Minority Owned "Sea Me Events," Educates Through Food, Music, and Dance

Beginnings 

Elizabeth Aifantis and Susan Sorrell began hosting birthday parties and other smaller events in 2019. Because of their travel experiences and the division in the country economically, they soon started to implement culture and education into those events.

They currently own "Sea Me Events," a women of color owned business with headquarters in Camden.

They produce diversity-and inclusion-focused events for businesses and families, including job fairs and galas.

"We thought, well, we are living in a new America right now and wanted to bring the diversity through different music, by art, by food," said Sorrell, Chief Operating Officer of "Sea Me Events." "It’s like a passport to the world."

Their Background

Because Sorrell grew up in the air force, she had to frequently adapt to new experiences and cultures. As a Brit, she talked about coming to the United States for the very first time.

"When I met people here, everybody said where they were from first," said Sorrell.

Having lived in Germany and all regions of the United Kingdom, she is well traveled. She has also been to France, Spain, Greece, Jamaica, and Canada.

With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, she trained different businesses and companies on business etiquette and customer service skills.

Aifantis was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to a Puerto Rican mother and a Dominican father. Like Sorrell, she is well traveled. She has been to China, Turkey, Spain, and Greece through her work as a human resources director in Atlantic City. She has also traveled to and lived where her parents are from.

"I found it really easy because I was already able to look at people and connect with people before pre judgment, '' said Aifantis, Chief Executive Officer of Sea Me Events. I enjoy events and connecting with people, as well as connecting people with other people," she continued.

Besides diversity, equity, and inclusion-inspired events, Aifantis and Sorrell also plan weddings and themed events. They also offer partial wedding planning, including bachelor and bachelorette parties and showers.

The duo recently planned a diversity day themed event held in a salon in Philadelphia, and hosted a wine tasting event entitled "Rose all day," in celebration of national rosé day. Ten percent of the proceeds went to LUCY Outreach in Camden.

"Every event that we do, we try to connect our charity, so that way we can give back," said Aifantis. We are based out of Camden, so we like to give back to our community," she continued.

A Taste of Italy

Next Sea Me Events will be hosting "A Taste of Italy" on Sunday, June 26th at Il Fiore restaurant in Collingswood, 693-695 Haddon Ave.

Sorrell described Italy as a flamboyant nation with a rich history behind its architecture and family relationships.

"Italy is kind of like a flamboyant country; they have a lot of passion; they enjoy wine," said Sorrell." That family structure, getting family together, is a big part of their culture as well."

From 12–4 p.m., guests will be able to learn more about the culture of Italy through food, fun facts, dance, and more.

Classic Italian dishes will be available, such as veal medallions with artichokes and tomatoes in a garlic white wine sauce. Professional ballroom dancers and soprano Sharon Neff will provide the entertainment.

Tickets are $100 per person, and a portion of the event’s ticket proceeds will go to LUCY Outreach in Camden.

Hope for the Future 

Both Sorrell and Aifantis hope that future events show a clearer path towards diversity and inclusion when it comes to connecting with their audiences. They also want to emphasize that education doesn't have to be stringent, it can be fluid and taught with music, food and dance. 

Sea Me events is located at 227 Market Street in Camden.

To purchase tickets to a Taste of Italy, visit https://seameevents.com/product/taste-of-italy-event/.

To learn more about Sea Me Events, visit https://seameevents.com/#home or email Sorrell and Aifantis at Sue@seameevents.com and Liz@seameevents.com.