Get to Know the Bowery + Bash Team
When you work with the Bowery + Bash team you will truly feel the passion and commitment of every team member. From your first meeting to discuss your event rental needs to the installation at your event, our dedicated team members love what they do and it shows every single step of the way.
As a company, we value audacity, authenticity, humility, respect, and humor. We strive to create a culture that inspires inclusivity and sustainability.
We are wildly unapologetic creative types, free spirits who are all about stretching the limits of our imagination. We are dreamers and dog-lovers who care deeply about creating an environmentally friendly and socially conscious company that makes our clients giddy with excitement.
Get to know the people who make Bowery + Bash the brand that it is…
Meet our founder, Katie Ernst
What are your roots?
I am from New Orleans and came to Chicago during college because Oprah was here. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know much else about the city but it instantly stole my heart. Now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What do you do in your off time?
This answer changes with the seasons. The other night my kids and I cooked a meal together and spent a long time talking around the table after, so that has skyrocketed to the top of the list of my summer highlights. This has been a season of live music, patio drinks with friends, and hanging in the backyard with my dogs and a good book.
“I am so proud of the fact that this fantastic team found their way to B&B. They are truly THE BEST. I love that I’ve been able to create the business that I want to lead.” – Katie
Meet Ally Krasavage, our Marketing + Operations Manager
What are your roots?
I’m from the southwest suburbs. I went to UIC, graduated, and have been in Chicago, IL ever since. after graduation, I resided in the south loop for just a couple years until purchasing my first home, a charming 1890s 4 flat, in Jefferson Park!
What do you do in your off time?
In my free time, you can find me bouncing around my garden at my home, hanging out with my cat, watching cheesy reality TV, plant shopping or dreaming of my next home project for my husband to do (and me to manage).
“I love the culture of the company. We’re a small team that is huge into our core values, which are audacity, authenticity, humility, respect, and humor. It’s a dream to be in an industry that values such self-expression, style, and storytelling. At the end of the day, we get to work with gorgeous rental furniture, so I’m lucky to be surrounded by beautiful things.” – Ally
Meet Jade Kwiatkowski, our Events + Logistics Coordinator
What are your roots?
I am from the south suburbs of Chicago. I lived in Wicker Park during college, but I am in the Western Suburbs now.
What do you do in your off time?
In my off time, you can find me biking, reading, planning my wedding, cooking, and hanging with my best friend, my black lab Violet 🙂
“My favorite part of Bowery & Bash is being a part of such an awesome team! We work so well together and I am so thankful for their support. I am also constantly inspired by the furniture and events I am surrounded by!” – Jade
Meet Ed McMurtry-Kelly, our Warehouse Coordinator + Crew Chief
What are your roots?
I was born and raised in Chicago. Specifically, I am from Austin, a westside neighborhood, and continue to reside there. Recently, however, I moved out of my childhood home and moved in with friends.
What do you do in your time off?
In my time off I love to bike, play basketball, and be a part of youth programs in Chicago. Two of the youth programs that I am involved in are “UCAN”, where I am a mentee and “SLAM” where I am both mentor and a mentee.
“My favorite part about being a part of the Bowery Team extends past this company. Currently, I am a mentor to other young, black people in Chicago. Being able to passionately carry out the role that I do, and do it well in this company allows me to empower the people that I mentor as well as my peers. I feel that I am truly defeating the odds.” – Ed
Meet Spencer Barry-Jenkins, our Production Coordinator
What are your roots?
I am originally from Pasadena, CA. Then, I moved to Missouri for college, told myself I would only be in the Midwest for 4 years. However, I got an internship in Chicago after graduating, and told myself I’d only be in Chicago for the summer…that was 6 years ago.
What do you do in your time off?
Hang out with my cats Calvin and Carlos, read, garden/take care of my indoor plants, and cook 🙂
“My favorite part about being a part of the Bowery + Bash team, is the people. Alos, being able to use the creative and logistical parts of my brain every day.” – Spencer
Meet Julia Villari, Our Event & Logistics Assistant
What are your roots?
What do you do in your time off?
“I love being a part of the Bowery & Bash team because everyone lifts each other up and helps one another get the job done. I truly feel valued here every day.” – Julia
Meet Olivia Potwora, our Creative Design Intern
What are your roots?
I am originally from a small town in southern California, San Clemente. I moved to Chicago about three and a half years ago to go to DePaul. I now live in River North!
What do you do in your time off?
In my time off I love to work on decorating my apartment, spend time at the lake with friends, watercolor, and throw cocktail hours and dinner parties.
“My favorite part about working at Bowery and Bash is the people that I work with. Throughout my internship here I have been so graciously welcomed into this team and feel that I have genuinely been able to gain mentors and friends for life.” – Olivia
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Our mission is to inspire audacity with our bold, curated collection of rental furniture. Get to know more about our social mission and partnership with Digs with Dignity, here.
Interested in discussing your event rental needs, contact us today.
