Curating Elevated
Gatherings
Coaching
Events
Education
Stationery
Experiences
Gatherings Coaching Events Education Stationery Experiences
Blending vintage charm with modern strategy is my joyful focus. I take the beauty of the past—like tactile paper and warm traditions—and power it with contemporary methods to help your small business thrive.
JUMP TO SECTION:
What is Modern Meets Vintage?
My modern meets vintage philosophy is the creative foundation of my work, uniting my deep affection for the tangible past with the strategic needs of the present.
I take my personal love of old things, events, and all things paper (the tactile feel of beautiful stationery, the warmth of handwritten correspondence, and the tradition of unique gatherings) and fuse it with a modern approach that drives results. My work is, at its core, about cultivating joy and creativity. I create a space that encourages the fun of design and celebration while delivering strategic and effective services that genuinely help small businesses grow and be successful. In short, I deliver classic, heartfelt quality powered by contemporary strategy.
Event Coaching
for entrepreneurs
I coach small business owners, boutique retailers, and creative founders to design, execute, and monetize intentional real-world events that build community and drive sustainable revenue.
From Event Production to Intentional Gathering
For over 24 years, I’ve led high-level event planning, corporate conferences, fundraisers, and retail summits. But the true power of a gathering isn’t just in high-stakes logistics—it’s in creating real-world "third places" where connection and commerce naturally align. My coaching blends master-level event execution with an analog, human-scale approach, moving business owners away from high-stress "hustle culture" and toward intentional, faith-centered event design that grounds your brand and honors your capacity.
Building Your Abundant Event Ecosystem
Events shouldn't burn you out; they should feed your business and your community. Using proven operational systems, paper-first planning, and seasonal rhythms, I help creative entrepreneurs, retailers, and small business owners build sustainable gathering models. Whether you are hosting intimate workshops, multi-day summits, or pop-up retail activations, we will structure your event to generate vital secondary revenue streams, secure aligned brand sponsorships, and foster local partnerships that multiply your impact without compromising your serenity.
Soul Meets Strategy in Every Detail
Stop leaving revenue on the table and running on empty. My specialized coaching equips you with the exact "Run of Show" frameworks needed to handle every detail with calm authority—from initial concept and physical space curation to hospitality touchpoints and post-event growth. Together, we’ll transform your ideas into memorable, profitable gatherings that anchor your brand in the real world and give your community a place to truly belong.
The Curated Cottage
Our Why
The Curated Cottage was born out of a shared desire to slow down, create intention, and cultivate a space that honors the beauty of the present moment. In a fast-paced, digital-first world, we wanted to build a sanctuary grounded in the tactile and the timeless—a place where the analog way of life isn't just remembered, but actively lived. It’s about choosing to be still, choosing to be mindful, and rediscovering the rich, simple joy found in life's quiet rituals: tending to a garden, putting pen to paper, and gathering around a shared table.
Mission & Background
Our mission is to nourish connection—to ourselves, to nature, and to one another—by bringing together two distinct lifetime passions under one warm roof: the planter and the painter.
Julie’s rich background spans over 30 years as a fine artist and photographer, bringing a deeply cultivated eye for composition, light, and visual storytelling to every corner of the cottage. Her creative vision preserves moments and captures beauty in its purest forms.
Tara’s 26 years of experience in event design, marketing, and community development—built through her brand, Modern Meets Vintage—infuses the space with the intentional art of gathering. Her passion lies in creating environments that bring people together, honoring old-world charm while fostering meaningful, modern connections.
Together, we’ve woven our experience into a physical community hub designed to inspire thoughtful living.
Our Vision
At its heart, The Curated Cottage is a tribute to tactile living and mindful community. We envision a haven where the simple, timeless arts are cherished:
The Art of the Written Word: Reigniting the romance of sending a handwritten letter or choosing a thoughtful card.
The Art of Tending: Connecting back to the earth by caring for living plants, blooms, and home gardens.
The Art of Gathering: Hosting physical spaces, workshops, and quiet corners where neighbors turn into friends and conversation flows without distraction.
We invite you to step across our threshold, take a breath, and embrace this season with us—slowly, intentionally, and together.
Proud Member
UK
Sunday Letter Keeper
Brand Partner: Dogwood Hill
Dogwood Hill is a luxury paper and stationery brand dedicated to bringing art into everyday life. Driven by a passion for original design and classic elegance, Dogwood Hill partners with a collective of independent artists and calligraphers to transform hand-painted artwork into heirloom-quality paper goods. From personalized stationery, custom invitations, and holiday cards to distinctive gift wrap and desk accessories, every piece is thoughtfully crafted to make life’s gatherings, milestones, and daily notes truly memorable.
About Tara
With 24 years of experience as a highly accomplished leader, Tara is a driving authority in event management, marketing, and business development, specializing in building and sustaining vibrant creative communities. She truly finds joy in what she does, putting her heart into every project. Her why is simple: to help others make a difference in their business.
She provides expert services—driving growth, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring project success—for organizations like 78th Street Studios, BAYarts, Collective Arts Network, and The Hall at St. James.
Tara’s unique blend of an entrepreneurial mindset and strong know how ensures every project she touches delivers powerful, mission-driven results. She is also paper obsessed and thrilled to be launching new endeavors in this area.
Her personal happiness checklist? Red Sox wins, a great romance novel, the thrill of finding an antique gem, travel, John Hughes movies, and, always, a good nap with a side of chips and salsa.
Tara lives in University Heights with her husband, son Noah, their dog Fenway, and their twin sister kittens, Stevie + Lindsey.
Let’s Connect!
Got a brilliant idea? Need a strategy that actually works? Drop me a line! I'm genuinely passionate about helping businesses like yours make a difference, and I’d love to hear what you’re up to. Let's carve out some time to chat over a good coffee and a sweet treat—we’ll figure out the powerful next steps for your business, no boring meetings required!
