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Life & Work with Violet Jensen of Oregon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Violet Jensen.

Hi Violet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hospitality has always felt like a natural fit for me! I got my start helping with my family’s catering business and spending busy weekends at local farmers markets, where I learned early on that creating memorable experiences and genuine relationships comes from passion, hard work, and an eye for the little things.

Over the past decade, I’ve built my career in restaurant management, hospitality, and business development, gaining experience in everything from daily operations to guest service and event execution. In 2022, I joined the family-owned team behind The Arc Light in a beautifully restored historic building. As the business continued to grow, so did my role—first supporting The Hive, then helping launch and manage The Arc Light Wedding and Event Venue!

Today, as Venue Manager and Event Planner for The Arc Light, I have the opportunity to guide couples and clients through every stage of their celebration while helping shape the venue’s planning experience. What I love most is that no two events are ever the same. Whether it’s a wedding, milestone celebration, or corporate gathering, I enjoy creating experiences that feel elevated, welcoming, and authentically reflective of each client.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building something great is a journey, and every challenge is an opportunity to improve. I think that’s one of the things I value most about hospitality—there’s always room to learn and grow. Joining a growing family-owned business meant every year brought something new, from expanding into new spaces to developing systems and continually refining the client experience.

Whether it’s navigating unexpected challenges or finding creative solutions behind the scenes, adaptability is one of the most valuable skills you can have in this industry. Every decision is about balancing the guest experience with the operational side of the business while making sure our clients feel supported every step of the way.

Looking back, those challenges have shaped the way I approach my work today. They’ve taught me to stay calm under pressure, embrace change, and focus on creating thoughtful, memorable experiences.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Venue Manager and Event Planner for The Arc Light, I guide clients through the planning process while helping shape the overall guest experience—from the first tour to the final send-off. My goal is to make every celebration feel effortless by creating a planning experience that’s organized, transparent, and enjoyable from start to finish.

I specialize in thoughtful guest experiences and celebrations that feel personal and unique. I love finding the details that make an event truly memorable, whether that’s transforming a historic space to reflect a couple’s vision, creating an immersive atmosphere, incorporating meaningful traditions, or designing a timeline that allows everyone to be fully present and enjoy the day.

What I’m most proud of is helping shape The Arc Light as it has grown. Being part of a small, family-owned business has given me the opportunity to help develop new planning experiences, refine our processes, and create celebrations that reflect who we are. I strive to be approachable, dependable, and someone who genuinely cares about the people I work with and helping them find the best fit for their celebration. At the end of the day, I believe the best events aren’t just beautiful—they’re the ones where people feel welcomed, cared for, and able to simply enjoy the moment.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I grew up watching the Food Network, and it quickly turned into a bit of an obsession. Before I was even old enough to drive, I was creating imaginary restaurant concepts in my family’s kitchen—complete with menus, inventory lists, budgets, daily specials, and marketing plans, all on pen and paper. My family and friends were the lucky (or unlucky!) taste testers for every new recipe.

Thankfully, I can confidently say my cooking has improved since I was eight years old. Looking back, it’s funny to see how much of my childhood was spent dreaming about the career I have today. I’ve always loved blending creativity with hospitality, and it’s rewarding to realize those early passions have stayed with me every step of the way.

Pricing:

  • $3,500-$6,500 Full Day Rentals
  • $15,000-$17,500 All-Inclusive Packages
  • $1,500-$2,500 Full Service Planning

Contact Info:

A bright room with a window, white curtains, a mirror, and a curved white sofa, with white walls and trim.

Two brown armchairs and a tufted sofa in a room with dark green paneled walls and warm wall sconces.

Interior of a room with a dark blue counter, hanging lights, a window, and a bench along the wall.

Corner of a room with a white countertop, a small sink, two stools, and a window with curtains.

Bride and groom dancing in a decorated wedding hall with guests seated at tables, chandeliers overhead, and large windows with curtains.

Empty wedding ceremony room with rows of white chairs, a floral arch, and large windows, bright and elegant.

Elegant black display with floral arrangements and candles, illuminated by hanging pendant lights, on a patterned floor.

Image Credits
Catalina Jean
Anna Peters
Hannah Nofziger
Gabi Choiniere
Rithy H. Tamba
Sarah Markstaller

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