About Jenn
Jennifer Sbranti is the founder of Hostess with the Mostess® (HWTM), a creative lifestyle brand established in 2006.
HWTM creates and shares inspiring ways to *bring the fun* to special occasions & everyday moments.
Sbranti’s work and creative ideas have been featured in media outlets such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, Real Simple, People, InStyle Weddings, Extra! TV, and more.
She has designed creative content and unique events for several well-respected brands, including Mattel, Coca-Cola, The Hershey Company, Toys”R”Us, Pottery Barn Kids, NFL Homegating, Chambord, Wendy’s, and Starbucks.
Jennifer lives in Northern California with her husband, Sonny, and their daughters, Macy (14) and Rylie (12).
The Back Story
Hi, there! I’m Jenn – a graphic designer, content creator, and event stylist with a passion for clever, unexpected details.
Before founding HWTM, I worked as a full-time print & web designer. I’ve always had a thing for parties, though… and party decorating in particular.
How it All Began
A few years after college, there was a period of time that can best be referred to as “wedding & baby boom”. I happily jumped at the chance to play hostess at what felt like gazillions of bridal showers, baby showers, and bachelorette parties during that time.
As a graphic designer that was already glued to the computer all day for work, the internet was the first place I turned to for party inspiration back then.
However, I was quickly frustrated by the lack of inspiring ideas that my searches were turning up. (Keep in mind that this was back in the days when blogging was still very new and the term “social media” didn’t even EXIST yet! )
Anyway, I started dreaming up my own party themes & creative details instead.
I also very much avoided what were the stereotypical bridal & baby shower looks back then – interlocking hearts, doves, cartoon teddy bears, etc. – and focused on designing stylish, personalized party themes inspired by the guest of honor’s personality & favorite things.
And then something interesting happened…
A Lightbulb Moment
I started getting lots of questions from party guests that wanted to know where to buy things, how to make the centerpieces, where to get the drink recipes, etc, so that they could use the same ideas at their own celebrations.
After answering the same questions over and over again, I started thinking about how nice it would be to have all the info in one spot that I could direct people to for quick reference.
This was my lightbulb moment! And the idea for Hostess with the Mostess was born.
Luckily, I had experience in web design, as well as an internet-savvy husband that suggested looking into “this new thing called a blog” that would make it easy to get content up pretty quickly.
Long story short… I hit the publish button on my first blog post back in June of 2006.
I didn’t think it would be more than a side passion project at the time. But, after taking a leap of faith and saying yes to some doors that opened along the way, it became my full-time gig less than 3 years later!
More to Come
The online and blogging worlds have changed SO much over the past 15+ years, but my love for designing beautiful celebrations and inspiring creativity in others has not.
My family and I are so grateful to all of our readers for your continued loyalty, kind messages, and support.
I hope to keep inspiring you with fresh new ways to bring the fun for many years to come!
