Jessica Horton, Owner
For the past 15 years, Jessica Horton has built her entire professional career on the bases of creating memorable experiences through live events in the entertainment industry. From managing venues to touring with nationally known artists, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to logistical planning for all types and sizes of events. At the age of 21, the Infinite Energy Center Arena hired Jessica to manage their 13,000+ seated arena just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Later she went on to work for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCC,) known as the fourth largest convention center in the United States during that time managing events up to 200,000+ attendees. After years of managing large events and venues, she branched out on her own, starting Open Roads Highway Entertainment specializing in event and tour management. Over the past decade, Jessica has been blessed to have worked for a number of nationally known artists and bands. Jessica is thrilled at the opportunity to connect her place of peace in Atlantic Beach with the passion she has developed for the event world in her new endeavor at The Cottage at The Crystal Coast.
Anita Horton, Owner
Anita Horton has been a business owner for over 35 years, creating a recognizable culture and name for herself within the health insurance industry. Her company, Georgia Benefit Counselors, is proudly built 100% on referrals. She has confidently and courageously developed a reputation for serving others. Leading a family of entrepreneurs, Anita is a businesswoman at heart. Anita has a desire and gift for developing lasting relationships with her clients, their employees, and families. Her business strategy is not about chasing the dollar; Anita believes when you are good to others, they will be good to you which makes her number one asset her HEART.
Anita and Jessica both bring different professional business qualities, experiences and strengths to the table. Their blended knowledge and experience from both owning and operating businesses creates the perfect duo. It has been a dream of theirs to collaborate on a new business adventure together. Their passion for entrepreneurship and live events has led them to this amazing opportunity with The Cottage.
Missy Burton, Event Coordinator
Missy Burton is a licensed Event Coordinator and Wedding Planner. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Missy spent her summers and holidays at her family's beach house in Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle will forever hold a special place in Missy’s heart as so much of her childhood memories were spent on the Crystal Coast's sandy beaches. Missy has always been a die-hard beachgoer and feels fortunate to now call Emerald Isle home. Missy is a Cum Laude graduate from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. Additionally, Missy minored in Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism Management when she recognized her passion for planning events in the hospitality industry. She has worked with a variety of wedding planners assisting with wedding day of coordination services. Missy thrives in the wedding planning industry with her attention to detail, organization, logistical background, and her excitement for orchestrating life-changing moments for couples on their special day. Living in the wedding details is what brings Missy joy, as she strives to create a memorable experience for clients that is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Missy is proud to join The Cottage Team of professionals as the new Event Coordinator, bringing a fresh perspective to weddings and privately hosted events.