Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Childers Heany.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We were hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day party when we got the phone call that our offer on the property that would become Pineapple Manor, was accepted. Our lucky day! We moved in April of 2017, so we’re coming up on 10 years of living this crazy dream next spring. Standing at he top of magnificent Victorian stairwell, with its quatrefoil-carved newel post, a shape I used in our wedding invitation design, and became a subsequent anniversary gift in the shape of earrings., I remember the feeling vividly. I felt like I had to pinch myself, a princess in a fairytale castle, from humble beginnings born to teenage parents in a trailer in Mississippi, later raised in rural Appalachia in the hills of West Virginia.
I came to Lancaster right out of college in 2005, to work for a boutique ad agency that specialized in high end home furnishings and building products. With a love for architecture and design, I took those PR and marketing skills to a role where I became the editor and associate publisher of a local lifestyle magazine, and loved that career telling stories of the area, creating styled food, fashion and home shoots and spreads for 15 years. That overlapped the time when I started Pineapple Manor, which was growing organically, and then so was I, with a surprise second baby we had waited many years for. It wasn’t long after she was born that I decided to take the leap into running Pineapple Manor full time. In both previous careers, I had created spectacular events, always loved hosting parties for any and every occasion, and friends nicknamed me the “Martha of Millersville.” My youngest daughter, who couldn’t pronounce the “th” would say, “you’re not Marfa,” which became a brand of its own with a nod to my less polished image of perfection.
During our events, my team jokes that if they set up a display, “Keely’s going to come and move things around.” It’s true, I do. I have a vision for styling each vignette like it’s part of a magazine photoshoot. I love finessing the details. And I think that’s why many of our clients come to us, because they see the memorable events we create and just want me to take care of all of the little details for them so they can show up, celebrate and fully enjoy the special occasion with their families and friends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, from the lucky St Paddy’s Day acceptance offer, to now, almost 10 years later, everything about this property has worked out serendipitously. Every step of the way felt right, never forced, and fell into place as it was meant to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pineapple Manor is a Victorian garden party venue on the corner of Lancaster City & Millersville in Lancaster County. We specialize in creating beautiful bridal & baby shower brunches & tea parties. We also host rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries and other special occasions as well as intimate weddings up to 100 guests. What sets us apart is that we are a full-service venue offering everything from planning help, timeline, decor details and florals, to set up, customized seasonal menus, service throughout and cleanup.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I first learned a love for fashion, home decor and design and crafting from my mom and always loved cooking with my Granny who made holidays extra special and was one of my biggest supporters. Later in life, bosses who expected perfection with strong work ethic molded my own tenacity and standards. I’ve been surrounded by women mentors with impeccable taste, like my friend & former boss Mary Anne Pirro, who is also from West Virginia, and my dear friend Susan Moran, owner of That’s It! Wedding Concepts. I am lucky to have an extensive, strong network of girlfriends who are my rocks. Some are childhood friends, others through shared interests later in life. I talk to many of them multiple times a week as we’ve navigated marriage, motherhood, the good times & the turbulent times. My friends are who keep me grounded and sane when life gets crazy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pineapplemanorpa.com
- Instagram: @pineapplemanorpa
- Facebook: @pineapplemanor
