The Gift of Giving
et voilà makes gifting seamless and heartfelt
SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON CELEBRATION AND CONNECTION.
the mind behind the magic
HI, I’M AMANDA
your fairy gift-mother!
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved planning every last detail of any project I could get my hands on. From insisting on crafting elaborate themed birthday parties (much to my mom’s enjoyment… and occasional exhaustion!), to constantly redecorating my room based on my latest design obsession, to carefully wrapping and handing out Christmas presents one by one—I’ve always believed in the magic of making moments feel special.
After graduating from Notre Dame, I took that passion to Disney World parks and resort. I was lucky enough to work in roles doing everything from planning guests’ vacations as a club level resort concierge to managing the content for park events like Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. My time there taught me that the best experiences are rooted in empathy, creativity, and personalization. Whether it was rerouting a guest to the front of the line after a missed fast pass or rebooking a disappointing dinner into a magical character breakfast, I learned how to turn problems into joyful, tailored moments.
That spirit is at the heart of et voilà, where I bring together thoughtful details, personalized touches, and a genuine love for celebration to create one-of-a-kind gift experiences that make people feel truly seen, appreciated, and delighted. I can’t wait to make something beautiful together!
How We Work Together
As a full-time working mom with two young daughters, I am very familiar with having limited time to prioritize things like researching gift options or putting together a celebratory event (honestly, the only reason I still have Facebook is for birthday reminders — anyone else?!). I know that moments can quickly pass us by without getting the attention they deserve, not because we want them to, but because there simply aren’t enough resources to go around.
That is why I take a deeply empathetic approach to my clients
The first step is always the same: getting to know you, your recipient, and what would make this occasion unforgettable. Once I have a good foundation, I will leverage my background in SEO to do some research wizardry. My end goal is always for you to walk away with curated options that you and your recipient will both love and cherish long past the moment you are celebrating.
How I got here
My life hasn’t followed a straight line, but every chapter shaped the exact skillset and vision I now bring to gifting and celebration design. One thing has always remained the same in that I chase the joy.
2012 ⟣
After graduating from Notre Dame, I immediately moved to Walt Disney World where I worked in resort operations leadership and park event content development. I was constantly in one-of-a-kind guest situations (I have some crazy stories!) that taught me creative problem solving and how to deliver moments that people would always remember. I loved making and experiencing magic.
⟢ 2016
I decided to move back home to Chicago to be closer to my community and hopefully meet a nice Midwestern guy. I got an apartment downtown and a job at a tech startup. The bad news: I did not love making 55 sales calls a day or working with car dealers, so I quit several jobs in quick succession. The good news: I met the love of my life Chris just before the Cubs won the World Series!
2019 ⟣
Chris & I were living together and had recently gotten engaged. Always looking to create, I had completed my Graphic Design Certificate from SAIC, was selling watercolor dog portraits and hand drawn snail mail, had launched an Etsy shop selling greeting cards, and was working full time at an SEO company. I fell in love with SEO - the study of human intent - but did not love the company.
⟢ 2020
When she heard I was looking for a change, my girlfriend referred me to an amazing marketing role at a large tech company, and I got the job! I was in the office for literally a week before COVID hit. Over the next few months, Chris & I postponed our big wedding (I cried…a lot), moved to the suburbs, planned our micro-wedding, got married with 9 people in my childhood backyard, and got a puppy.
2022 ⟣
This was the hardest year of my life to date. My sister was diagnosed with cancer 2000 miles away after giving birth to her first child. I was navigating the grief of her illness and my own battle with infertility. We would text during her hospital stays - both of us an escape for each other. I ran her meal train during this time and had loved ones send her letters. It showed me the true power of community.
⟢ 2023
We found out I was pregnant with our first daughter (thank you science) and for my 9th move in 10 years, we bought a house! While pregnant, I attended a creative workshop hosted by our wedding photographer. I was the only one there without a business, but I knew I wanted to be inspired by other female entrepreneurs. The experience brought me so much joy.
2025 ⟣
Our second daughter was born and we continued the greatest adventure of our life, always the happiest at home with our girls. Often while nap-trapped and in the trenches of 2 under 2, I would plan future celebrations or browse shops online. And suddenly it came to me - the idea I’d been searching for - a way to combine my passion for celebration, traditions, memories, and gift giving.
⟢ 2026
And now, et voilà is here! It means “and here you go,” as if to say “tada!” - an ode to my cherished time studying French and living in France. My mission is to support women in celebrating themselves and the people they love. Whether through thoughtful traditions, micro-celebrations, or one of my signature gifting services, I hope to create a warm, happy space that inspires you.
