The Social Society opened its doors in Nocatee with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13 and the party supply business lived up to their name by bringing a party-like atmosphere to the community.
Unlike most ribbon cutting ceremony’s, which are typically one day events, The Social Society took that to the next level and made it a three-day celebration with a VIP party the night before on Thursday, Sept. 12 and a community block party on Saturday, Sept. 14.
“We sell everything you would need for any kind of party; we can help put it together for you,” Chief Party Officer Seri Kertzner said.
One of the unique things that they have in stock currently is supplies for pickleball parties, which are popular in this area, according to Kertzner.
In addition to the traditional party supplies, such as cups, napkins, banners and other various decorations, they also have many gift ideas.
“I’m a gifting person,” Kertzner said. “If I’m invited to someone’s house for a dinner party I will not show up empty handed, and although it’s always nice to bring a bottle of wine, it’s also nice to think outside the box.”
Sharing that creativity is one of the reasons she got into the event planning world 15 years ago, and it is what continues to drive her passion for it moving forward.
According to Kertzner, even after a decade-plus involved with parties, there are always new ideas and themes that people have for a party, and she treasures those opportunities because it offers her that creative challenge to help make that idea a reality.
“It happens all the time, and it’s what makes our job even more fun to come up with new ways to make that dream or vision come to life,” Kertzner said. “The whole premise of why I do what I do and why I started in it was because I love to be creative. We train our staff to think outside the box.”
The Social Society also offers balloon arrangements, both helium-filled bundles and garlands, which were on display both inside and outside the store during the ribbon cutting celebration.
Much of the supplies offered in the store comes from relationships and friends that Kertzner has developed in the party business over the years, but they also have created certain items in house, including cocktail napkins, cups, trucker hats and pickleball paddles.
She also has an event company in New York City, where she helps style events for her clients.
“I love spreading joy and just seeing people being happy, laughing and making memories with friends and family,” Kertzner said. “That’s how I grew up, so to me it’s all about celebrating life’s special moments and those special occasions. There are so many holidays that we don’t really need to celebrate, but why not celebrate them? We’re here to just help spread joy.”
Seeing the support and number of people from the community come out to take part in each of the three days of celebration means a lot to Kertzner and she could not have planned a better way to kick off the business’ opening.
“It’s very overwhelming, and just super nice to see the support it’s gotten,” she said. “They just keep saying how much this community needs it and how excited they are to have us here.”
