Oxford Event Planner Reflects on Learning from Betsey Johnson in NYC

By Riley Goerner
Hottytoddy.com intern

From a young age, children are taught to follow their dreams and do what they love. Not everyone succeeds at this, but Claire Kiamie, event planner at One Fine Day, did just that. As a little girl, she knew she wanted to throw extravagant parties and plan other’s dream events. She is living that dream now, but she says she had plenty of inspiration along the way.

Claire Kiamie started her career with the revered fashion designer Betsey Johnson. Photo from onefinedayevent.com

Kiamie had the privilege of working in New York City with one of the world’s most well-known designers, Betsey Johnson. Towards the end of her time as a student at Ole Miss, she worked alongside Johnson helping to make even the smallest events special. Most people would shy away when it comes to details, but Kiamie said the minute details are where she thrives.

“Turning each editorial party into something new and different was a challenge that I craved,” she said.

After her time with Johnson, Kiamie decided it was time to move back to Oxford where she and her husband felt at home.

“We couldn’t dream of living anywhere else,” Kiamie said.

Like many other people before and after her, she experienced that welcoming southern charm and the magic that Oxford holds. Drawing from the experience she had in New York City, she now dedicates her life to making local events something special.

One of Kiamie’s favorite weddings she put together at the Country Club of Oxford. Photo by Brian Flint.

As much as her life in New York stirred up her love for creating these magical events, that wasn’t the only reason she knew this was the career for her. Kiamie gives most of the credit to her all-time inspiration, her mother Sherry.

“My mom always threw the best parties growing up. I always admired her for her details and her bravery to think outside the box. After my time in New York and going through the wedding planning process, I realized this could be fun to do all the time,” Kiamie said.

Claire and her mother, Sherry. Photo provided.

The passion for pursuing excellence and running toward challenges runs in her veins, she said.

“She never blinks to try something new, and it always seems to turn out fabulous. She taught me it’s all about what you love. Here I am, doing just that,” Kiamie said.

Kiamie said she is living her life’s dream as owner and principal consultant for One Fine Day Events based in Oxford. She sticks to her belief that everyone deserves an event that is unique to them, and she has successfully lived up to that.

Kiamie has even been voted Oxford’s “Best Kept Secret” and has been featured in magazines like “Invitation Oxford” and “Premier Bride” along with several others. She thanks her mother for being an inspiration and pushing her to do what she loves.