Meet Colleen Bailey

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colleen Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m probably giving you a lot more info than you need lol but here is me: ;I’m from South Orange County, where I grew up in the San Clemente and Aliso Viejo areas. I was adopted, along with my younger sister, into a family of six, and I’ve always felt incredibly lucky to have grown up in such a loving, creative environment.

My adoption story is one of my favorite things to share because it was so unexpected and special. My parents, both in their second marriage, had tried to have children but couldn’t. One day, my dad—an OBGYN—was at the hospital when he spotted me in the nursery. He picked me up, called my mom, and said, “She’s so cute—do you want a baby?” That same day, without a single baby supply at home, they brought me back with them. My dad told me he picked me up and just couldn’t put me back down.

My godparents happened to be the only others there, and to make sure I’d fit in the borrowed car seat, they actually used a Curious George stuffed animal for measurement. My arrival truly came out of nowhere. When my mom called my grandma to say, “Your granddaughter is here,” my grandma thought she meant my cousin—born just a few days earlier—and was completely surprised to find out she suddenly had another granddaughter. She rushed over to meet me, as did my older sister, who drove all night from Santa Barbara, where she was in college.

Most of my family works in the medical field—my dad as an OBGYN and my mom as a labor and delivery nurse (who sadly is no longer with us)—but I’m the only one who followed a creative path.

Both of my parents nurtured my artistic side from an early age, whether it was crafting, singing, or baking. I naturally gravitated toward creative projects and excelled in arts and crafts as a child. After high school, I earned my Visual Communications degree from FIDM, which exposed me to a wide range of creative disciplines—from interior design and space planning to fashion, graphic design, and visual merchandising. It was the perfect major for me because it combined so many things I love. While in school, I interned in interior design but quickly realized I was more drawn to the fashion and styling side. I’ve always loved putting things together so they not only function but also look beautiful.

That passion led me into a 10-year career in fashion merchandising, where I honed my eye for detail, organization, and style. My OCD and ADHD have actually been huge assets—they fuel my precision, creativity, and organization (the good kind of crazy, as I like to say!).

Baking was another passion that started in childhood, thanks to my mom. I loved not only creating delicious treats but also making them look gorgeous—perfect in both presentation and taste. Eventually, that love for baking led me to a job at a bakery, which I ended up running for eight years. That’s actually how I met Tracy from Sugar Blossom Bake Shop—she was the head designer at the time. In that role, I learned everything from creating pastry fillings to designing cakes from sketches, executing them with precision, and even sculpting whimsical characters for clients. It was a fun, rewarding job that also introduced me to many wedding planners and venues.

During that time, I was already helping friends and family with small events—going completely over the top by making the food, desserts, and designs myself. People would often tell me I should do it professionally. Eventually, I left the bakery and joined Joy N Company as an assistant, and in 2024, I became a partner.​ While I loved the bakery world, my passion for design—sparked at FIDM, strengthened at ASU where I later completed my Graphic Design degree, and inspired by my mom—has always been at the heart of everything I do. Today, my background blends creativity, organization, and hands-on experience across multiple mediums, allowing me to bring a unique style and perspective to every project I take on.​ I’m definitely a jack of all trades.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At Joy N’ Company, we proudly call ourselves Professional Knot-Tiers and Event Specialists, dedicated to bringing a funky, fresh perspective to event coordination in Southern California. We specialize in Day-Of Wedding Coordination for knowledgeable, hands-on couples who love planning their own weddings but desire a professional to fine-tune the details and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

What sets us apart is our unique blend of creativity, organization, and genuine connection with our clients. My background—covering fashion merchandising, graphic design, running a bakery, and, of course, event coordination—has given me a distinct eye for aesthetics, an obsession with details, and the ability to think on my feet. I thrive in high-pressure environments and embrace the challenges of keeping everything moving seamlessly. I am passionate about merging the creative and logistical aspects of events so that couples can truly enjoy their day without worrying about what’s happening behind the scenes.

My journey to this point has not been a straight path. I started in the fashion industry and spent a decade there before transitioning to running a bakery for nearly ten years. Along the way, I discovered that what I loved most was the design, styling, and production side of events. This journey has not always been easy; I’ve rebuilt my career twice, pivoted into completely different industries, and continuously pushed myself to learn new skills. However, each chapter has taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility, the importance of strong relationships, and the magic that unfolds when you trust your instincts.

I feel the most pride when couples tell me they felt completely at ease on their wedding day—that they were fully present because they knew I had every detail handled. That’s the essence of what we do: transforming months of planning into a day that flows effortlessly.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Joy N’ Company, it’s that we’re not just here to manage a timeline—we’re here to infuse personality, warmth, and a sense of fun into the process. We take your vision seriously, but we never take ourselves too seriously. Ultimately, your event should reflect who you are, and our job is to make that happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I would plan a week they would never forget by combining relaxation, fun activities, and great social vibes. One of the first places I would take them is Glen Ivy Hot Springs for a full girls’ day. We would enjoy soaking in the mineral baths, getting covered in red clay, and sipping wine poolside​.​ I love experiences that allow us to relax yet connect and have fun, and Glen Ivy is perfect for that.

From there, we would balance our chill days with more activity-driven ones. We might try a wine and paint night, take a dance class, or engage in outdoor activities like renting bikes to explore a charming downtown area. I’m all about experiences that bring people together and create lasting memories.

In the evenings, we would go out to a lively lounge or a jazzy spot with good music, dim lighting, and an excellent wine list. I love cozy atmospheres, especially those with a live band playing while we enjoy a charcuterie board and share laughter for hours. Being around people and soaking up good energy is essential to me, so anywhere with a social buzz and great ambiance is my ideal scene.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely dedicate my shoutout to my parents and my older sister. My parents gave me the most incredible start in life—not just by adopting me, but by surrounding me with unconditional love, encouragement, and the freedom to explore my creativity. My mom nurtured my artistic side from the very beginning, inspiring my love for crafting, baking, and all things creative, while my dad has always been my steady supporter and cheerleader. My older sister has also played such a huge role in my life—always encouraging me to chase my passions, pushing me to grow, and being there for me through every high and low. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation they built for me.

Website: https://www.joyncompanyevents.com

Instagram: joy_n_company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyncompanyevents/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joy-n-company-san-clemente

Image Credits
The Boyds Photo and Video
Rachel Scherer Photography