Celebrating in Style: Finnish Ambassador and his wife host party for Laura Lee Designs’ Fifth Anniversary
Finnish Ambassador Pekka Lintu and his wife Laurel Colless with Laura Lee Williams (right), CEO of Laura Lee Designs (photo by Daniel Stiles)
Finnish Ambassador Pekka Lintu and his wife Laurel Colless recently hosted the fifth anniversary celebration of Laura Lee Designs at their residence in the Woodland-Normanstone Terrace neighborhood. Laura Lee Williams, owner of Laura Lee Designs, was thrilled to celebrate with the Ambassador and her longtime friend Colless, as well as share her good fortune with friends, family and supporters.
“The Finnish Ambassador and his wife Laurel Colless are supreme hosts and I couldn’t have asked for a better evening,” Williams said.
Laura Lee Designs’ handbags added sparkle to every room of the residence, which is also filled with art on loan from the Finnish National Gallery. Since starting her firm five years ago, Williams, a Virginia resident, has designed handbags for Miss Americas, Miss Washington, DC, politicos including the First Lady, and college alumni at Virginia Tech and University of Houston, among others.
Close friends and colleagues, including fellow entrepreneurs Kristina Bouweiri, CEO of Reston Limousine, Heidi Kallett, CEO of Dandelion Patch and Joe Landa, CEO of Briartek, gathered to celebrate with Williams. Bouweiri and Joe Persichini, former FBI Washington, DC Field Office Director and current DC Police Director of Communication, spoke about Williams’ support and commitment to the small business community.
Guests from various local firms included Linda Gallegos of Rill Architects and Nancy Nolting of Intelsat. Gallegos and Colless discussed one of Colless’ causes – sustainability – and the Finnish Embassy’s LEED certification bestowed on green buildings by the US Green Building Council.
Linda Gallegos of Rill Architects and Nancy Nolting of Intelsat (photo by Sherry Moeller)
Joe Persichini, DC Police Director of Communications and Kristina Bouweiri (center), CEO of Reston Limousine talk with another guest who is carrying a Laura Lee Designs clutch (photo by Daniel Stiles)
Guests gather outside on the patio at the Ambassador's residence (photo by Daniel Stiles)
