inevitable, but the ability to adapt and find a way forward without losing your sense of self is what makes the difference. Through her journey, Pauline has learned that resilience and self-belief can take you far. Her message is simple but powerful: believe in yourself, stay focused, and move forward with intention.
Quotes:
What keeps me going is the idea that every day brings something different—a new challenge, a new chance, and a new reason to love what I do.
Good Gracious! Events were never built to be the biggest, but it was always driven to be the best, where food, service, and storytelling come together.
I’ve never been afraid to start without a plan. Sometimes, your boldest steps begin with just a business card and a lot of heart.
