Our Team
Chloe Bott - Owner
I’m Chloe, owner and heart behind Coalescence Event Services.
Born in Tucson and raised in the lush beauty of Washington, my love for hospitality started early and has only grown stronger. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worn nearly every hat in this industry — working in restaurants, bakeries, catering kitchens, fine dining, fast-paced bars, weddings and large-scale events.
Leadership came naturally, but in 2018, I took a leap and pursued a degree in Hospitality Management, combining real-world culinary training with a deep understanding of how front-of-house and back-of-house come together to create seamless experiences. For years, I also served as a Catering Manager for a small, woman-owned business in Portland, honing my skills in event logistics, menu planning, client relations and solving unexpected challenges with grace.
But beyond the training and titles, hospitality has always been about people for me. From offering coffee to clients in my mom’s salon as a child to creating joy-filled, stress-free moments for my clients today, I thrive on making people feel cared for and celebrated.
Coalescence is the culmination of that journey — bringing all my experience, heart, and passion together to make your event seamless, special and full of love.
Chef Lela Cross
Meet Chef Lela Cross — Olympia-based consultant, author, restaurateur and chef known for elevating local, seasonal ingredients into memorable, market-fresh menus. She literally wrote the book on bringing flavor forward: EAT!, which will be available for purchase soon.
Why We Love Working With Lela
Chef Lela’s food philosophy is simple: source locally, cook seasonally and let great ingredients shine. Her background spans restaurants, bakeries, craft cocktail lounges, catering and food halls — a 360° view that makes her an ideal creative partner for polished weddings, intimate dinners and large-scale events alike.
Roots in the Community
Lela helped shape Olympia’s artisan food scene, partnering with building owners to curate the acclaimed 222 Market downtown, an incubator for local makers and eateries. She’s also collaborated with regional producers (like Sassy Seafood) to highlight sustainable, Pacific Northwest bounty.
Author & Media Features
Beyond the plate, Lela shares her story and techniques through media appearances, including a featured interview on the Voice4Chefs podcast — a deep dive into her culinary journey and PNW roots — and ongoing social updates from her kitchen.
What That Means For Your Event
When Coalescence partners with Chef Lela, you get:
Seasonal, custom menus crafted around your tastes, theme, and dietary needs.
Market-driven sourcing that celebrates local farms, fisheries, and artisans.
Beautiful presentation that complements our hospitality and event design.
Seamless teamwork with our planners, bartenders, and styling crew for a cohesive guest experience.
Sample Culinary Directions
Pacific Northwest coastal menu: wild albacore, seasonal greens, orchard fruit accents.
Farmer’s market grazing: artisan cheeses, rustic breads, late-season produce.
Elevated comfort: hearth-style mains, bright herb sauces, peak-season sides.
Bottom line: Chef Lela brings the flavor; Coalescence brings the flow. Together, we deliver food and hospitality that feel personal, polished, and unmistakably PNW.
Plan Your Menu With Chef Lela
Ready to explore a seasonal menu for your wedding, private dinner or corporate event? Let’s design it together.