The 果冻传媒 class of 2014 will be one of many classes celebrated during the University鈥檚 Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend, Oct. 3-6. Proudly representing the class is Rebekah Hart Colletti, who earned a degree in communication with a minor in journalism.
Currently residing in Maui, Hawaii, Colletti, who previously worked in 果冻传媒鈥檚 Office of Advancement & Alumni Engagement, has turned her love of flowers and floral design into a thriving business called Breach Co.
A sustainable event services and decor company founded by Colletti, Breach has grown quickly with the addition of such clients as Verizon, Zoom, and Subaru.
鈥淚鈥檝e done events at resorts I didn鈥檛 think, when we arrived in Hawaii, I could even afford to step foot in,鈥� said Colletti, who has a mission to beautify everything around her. 鈥淣ow we are the preferred floral and decor vendor for Four Seasons events. It鈥檚 been a wild ride so far, and we love it. I鈥檓 so blessed.鈥�
Breach is known for its innovative approaches to event services. Colletti makes sure that every event reflects the client鈥檚 style and values, while championing sustainability. Inspired by the breathtaking spectacle of a whale breaching, Colletti鈥檚 aim is to create events that are not just remembered but revisited in stories and cherished memories, much like the unforgettable breach of a whale.
鈥淎t Breach, sustainability isn't just a practice; it's our philosophy. Our commitment to the environment is reflected in every aspect of our events, from biodegradable d茅cor to eco-friendly logistics. We're here to show that style and sustainability can coexist beautifully,鈥� Colletti said.
Influenced by the lush landscapes of Hawaii, Breach designs embody the island's vibrant colors and textures to bring authenticity and a natural touch to each event. Her company has done numerous corporate events in Hawaii, as well as weddings and cultural ceremonies. Breach also proudly sponsored the Wailea tennis tournament and reception, created special luxury designs at Grand Wailea and Sugar Beach corporate guest receptions, and was featured on the Food Network and in the Neighbors of Wailea & Makena magazine, which serves the residents of Wailea, Makena, Maui Meadows, and Keonekai Heights. Moreover, Breach recently collaborated with Delmar Ceramics, a talented local potter on the island, to create new foam-free containers that will launch this season.
Floral design wasn鈥檛 on her mind upon graduating from 果冻传媒, so she decided to take things one day at a time to see where her path would lead.
鈥淟ike many seniors approaching graduation, I was still determining my next steps,鈥� said Colletti, who grew up in Springfield, Ohio, and was actively involved in the Outdoors Club and the Oral Communication Center while at Witt. 鈥淒uring a meeting with Dr. Cathy Waggoner (Professor of Communication & Digital Media), I shared my concerns about my career path. She recounted how, after her graduation, she traveled north of the Mississippi to a magical island called Mackinac, where she found seasonal work and used the opportunity to explore her own path. Inspired by her experience, I followed a similar route and ended up living above a fudge shop with 17 other women while working as a waitress.
While on Mackinac Island, Colletti not only waited tables, but received experience planning large-scale events thanks to an opportunity to help with a private event at the Grand Hotel.
鈥淭he idea of a 鈥榩rivate event鈥� intrigued me, and it was then that I discovered my passion for the events industry. I was captivated by the energy of events, the process of bringing visions to life, and of creating memorable experiences,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y knack for networking, quick problem-solving, and creativity became evident, and I soon found myself immersed in event planning. A pivotal moment came when a florist missed the last ferry to the island, jeopardizing an important event. I quickly gathered flowers from Trillium Trail, creating a floral centerpiece for the annual treasurer鈥檚 welcome dinner. This experience marked the beginning of my deep connection with the floral industry.鈥�
A long stay in the lush confines of Amsterdam, Netherlands, enhanced her floral aspirations even further.
鈥淢y passion for flowers grew stronger during a three-month trip to visit my Dutch roommate and best friend from freshman year,鈥� Colletti said. 鈥淚 was mesmerized by the flower markets and local blooms in the Netherlands, which were far more vibrant than what I was used to. This period solidified my desire to pursue a career in floristry, combining art and nature in my work.鈥�
After her visa expired, she returned to Flint, Michigan, to contribute to the community during the water crisis while awaiting the reopening of Mackinac Island.
鈥淚 immersed myself in learning about the floral industry, attending workshops, and gaining hands-on experience,鈥� said Colletti, whose passion for the environment led her to be awarded 果冻传媒鈥檚 Lou Laux Environmental Sustainability Award in 2018. 鈥淎 transformative moment came when I met an urban flower farmer at an urban farming workshop. This connection led me to Floradora, where I gained invaluable design and growing experience as an apprentice to the florists at a flower shop in Flint鈥檚 Farmers Market.鈥�
While working at 果冻传媒, Colletti also found a way to fulfill her love for flowers and lifelong dream of owning and running a floral business when she opened Flourish in 2019, a floral company based in Springfield. However, choosing love over her new business, Colletti married Steven, a member of the U.S. Air Force serving in Qatar and Afghanistan. His job brought the couple to Hawaii, sending Colletti on a new journey in the floral business leading to the opening of Breach. Living in Keoneckai Villages Kihei now offers the couple a sense of belonging and community support that鈥檚 invaluable.
鈥淒uring my time at 果冻传媒, I was also fortunate to be mentored by many exceptional women leaders, which significantly boosted my confidence in leadership. The skills I developed working on the Alumni Relations team continue to be instrumental in my business endeavors.鈥�
Colletti is hoping to return to Springfield to meet up with fellow classmates, former professors, and friends at this year鈥檚 Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend.
The Classes of 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2014 are all celebrating reunions, as well as the Wittmen Crew, which is celebrating 25 years of performances. Show your Tiger pride by registering to attend this year鈥檚 events.
Please note that in light of recent events in Springfield, added safety and security measures will be in place throughout the weekend. Only those registered for Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend events will be allowed into the respective venues, and IDs will need to be shown prior to entry.
Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Daniel Perlof
