Juliana Wathen, CTA – Owner
Juliana first came to Houston in 1986 as a costumer for Stages Repertory Theatre. Costumer by day and performer by night, Juliana is also an accomplished actress, singer, writer and producer. Her design skills and extensive theatre knowledge led her to a position as the Senior Event Designer, combining skills from set design, costumes, lighting and logistics. “Each event is a show to me. I want guests to leave having had an experience- not just a meeting or party.”
When she isn’t creating over-the-top experiences for Cosmo’s amazing clients, you can find this lady mentoring young artists, volunteering at Rodeo Houston or relaxing at the nearest beach with the sand between her toes and a fishing pole in her hands.
Her best advice for anyone else in this field – “The show must go on!” The brightest gem of Houston, for Juliana, is our diversity and the diversity here is represented every day in the biggest way. Houston has the largest Medical Center in the world, the largest Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Theater District is second only to New York City with its concentration of seats in one geographic area. Over 145 languages are spoken here and all of them can say “Welcome to Houston!”
Melissa Mares, – Sales and Operations
Melissa has been involved in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. Originally wanting to be a chef, she graduated from Austin Community College with a culinary certification but then went on to University of Houston ( Go Coogs!) where she discovered her love of catering and events. From working in restaurants to hotels to summer camps she has seen the many diverse options that the hospitality industry has to offer. What Melissa enjoys most about special events and hospitality is that there is never a dull moment! There is always something new to see, someone new to meet and a new opportunity to get involved. She grew up in a family that served in the church and the community. Melissa’s motto is “I will always live and love to serve.” If that doesn’t sound like someone who should work in this business then we don’t know what is! Melissa resides on the north side of Houston with her husband Cody, enjoying the country life in Montgomery! In her down time she enjoys hanging out and playing with her dogs, Kingsley and Chacho. If she’s not at home she is most likely at the movies, with popcorn in her hand enjoying the latest flick or planning her next adventure with Cody and the family.
Joe Davis, CTA – Operations Manager
South side of Houston is where Joe calls home! He has been having fun and getting paid for it for 16 years now and he will be the first to say that he LOVES what he does. With planning a few personal parties to getting fun side jobs as contract help and attending really exciting events, Joe realized early on that there was something truly special about this field.
When he isn’t Cosmo’s amazing “boots on the ground,” onsite support or chaos keeper – he is spending time with one or all 7 of the women in his life. From his 3 little girls, to his mother, mother-in-law, elderly aunt, all the way to his amazing wife – they are always out and about doing something fun!
“Keep family first” and “Never forget no one is promised tomorrow” are mantras that Joe lives by. Although not really a hidden gem (as can be seen by the traffic in the parking lot on any given Saturday) Joe’s family are members of the Houston Zoo, and they go several times a year. The Houston Zoo always gives Joe and his family wonderful opportunities to see a wide variety of animals and helps them remember that they are not the only creatures that depend on our environment to survive