Life of the Party; Seri Kertzner
When Seri Kertzner enters a room, the party arrives just a half-beat behind her. Born in Toronto, shaped by an early career in New York fashion, and refined through a decade of designing unforgettable events, Seri now channels her creative energy into The Social Society, a beautifully curated gathering space rooted in warmth, community, and authentic connection, located in Ponte Vedra.
If you have ever been in her presence or had the pleasure of attending an event she has curated, you know she has a vibrant yet humble presence and easy-going warmth that makes everything she does stand out.
Her journey reveals a woman whose superpower is making others feel welcome and whose signature touch is turning ordinary moments into something quietly magical. For our first issue of St. Johns Woman Magazine, we asked her how she landed here, what inspires her now, and how she’s paving a path for connection, creativity, and calm, one beautiful event at a time.
How did you decide to move to St. Johns & Start the Social Society?
I was born in Toronto and moved to New York City in 2001 for a role with Kate Spade. I spent a decade in the fashion industry, and while I loved the creativity and energy of that world, everything shifted after I had my first child. I made the decision to step away from corporate life and build something of my own, something that reflected who I was becoming.
That’s when Little Miss Party Planner was born. I’ve always loved hosting; I was a true party girl, and I turned that passion into a business. I carved out a niche by focusing on unique, elevated décor that made celebrations feel truly special. I ran that business for ten years, until COVID forced us to pause in ways none of us expected. It wasn’t a full stop, though. During that time, we pivoted quickly and began shipping curated Party Boxes, everything needed to celebrate at home. It was our way of keeping joy alive during a very dark moment, and we were early pioneers of that concept. The response was incredible, and it brought national attention.
During that same season, my family relocated to Florida. What started as a temporary move quickly became permanent. We fell in love with the lifestyle, being outdoors year-round, golfing whenever we wanted, and watching our kids thrive. They even found a hockey rink so they could continue playing the sport they love. Most of all, we fell in love with the Nocatee community. That sense of connection and belonging ultimately inspired the next chapter: The Social Society.
Community is at the core of everything you create. When you walk into a room full of women, what do you instinctively look for and how does that shape the way you build connection through The Social Society?
When I walk into a room full of women, the first thing I instinctively look for is who might be feeling unseen. I notice body language, energy, who’s standing on the edges versus who feels at ease. I’ve always been deeply aware of how intimidating those rooms can feel, especially for women juggling a lot, starting over, or quietly questioning whether they belong.
That awareness shapes everything I build through The Social Society. I don’t lead with hierarchy or perfection, I lead with warmth and welcome. I want every woman who walks into our space, whether physically or online, to feel invited, not evaluated. To me, connection isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe enough to use theirs. Community happens when women feel seen, supported, and celebrated exactly where they are. That’s the heart of The Social Society, creating spaces where women don’t just gather, but truly belong.
The Social Society has become a hub for friendship, creativity, and confidence. What inspired you to build a space where women could show up as themselves?
I grew up in a family of women who loved to host. Both of my grandmothers hosted Friday night dinners every single week without fail. We rotated between their homes, gathering with aunts, uncles, cousins, always around a warm table filled with home-cooked food, laughter, and connection. I spent countless hours with my grandmothers learning their special recipes and absorbing what it means to make people feel welcome. The Social Society is an extension of that upbringing, a modern version of the warmth and authenticity I grew up surrounded by.