Meet the Founder and Chief Curator of Connections

I’m Shannon Ratcliffe, Southern California native, connector of people, and curator of unforgettable experiences.

With a degree in Fine Art from UCLA and a career that’s spanned luxury hospitality, event production, media, and high-end design, my path has always centered on one thing: creating connections.

From early roles in hotels and at the Aquarium of the Pacific to leading large-scale events at UCLA, I quickly discovered a passion for not just planning memorable moments, but for the strategy and relationship building that make them truly meaningful. 

That passion carried me into the media world, where I became a top sales performer at TheKnot.com, and later,

 Publisher of Luxe Interiors + Design for Southern California and Los Angeles. During my 6+ years with Luxe Interiors + Design, I immersed myself in the design industry, learning the business, building relationships, and gaining a deep understanding of what makes this community thrive. What I saw was a need: a more thoughtful, collaborative, and intentional way to connect designers, brands, and decision-makers.

That vision became Curated Connections, launched in 2020 as a boutique event and business development firm based in Orange County. Today, we create both large and intimate experiences that bring together designers, builders, and architects with industry partners and premium brands, all within stunning, immersive environments like the Plant Daddies Design Center at Southwinds Farm & Garden. 

At my core, I believe that the right connection can change everything. Whether it’s a perfectly matched guest list, a strategic partnership, or a moment of inspiration shared across a room, I live to bring people together in ways that feel effortless and authentic.