PERHAM — Anyone walking along Perham's Main Street as the weather warms may have noticed a new business located in Sitting Pretty's old building: LUXE Events. This boutique event company, founded and owned by local woman Blossom Kawlewski, opened its venue in March 2023. On top of its venue for gatherings and private parties, LUXE also offers event designing and event rentals. Eventually, Kawlewski also plans to offer custom balloon garlands and themed party packages.
"I just wanted to start my own thing," Kawlewski said, reflecting on the journey of opening her business. "I'm excited … I guess I've always been passionate about events. I throw my kids extravagant birthday parties and everything. Every party I throw, I kind of go overboard. I just love it, and I'm really passionate about it."
Those from the Perham area would likely recognize Kawlewski from her involvement in community businesses and events from a young age. Originally from Frazee, her family owned Spanky's until 2005 when they sold it and bought the Cactus that same day, moving to Perham.
Kawlewski worked at the Cactus throughout high school before eventually studying business management at St. Cloud State University. She had a few human resources roles around the community after graduation and eventually went back to the Cactus — doing events and catering there — even after her parents sold the business a bit over two years ago. She still works in events at the Cactus, but she always knew she wanted to start her own business.
"I've always wanted to do a little bit of my own thing," she explained. "My long-term life goal is to have a nice, huge venue. I actually was pulled into the Karvonen's outlet store, and I saw this (building) was for rent. I was like, 'That building is beautiful. The brick is beautiful. There's hardwood floors.' So I came in here quick and took a look around. And then I reached out to the owners of the building and told them what I wanted to do. I just jumped in."
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A boutique venue with rustic brick walls and shiny light-wood flooring, it can host up to 88 people for small events like bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers or any other sort of events. Located right off Main Street, Kawlewski mentioned that it's also a great location for pop-up shops for typically online shops looking to have a quick in-person sale. Kawlewski also plans to host some in-house events, such as Pedals and Prosecco in mid-May, a Cinco de Mayo party and even a portable escape room.
Though LUXE only just opened, Kawlewski has already seen plenty of business.
"I did the Relay for Life kick-off; that was my first event," she said. "Last weekend, I just did a bridal shower, and I have a few more bridal showers. I have a rehearsal dinner planned here actually. Somebody booked the space for a wedding reception (after) they did a destination wedding. They're coming back here to celebrate."
LUXE doesn't just offer events in their building, however. Kawlewski herself offers event design consultation and has different backdrops, seating and other aesthetically pleasing furniture and decorations available for rent. Eventually, she also hopes to offer custom balloon garlands and custom party packages, such as a taco-themed party or a pumpkin baby shower.
"I think it's just a great space for people to gather and celebrate everything," Kawlewski said. "Also, there's nothing like this and this size in Perham … The amount of space here is just perfect for smaller gatherings rather than huge events. I feel like there's either really small meeting spaces or really huge ones and just nothing in between. It's just something different; the space is nice for people to be able to host their own events but also the events that I'm bringing in."
For more information on future offers and events at LUXE, visit their Facebook, LUXE Events or their Instagram, @luxeeventsmn . For more information, rentals or more, email Kawlewski at luxeeventsmn@gmail.com.
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