Melissa Swanson Owner/Founder Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Melissa is a 1995 graduate of West Virginia University, where is she received a degree in Journalism Public Relations. Before starting Occasions Catering, Melissa worked at First Union Bank as an administrative assistant and the Bank of America Stadium as a catering supervisor. During high school and college she worked in the hospitality industry, from bartending to restaurant management. Melissa is also a part time instructor at CPCC and the Community Culinary School. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, reading, dining in nice restaurants and managing her rental properties. Melissa is single and lives in uptown Charlotte. Charles Lowe Catering Manager Charles is a native of the Bronx, New York. His past experience is in hotels before he joined Occasions in 2005. Charles excels in his customer service skills and his hard work makes him a huge asset to our team. He comes from a very tight knit family; his father is a pastor in NYC. In his spare time Charles is a breeder of pitbulls. Kenisha Monroe Wedding Coordinator and Accounting Specialist Kenisha (aka Coco) has been with Occasions since the start of our growth, she is definitely the brains beyond the company with her flawless work. Her inner and outer beauty shines in everything she does. She is responsible for our weddings as well as handling the accounting for Occasions. She is a mother of two fantastic children and the wife of a loving and hardworking husband. Her work experience includes Bojangles, Red Lobster, The City of Charlotte, Allstate Insurance and Harris Teeter. In her spare time she sings at her church, volunteers at her son's school and loves spending time with her family. Something surprising about Kenisha is that she would rather be fixing a car than doing housework. Kenisha is Sarah's older sister. Octavius Freeman Sales Associate/Caterer Octavious (OT) was recruited to Occasions Catering during his 10 year run as an employee of Adams 7th Street Market in Elizabeth. OT joined Occasions as a part time bartender/server in 2002, and immediately charmed all of our customers. His magnetic personality has put Octavious into a full time position with Occasions, where his latest endeavor is in the sales department and new business development. Octavious is a native Charlottean and is a huge sports fan, often cheering on our Bobcats and Panthers. He has a vast knowledge of automobiles and he is a loving father of his two adorable sons Ian and Ethan. When you meet Octavious you will immediately be drawn to his charisma and feel his passion for customer service. Octavious will often be delivering your catering or bartending at your event.