OUR TEAM
FORM, FUNCTION, & FAMILY
Olio is proud to be led by a dynamic mother-daughter duo with decades of event planning and business experience.
Sarah had been running her event planning company in 2015 when she recognized a significant gap in the market; clients were looking for a non-traditional event venue flexible enough to accommodate all kinds of functions and professionally operated and equipped with modern amenities. Sarah recruited Ellen to join her in this new venture as a partner, and they began a three-year journey of searching for the right commercial real estate investment, securing all of the necessary permits and loans, and building out the space of their dreams.
The result is Olio: a modern, industrial event venue.
Meet the team that makes it possible.
​Allison is a total bookworm and reads over 50 books a year. When she's not helping you plan your next event, you might catch her across the street at the library!
ALLISON LIKAJ
Sales and Client Manager
Allison comes from a strong hospitality and events background, receiving her Bachelor's degree in hospitality management and her MBA from nearby Endicott College. During her studies, she managed weddings at Endicott's Misselwood Events, a stunning North Shore venue. Allison went on to work as a manager at the Seaport Hotel and former World Trade Center. She spent the last three years overseeing event operations at The 'Quin House, an elite private social club in the Back Bay of Boston, as the General Manager of Banquets. Throughout all of her professional experience, Allison has also worked as an Events Associate at Without A Hitch, executing day-of coordination services for dozens of weddings and events. Often describing her work with Sarah as her favorite job, she is thrilled to expand on that path at Olio! Between her limitless enthusiasm, knowing the ins and outs of what is needed to execute the perfect event, and having a genuine desire to comfort, please, and connect with all of her clients, Allison can't wait to show you how Olio will be the perfect venue for your next special occasion.
Becca is an avid traveler (you have to be when your brother and his family live in Australia!) and an even more avid iced coffee drinker.
BECCA FREIFELD
Venue Operations Manager
Although she hails originally from Maryland, Becca has spent half her life living and working all around the state of Massachusetts, starting as a Brandeis undergrad in Waltham and now on the beautiful North Shore. Her work as a professional union Stage Manager covers over a decade of plays and musicals, from Watertown's New Repertory Theatre's sold-out production of the timeless classic Fiddler on the Roof to world premiere rock musicals like Cambodian Rock Band at Lowell's Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Becca is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, the union that represents professional Stage Managers and Actors in the United States. She is thrilled to bring her years of production and organizing experience to Olio.
Sarah is proud to serve as a founding board member of the Andrew Graham Semper Fi Fund, overseeing the event planning for their annual fundraiser, the Boston River Run, since its start in 2013. Each year, the Boston River Run raises over $20,000 and hosts hundreds of participants.
SARAH NARCUS
Owner
Sarah, a Boston native, has been planning events of all sizes for more than 20 years. She is the owner and founder of Without A Hitch, a premier New England event planning company focusing on day-of coordination. Since starting that company in 2013, Sarah has worked with more than 600 brides, grooms, celebrants, and their families.
Her background in planning events started in the nonprofit industry in 2004, when she was responsible for coordinating the annual Shake it for Shelter fundraising event at COMPASS for Kids. Later, at national nonprofit Cradles to Crayons, Sarah oversaw all of the organization's signature events, including the 700-person annual Backpack-a-thon and the largest annual fundraiser, the "Un-Gala". Sarah also worked at Facing History and Ourselves, where she planned the annual 900-person benefit dinner and advised their ten company offices on event strategy and execution. Sarah is a strong advocate for Peabody's downtown and recently joined the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to further support the local community.
Ellen is thrilled to be working closely with Sarah at this very special event venue. Their combined backgrounds and experience are a perfect match for those looking for a unique place to hold an event.
​
ELLEN BASCH
Owner
Ellen spent over 20 years in product development in the tech industry contributing to all phases of strategic planning and implementation. After leaving the business world, Ellen used her organizational and budgeting skills to get involved in her hometown of Lexington's town government. She served her precinct as a Town Meeting member as well as being a member of the town's Appropriation Committee. She also served on the Lexington Center Committee which focuses on commercial diversity, social and cultural activity, enhanced aesthetics, improved traffic flow, and increased parking in Lexington Center.
Most recently Ellen owned and operated a small retail shop in historic downtown Lexington, a shop that offered beads and materials for jewelry making, repairs, lessons and hosted events such as birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and bridal showers.
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are thrilled to offer several opportunities to join our growing team.
Olio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
