Weekend of Chocolate Shoes, Custom Cocktails, Curated Connection

Why Real Experiences Matter More Than Ever

The other weekend was full of the kind of moments that remind me why I do what I do and why I wrote No One Needs Another Company Mug. It was a masterclass in personalized, thoughtful, unforgettable experiences. The kind that don’t just feel good in the moment but stay with you long after the event ends.

It started at High Mark Distillery in Reno, Nevada. I was invited to sign books at a private appreciation event for their Barrel Club investors. There was music from the incredibly talented Jimmy Weber, mouthwatering barbecue, and the warmth of a community built not just on business, but on shared stories and mutual respect. Felicia Keith Jones, the visionary behind High Mark, continues to raise the bar on hospitality and her ability to create immersive, meaningful moments is unmatched.

But then came a moment I didn’t expect. Before Jimmy began his set, he called Felicia up to the stage. His wife, Barbara, presented her with a white chocolate cowboy boot. It was adorable, thoughtful, and perfectly Felicia. Just as I was smiling at the thoughtfulness, they called me up next. I was gifted a leopard-print chocolate high heel, filled with uniquely themed chocolates.

The contrast was perfect: a boot and a heel. Rugged and bold. Chic and wild. Two different women, celebrated in chocolate by someone who had only met me once. That gift wasn’t just sweet, it was seen. It was a reminder that when we take the time to truly observe and honor the people around us, we create experiences that resonate deeper than any branded gift ever could.

That theme continued as we headed to Napa, where I had the joy of curating a vineyard adventure for Felicia, Jimmy, and Barbara. (I shared those reflections in another post.) But what surprised me was how the experiences kept showing up, even when no one had to create them.

On my flight home from Phoenix to Philadelphia, I was feeling spent. It had been days of flying, visiting, and soaking in experiences. I just wanted to get home. So imagine my surprise and delight when I was unexpectedly upgraded to first class. Already grateful, I was caught off guard when the flight attendant approached with a big smile and said, “I’m different. First, I love my job. Second, I make custom cocktails. What’ll it be? A lemon drop, something fruity, something bold?”

Suddenly, I wasn’t just another passenger on a red-eye flight. I was a guest. In a lounge. Being cared for by someone who brought personality and presence to their role. A flight became a memory because someone showed up differently.

And that’s the lesson.

None of these moments were necessary but that’s the point. No one needs a leopard-print chocolate shoe. No one needs a custom cocktail at 35,000 feet. But those gestures changed the energy of everything. They made us feel known, valued, special. And that is the magic of experience.

In my book, I say it over and over: stop defaulting to generic branding. Start curating moments that matter. Whether it’s how you onboard a client, welcome a guest, show appreciation to a team member, or treat someone at the end of a long flight those touches are the brand.

This weekend reminded me that we all have the power to make someone feel like they belong in the room. That they’re worth the effort. That they’re not just one more transaction.

So here’s your challenge:Go beyond the expected.See people. Really see them.And when in doubt… maybe skip the mug and bring the chocolate shoe.v