HAYVN HerStory: Ashley Krauss, A Little Something White & Megan Palmer Rivera, Palmer’s Market & Palmer’s Catering

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

FEATURED SPEAKERS & MODERATOR:

• Speaker: Ashley Krauss, Founder and Owner, A Little Something White
• Speaker: Megan Palmer Rivera, CEO, Palmer’s Market & Palmer’s Catering
• Moderator: Kristen Rzasa, HAYVN Community Engagement, & Holistic Business Strategist
• Beverage sponsor: Owl’s Brew
• Media Sponsor: Darien New Canaan Lifestyle

LOCATION:

• HAYVN Darien, 320 Boston Post Road #Suite 180 Darien, CT 06820

COST:

Main Event begins at 6pm and follows an intimate VIP reception at 5:30pm.

VIP Reception & Main Event: 5:30-7:30pm

• General Admission: $100; Early Bird Tickets: $90
• HAYVN Members w/ Discount Code*: $75; Early Bird Tickets: $65

Main Event: 6:00-7:30pm

• General Admission: $35; Early Bird Tickets: $30
• HAYVN Members w/ Discount Code*: $20; Early Bird Tickets: $18

NOTE: Early bird ticket sales end two weeks before event.
*Discount codes on members portal. For help accessing members portal please email questions@hayvn.com

WHY ATTEND?

• Meet & Greet – You’ll have the opportunity to meet with our featured guest during an intimate VIP reception before the main event.
• Engaging Conversations – Hear firsthand accounts from successful female entrepreneurs followed by an audience Q&A.
• Authentic Stories – Dive deep into their personal narratives and discover what drives them.
• Guidance & Empowerment – Gain invaluable insights and advice to fuel your own journey!

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS AND MODERATOR:

ABOUT ASHLEY KRAUSS, A LITTLE SOMETHING WHITE

Ashley Krauss is the founder and owner of A Little Something White, an award-winning bridal boutique based in Darien, CT that she opened in 2012 after leaving a successful career in finance to pursue her entrepreneurial dream. Within days of opening the boutique, Ashley knew she had found her calling: helping brides find the gown that brings their wedding vision to life while providing unwavering support throughout the journey.

Ashley has built her reputation on a client-first philosophy that combines expert bridal styling with genuine compassion. Whether she is helping a bride discover her perfect dress, solving unexpected challenges, or carefully curating collections from top designers, Ashley approaches every aspect of her business with dedication, creativity, and heart.

Over the years, she has helped thousands of brides celebrate one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Her commitment to personalized service and creating an exceptional experience has made A Little Something White a trusted destination for brides throughout the region.

In 2021, Ashley tripled the size of A Little Something White’s physical footprint in Darien, moving the business into a gorgeous 13,000 square foot space and adding evening wear gowns, mother-of-the-bride gowns, special occasion dresses, menswear, little white dresses, and wedding-related gifts.

When she’s not at the boutique, Ashley is a devoted wife and mother of two teenage boys. She enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, walking her two Golden Retrievers, staying active through running, cycling and strength training, skiing, reading, spending time with family, and enthusiastically singing along to her favorite Backstreet Boys songs.

For Ashley, every customer who walks through the doors of A Little Something White is treated like family. Her mission remains the same today as it was when she first opened the boutique: to celebrate, support, and guide every customer with the same care and love she would give to her sister (who is also her best friend in the world)

LINKS TO EXPLORE: A Little Something White

ABOUT MEGAN PALMER RIVERA, PALMER’S MARKET & PALMER’S CATERING

Megan Palmer Rivera is the Chief Executive Officer of Palmer’s Market and Palmer’s Catering, a 105-year-old, fifth-generation family business based in Darien, Connecticut. With three generations actively involved in the company today, Megan brings a unique perspective on what it takes to lead a legacy business while preparing it for the future. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts, she joined Palmer’s with a professional food background and went on to expand the company by launching Palmer’s Bakery, Palmer’s Gourmet to Go, and Palmer’s Catering & Events, the company’s high-end off-site catering division.

Megan became Managing Director in 2018 and was named CEO in 2023. Her work focuses on balancing tradition with innovation, strengthening workplace culture, developing the next generation of leaders, and building systems that allow a beloved family business to grow without losing what made it special. She offers real-world insight on family business leadership, managing and motivating hourly teams, navigating growth, and leading with both discipline and heart.

KRISTEN RZASA

Kristen Rzasa is a business and life strategist who helps people find a brand-new rhythm in their bodies, days, businesses, and lives. She combines her Corporate leadership experience with her background in health and wellness to guide clients to elevate their mindset, enhance their energy, expand their time and enrich their environment. She is a speaker, productivity expert, intenSati leader and wellness educator.

Questions? Contact questions@hayvn.com

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