Name: Liza Utter
Age: 47
Location: Malibu, CA
Education: University of Southern California
Job title: Founder and Chairman, Liza America’s Host
What she does: If you’ve ever thrown a party or big event, then you’ve probably been faced with the classic hostess’ conundrum: how do you manage to run everything smoothly while trying to have a little fun yourself? Liza Utter, a former restaurateur from Los Angeles, had witnessed one too many party-throwers become stressed out and anxiety-ridden when she decided her mission was clear: to share her wealth of knowledge about entertaining and save the sanity of frazzled hosts and hostesses everywhere. As founder and chairman of Life of the Party Productions, Liza works to redefine what hosting means for the 21st century. Through her website LizaAmericasHost.com and her “Life of the Party” entertaining series, Liza has, as she says, “created a new model for men and women who want to entertain – a new and friendlier version for the modern host who doesn’t have the time or energy to live up to unrealistic standards of perfection.” Her site is a go-to source for tips and tricks for the seasoned and newbie hostess alike. She’s also a contributor to Huffington Post, TheDailyMeal and ModernMom. And her newest venture? She recently partnered with GILT CITY to launch a series of classes where she teaches attendees how to master the art of hosting and holiday entertaining.
How she got her gig: After selling her two restaurants in LA, The Beach House and La Cachette, Liza decided to take a sabbatical and spend some time traveling and visiting friends. “It wasn’t until I took some time off that I realized, that even though I spent a majority of my time in the restaurants or at parties, I rarely got to be just a guest, as I was always the one hosting them!” says Liza. “From a guest’s perspective, I started noticing how anxious and stressful it was for people to entertain, even on a small scale and how those negative feelings leaked into the affair, undermining all of the host’s hard work.” She coined the term “personality hijackings” to describe how a host’s great personality could become completely overshadowed by their anxiety. “One day I had an epiphany – a friend’s husband took me aside and asked me where his wife goes every time they throw a party because a crazy, anxiety-ridden woman always replaced her.” And that’s when she decided create Life of the Party Productions. “My goal is to inspire and build confidence in people, to help enrich their lives by embracing entertaining at home,” says Liza.
Back to School: Although Liza’s an accomplished woman, she never stops looking for opportunities to learn and grow. “I look at this life as a giant school and I am a student – and not always an ‘A’ student!” says Liza. And she constantly looks to others who have achieved success as wellsprings of inspiration and learning. “I search for those in business who are willing to share the lessons they’ve learned. I place great value in mentors, leaders, teachers, fellow professionals whom I admire – all are invaluable sources in my growth and evolution.”
Life is a party: Liza lives by the saying, “It’s the people that make the parties, not the stuff!” The most rewarding part of her job has been helping create beautiful memories for other people. “All the parties I have planned, hosted, catered… the weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations – seeing the tears of joy… knowing I have helped to create personal celebrations that will last a lifetime… when I sift through these moments I see joyous faces, people brought together to share a special moment in their lives over a table with good food and wine,” says Liza. But it’s not just the big moments in life that deserve a celebration – part of Liza’s mission is to inspire people to get together more often so they can celebrate life’s smaller moments and keep their connection alive.
Listen to your voice: “That little part of you that nags at you when you don’t speak up for yourself or take care of yourself, compromise your values or do something that you know in your heart isn’t right… this voice is your best friend,” says Liza. And even better than your mom or BFF, you voice is an internal source of honesty, loyalty and trust that’s always looking out for you.
This job’s for you if: you can learn to listen to and respect your inner voice. “I have learned, no matter how difficult it is or what the risks are, to listen and respect my inner voice because as of yet, it has never been wrong,” says Liza. “I had to listened to everyone else, I would never have opened La Cachette, The Beach House, tried out for cheerleading or launched my company… but the little voice inside me told me I could!”
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