Adapting, Creating, Connecting, Always Growing
Five and a half years ago, The Pink Elephant was born from a simple idea: to create beautiful grazing tables that would bring people together around food. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined how that idea would grow into the business it is today — a business that not only celebrates food, but also champions small independent businesses across catering, wine, floristry, event styling, entertainment, and beyond.
Looking back, I see how much has changed — in the world, in the events industry, and in my own entrepreneurial journey. What began as grazing platters has now flourished into a multifaceted business, and every step of that evolution has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and adaptability.
"Adapting and evolving fuels our passion, our purpose, and brings unforgettable experiences."
Ian Henderson, Founder
Adapting in Times of Change
The past few years have been nothing short of transformative for small businesses everywhere. The pandemic forced many of us to pause, pivot, and rethink our models entirely. In hospitality and events especially, the impact was seismic. At The Pink Elephant, we quickly realised that the “off-the-shelf” event packages we once offered were no longer the right fit for our clients.
Before, we might have sold an all-inclusive wedding package with everything bundled neatly together: from canapés and drinks to styling, entertainment, and music. But the world changed. Economic challenges, shifting priorities, and tighter budgets meant that people were no longer looking for “one size fits all.” Instead, they wanted flexibility, choice, and collaboration.
That shift became a defining moment for us. Rather than trying to sell pre-set packages, we started asking a very different question: What do you envision?
The Power of Flexibility
Flexibility has become the heart of how we operate. Every couple, every company, every celebration looks different — and so it should.
Some of our wedding clients dream of a grand celebration with fine dining, flowing champagne, live music, and dancing until dawn. Others prefer an intimate registry office ceremony followed by a relaxed canapé reception with a saxophonist in the background. Both are equally beautiful, equally special, and equally valid.
For our corporate clients, the same is true. Some want a simple grazing platter delivery for a boardroom meeting, while others want the full works — canapés, bowl foods, dessert tables, bespoke wines, and entertainment. Our role is to listen, to collaborate, and to tailor.
That’s why we no longer define ourselves as just a “grazing business.” We’ve grown into something much bigger — a creative hub that spans three key pillars:
Grazing – where it all began, and still a much-loved favourite.
Catering & Styling – offering everything from food and drink to event design, florals, and tablescaping.
Entertainment – curating experiences, whether that’s live music, dancers, or immersive performances.
These pillars allow us to scale up or down depending on what each client needs, without ever compromising on creativity or quality.
Collaboration at the Core
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been building a strong network of small independent businesses. From local florists and artisan wine suppliers to talented entertainers and stylists, we’ve made it our mission to champion people who put their heart and soul into their craft.
This collaboration works both ways. Not only do our clients get access to a pool of talented creatives, but those small businesses also gain exposure and opportunities they might not otherwise have. It’s about growing together — supporting one another through the highs and the lows, and creating something bigger than the sum of its parts.
And what I’ve found is that when you bring together passionate people, the results are always extraordinary. Clients can feel it. Their guests can feel it. There’s a difference between an event that’s “put together” and an event that’s crafted with heart.
Lessons from the Journey
Running a small business is never a straight line. There have been challenges — big ones. There have been moments of doubt, late nights, and difficult decisions. But there have also been moments of celebration, joy, and pride.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that resilience and adaptability are non-negotiable. The markets change. The economy fluctuates. Trends come and go. But if you can remain open, flexible, and willing to evolve, there is always a way forward.
I’ve also learned the importance of listening — really listening — to clients. People don’t just want a product or a package. They want to feel heard. They want their vision respected. They want to be part of creating something uniquely theirs. And when we make that collaboration central to our work, the results are not only successful events but lasting relationships.
Looking Ahead
As I look forward to the months ahead, I feel both excited and inspired. The festive and New Year season always brings with it an energy of celebration, and we can’t wait to deliver unforgettable experiences for our clients. But I’m also thinking further ahead — to 2026 and beyond.
Our goal is to become the go-to destination for immersive event experiences. We’re constantly exploring new ideas: pairing different cuisines with unexpected wines, experimenting with colour trends in tablescaping, creating theatrical cocktail experiences, and introducing fresh entertainment concepts that surprise and delight.
We’re not just offering food. We’re offering moments. Memories. Experiences that linger long after the last canapé has been eaten or the last glass of champagne poured.
A Final Reflection
When I think about how far The Pink Elephant has come, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude to my team, to the freelancers and small businesses who collaborate with us, and to my family and friends who have supported me every step of the way. Most of all, gratitude to our clients, who trust us with their most special occasions and allow us to bring their visions to life.
This journey has been full of ups and downs, but it has also been full of growth, creativity, and passion. And while I know there will always be challenges ahead, I also know that with the right people beside us, and the right mindset, we can continue to flourish.
The Pink Elephant may have started with grazing tables, but today we are so much more: a collective of passionate creators, a champion of small businesses, and a partner for anyone looking to host an unforgettable event.
Here’s to the next chapter — to more innovation, more collaboration, and more celebrations.