MEET THE TEAM
Bowery (Small Home) & Bash (Social event).
Our sophisticated furniture has made an appearance in everything from the most exciting experiential events to extravagant corporate celebrations, film sets and luxury weddings.
We are wildly unapologetic creative types, free spirits who are all about stretching the limits of our imagination. We are dreamers and animal-lovers who care deeply about creating an environmentally friendly and socially conscious company that makes our clients giddy with excitement.
KATIE ERNST
president & founder
Katie is a native of New Orleans, which explains everything you need to know about her love of gilt and graffiti, the rustic and the refined.
A former Emmy-winning journalist for NBC News, Katie first ventured into design with Revision Home, which quickly became a favorite among Chicago’s interior design enthusiasts.
In 2014, she launched Bowery & Bash, leading its evolution from a niche vintage rental service into a curated source for sophisticated event furniture.
Katie lives in Chicago with her three kids and two rescue pups.
ALLY KRASAVAGE
director of operations
Ally Krasavage is the Director of Operations at Bowery & Bash, helping guide the structure, growth, and day-to-day operations of the company. Having grown alongside the team since the start of her career, she values being part of the company’s evolution and takes pride in building systems that help both the business and its people thrive.
Originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago (Lemont), Ally is now based on the city’s northwest side in Jefferson Park. She studied Integrated Design and the Arts at UIC, a multidisciplinary program that blended design, art, business, and creative problem-solving—an approach that continues to shape her work today.
Outside of work, Ally enjoys, yoga, gardening, wellness, fostering cats, and renovating her charming 1890s four-flat. Whenever possible, she is happiest on a beach with a book in hand.
jules hamlin
sales manager
Jules is the Sales Manager here at Bowery & Bash. She was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina before moving to Hawaii then Denver. She attended Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for interior design Her design career started in 2018 and she has been passionate about interiors ever since.
When not at work you can find her reconnecting with nature, renovating her home, or traveling to tropical destinations. She currently lives the west Chicago suburbs with her husband and 2 dogs, Charlie & Nelson.
chris wilkus
warehouse & logistics manager
Chris is the Warehouse Manager at Bowery and Bash. With the exception of a few years recently spent living in SW Michigan, he is a lifelong Illinois native with a passion for film, photography and especially music. Having grown up in a family that loved furnishing their home with antiques, Chris has also adopted an appreciation for all things vintage and collectable.
As a former record store manager and facilities supervisor in advertising here in Chicago, he has since found great success and appreciation for what he also brings to the table in a warehouse environment. Known for being extremely reliable, responsible and organized, it’s his desire for providing excellent customer service that really drives him.
julia villari
business development, florida
Julia is our Business Development Executive for Florida at Bowery & Bash. She was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs where she graduated from Lewis University with a business degree. She pursued a career in logistics straight out of college, but her passion for creativity led her to us.
Julia loves all things interior design, fashion, and dogs so she wanted a career revolving around something she loved. Born creative, from a young age Julia loved to sing, dance, draw, and paint.
After work, you can find Julia changing diapers, singing nursery rhymes, and shopping for baby clothes for her growing family with Starbucks in hand.
rachel ryza
event design & production lead
Rachel is an Event Design & Production Lead at Bowery & Bash. Having come from a graphic design and art background, she has a love for creativity, accessibility, and aesthetic functionality. She is always striving to learn new things, take risks, and embrace audacity. Change is a constant and she looks forward to every new direction her life takes her.
When not working on all of your event & logistics needs here at Bowery & Bash, Rachel enjoys trying new restaurants, mastering DIY’s, and hanging out with her cat to binge-watch her new favorite shows.
TRACEY COLLINS
business development, midwest
Tracey is our midwest Business Development Executive here at Bowery & Bash. She is born and raised in Illinois and has lived her for most of her life. She graduated with her masters degree from Illinois State University. For the past 30 years, she has been a logistical office for the US Army as well as a Relocation Consultant for a national moving company.
When not working at B&B, she is either watching HGTV or enjoying Greek food with her family, and being a mom to 2 boys.
eric acevedo
crew chief
Eric is one of our delivery Crew Chiefs here at Bowery & Bash. He was born and raised in Chicago and really loves the city. He found a passion for delivery when he started working here at B&B.
When Eric is not on the road, he can be found trying out a new restaurant or returning to his favorite spots. Currently, he lives in Pilsen with his brother.
Julio flores
warehouse coordinator
Julio is our Warehouse Coordinator – playing a key role in ensuring that every event order leaves the warehouse fully prepared and in excellent condition. His day-to-day focus is on carefully organizing orders before they go out, making sure there are enough supplies to properly clean and wrap furniture, and confirming that each piece of inventory meets the company’s quality standards. His attention to detail helps ensure that everything arrives ready for a seamless event setup.
Originally from Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Julio takes pride in his work and the responsibility entrusted to him. Knowing that the team relies on him to keep equipment organized and well maintained is something he finds genuinely motivating, especially because he feels that his contributions are recognized and valued.
Outside of work, Julio enjoys learning new languages and spending time making music with his daughter. Playing guitar or ukulele together and singing are some of his favorite ways to relax and connect with family. He also describes himself as someone who dives deeply into whatever captures his interest—often becoming completely absorbed in a new hobby or topic before moving on to the next thing that sparks his curiosity.
