JOWY Productions Celebrates 12th Anniversary
On June 8, 2021, JOWY Productions celebrates its 12th Anniversary! If you’re new to our blog and just getting acquainted with our brand you may wonder what “JOWY” stands for and how the company got started? Keep reading to learn the story behind JOWY Productions and the women who created the brand!
Twelve years ago Jodi Cohen and Sarah Lowy joined forces to start a business rooted in their shared love for planning, designing and producing memorable events. The company name was clear from the beginning: JOWY represents two letters each from the two founders’ names.
“Jodi is the JO to my WY and I’m the WY to her JO: JOWY”, Sarah Lowy explains.
Let’s backtrack a little to 2004 when Jodi and Sarah first met.
“I worked for Colin Cowie Lifestyle (CCL) for 11 years as a Senior Event Producer, traveling around the world with Colin producing the most amazing events and ultimately learned everything that I could from the best of the best. In 2004, CCL was looking for a new events person and my sister introduced me to Sarah,” Jodi says.
Sarah continues:
“We immediately connected. I worked a three-day, freelance gig for Jodi and soon after accepted a full-time position; Jodi and I ended up traveling the world for 5 years together producing some of the largest, most creative and iconic events in the industry. It’s rare to like someone, both personally and professionally when you are working grueling 20+ hour days for two and a half weeks at a time on the other side of the world, but we genuinely do.”
So why did you decide to start your own company?
“The recession hit in 2009 and sadly events were greatly affected (like they are today during the pandemic) and due to changes in business and employment, Jodi and I linked up again. We founded JOWY Productions in June 2009 and the rest is history,” Sarah says.
Jodi continues:
“We always knew we wanted to do something together; it was just the question of when. In the beginning of 2009 the market crashed, and we decided to hit the ground running and do whatever it takes to succeed. We still have that motto 12 years later because we truly love what we do… especially bringing people's vision to life and creating something special for every client.”
What’s your proudest moment working together at JOWY Productions?
“We’ve been fortunate to get to work on some incredible productions such as the Golden Globes After Party etc, but my favorite part of the job is that I love bringing people together for one-of-a-kind experiences. I am proud to have a job where each day is different and ultimately creative. I feel very fortunate to love what I do and be able to do what I love,” Sarah says.
Jodi agrees and adds:
“I was born with a 35% bi-lateral hearing loss and needless to say, I struggled growing up and didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. However, I was always strong willed, determined and willing to do whatever it takes thanks to having a mother who encouraged me to be my best self. I never imagined that I would be running my own successful business and doing what I love. My mom was so proud of me and all that I have accomplished and now I am hoping that I can instill the same inspiration in my daughter.”
Jodi Cohen (left) and Sarah Lowy, Founders of JOWY Productions