Elvira Grau...Life is a Party!

The Vivacious Elvira Grau " Shaking it Down" 

Like many viewers of  Bravo TV, Elvira Grau first came to my attention during The Real Housewives of  New Jersey. She was the fabulously opinionated event planner who threw
 an " over the top" party at Teresa Giudice's home. Elvira  is also Teresa's friend and the owner of an " an exclusive space in which to host events "  Space Odyssey USA.  Recently The Space Odyssey celebrated it's sixth year anniversary. That is not the only reason that Elivra Grau has been in the news...Allegations were made by Melissa Gorga, Teresa Giudice's sister in law , that while attending a joint party for Teresa's girls held at The Space Odyssey , Teresa " twisted her arm and roughed her up" . That made Elvira put down the party favors long enough to come to her friend's defense and set the record straight. I believe that was an admirable thing to do. Elvira has a business to run and she put her no less than stellar reputation on the line in doing so...but enough about that! We are here to have a fun so let the party begin!


I had the opportunity to ask Elvira a few questions and she took the time out of her busy schedule to answer them so put on some music , grab a cocktail, and let us get to know her together!

BC: What's your nationality?
EG: I'm a Russian immigrant who came to the US in 1979 at the age of 9.
BC: I know a little Russian ....but don't ask me now ( laughs).
EG: Interesting...

BC: Where did you grow up?
EG: Brooklyn!!! Where else?Sheepshead Bay/ Brighton Beach
BC: Very nice! Love being by water!

BC:Were you always creative?
EG: I have an exceptional eye for detail. I would go into my friend's rooms/homes and start moving things and reorganizing ( laughs). Everyone things I'm "anal"!!!
BC: Too funny...

BC: I like to get to also know someone based on their astrological sign...what is your horoscope?
EG: Aquarius! Need I say more?? ( laughs) I just love people!
BC: My parents are both Aquarius! They were born two days a part in the same hospital! I knew we would get along ( laughs).
EG: So Sweet! In Yiddish we call that Beshert! ( soul mates).

www.space odysseyusa.net

Elvira doing what she does best...being very hands on!

BC: How did you get started in the party planning business?
EG: From a need. I created Space Odyssey USA for my kids seven years ago! I was a Mom and there was a void in the marketplace ! Living in Bergen County, there wasn't a clean, safe, and climate controlled entertainment space for young kids that would be conducive to adults as well! I transformed an old, dingy warehouse into an amazing 26,000 sq ft " galaxy of fun"!! We now host hundreds of events per year.
BC: Amazing.

BC: What types of jobs did you have prior to Space Odyssey USA ?
EG: Sales. I was always in sales because I enjoyed talking to people. I sold everything from spot TV, syndication, and network. I sold airtime for commercials.

BC: Do you have a least/most favorite party story?
EG: All my parties are like my children! It's like giving birth to each one of them. I meet with clients, we create a party theme, floor plans, time lines, decor, centerpieces, menus etc. We plan the party for months. It's a creative process.
BC: I should have you do my wedding...
EG: Call me!

BC: You planned some awesome parties for Teresa Giudice, speaking of which...how did you meet her?
EG: Gia ( DJ Envy's wife). She had a party for her daughter at Space Odyssey USA and Teresa was there as one of the guests. I thought to myself " she is gorgeous" !!! This was before RHONJ. Gia was asked to be on, but she declined. Gia is very beautiful and has impeccable taste...

Teresa Giudice and Elvira Grau in the Hampton's

Attending a party that was being filmed for Pregnant in Heels on Bravo TV with Lil Kim and Teresa

BC: What did you think of season four of The Real Housewives of New Jersey?
EG: Terrible. Very hard to watch. As I said, I know Teresa from before the show. She's fun and loves to live life to the fullest! She's a great wife, amazing Mom, and daughter. She's also so good to her parents. We have dinner with her family on Sundays and at the house it's very special. The love and the passion for cooking is as authentic as it can get. It's northern Italy in North Jersey. Real "old school" ( we both laugh) Delicious!!!
BC: Salute!

BC: When did Space Odyssey open up and how many parties do you average a month?
EG: We opened in 2005 and host 25 Birthdays per weekend! We host 100 plus events per month, I'm very grateful.

BC: People want to know what are a few of your "must haves" at parties?
EG: I'm a party planner and control five key elements; venue, menu, entertainment, decor and ample staff.
For kids parties...entertainment and food. For adult parties great music, alcohol and food.

Elvira and her hubby Jim ...two hotties!

BC: What can you recommend for those on a budget so that they can still have a Fabulicious party?
EG: Can't afford a DJ?...download a great play list onto your I pod. Can't afford a caterer? Be creative!Do it yourself! Host a cheese, fruit, and wine party or a fun dessert theme party like chocolate covered strawberries w/champagne. I even suggest cake pops! Yummy! As long as you have music and ample drinks everyone will have a great time! Chips, dips, and crudite's will do too.

The Russian Beauty

BC: What are your " go to " beauty items? Items that you can't live without?
EG: My eyelashes! I am addicted to eyelashes ( laughs). I couldn't live without mascara but now that I have lash extensions, I wake up and am literally ready to roll! A little lipstick and I'm all set.
BC: You have every beautiful skin...
EG: Thank you ...I am very pale so a little sunscreen to protect and a little bronzer never hurts either!
BC: I know how you girls love your bronzer!

BC: Tell me about your family...Hubby? Pet? Kids?
EG: My husband Jim is the best! I adore him! He's my second husband and I always tell him that I am so happy that he is because if he was my first I wouldn't appreciate him as much ( laughing). We merged our beautiful family together and have 4 kids between us. my son , Alec, is 19 ( my previous marriage) and Leanna our daughter is 11...she's our joint venture. We also have two Shitzus dogs named Shu Shu and Charlie.

Beautiful children...Leanna and Alec 

Elvira's doggies Shu Shu and Charlie lounging around

BC: What is most important that you want readers to take away from this interview?
EG: I'm a Mom, wife, sister, daughter, Friend, and I share in the same struggles like any other female that is trying to do it all! If I can help other young girls by sharing some of my inspiring stories I will and let them know that they too can have it all.

BC: They are reading now...what is your message to them?
EG: Ladies...you do not have to sacrifice or settle. You can have a family and a successful career. Life is a juggling act. Learning how to make that work for you is the key!
BC: Well you definitely have that down!

EG: Thank you! You know my life so far has been most fascinating!
BC: How so? EG: The triumphs!...the failures. Life is not a race...it's a journey and I tell my kids that. I am always saying " don't rush time". Enjoy it! When I was nine , my parents said we are moving to America! I didn't know at the time how truly blessed I was. We are all so lucky to live in this amazing land of opportunity where everyone is treated equal...that we must never take for granted. I grew up in Russia, a country that had a serious anti-semiticism.Jewish people were not allowed to practice their religion! Imagine that!?? My family immigrate to the states with the help of Jewish organizations that were helping refugees at the time.We were only allowed two  suitcases per person , no valuables of any kind , and only one hundred dollars per person. That's it! I came here in 1979 with my parents, grandparents and my brother who at the time was nineteen. We had no money but we had so much love! I think that's were my BIG desire comes from...wanting to live the " American Dream"!!!

Elvira and Leanna...so cute!

BC: I learned thank you in Russian just for you so Spasiba!
EG: Aw too sweet... and Spasiba to you!

There you have it! Elvira Grau is a hardworking and down to earth woman with pizazz who knows the importance of taking time balance work, play ,  family, and dance the dance
 called " life". Elvira is an inspiration for that reason and there are no limitations as to how far she can go...I think the plan is just starting to unfold for this party planner and I look forward to watching all the blessings that are coming her way and That's the way I see it ! Xx Billy

Elvira also gives back by supporting many different charities and causes like The American Cancer Society.

Follow Elvira Grau on Twitter @PartyElvira
Learn more about The Space Odyssey www.spaceodysseyusa.net
For Elvira Flower Arranging               www.PartyElvira.tublr.com