Even now, six years later, the ripple effects of the pandemic remain, particularly in how business owners and professionals meet and network. For a time, the once-common after-work networking events all but disappeared, leaving many people craving real, in-person connection.
Nikki Balles, a local businesswoman with years of experience in public relations, communications, and event planning, noticed that absence. Rather than wait for things to return to normal, she decided to help redefine what networking could look like in a post-pandemic world.
“I wanted it to feel less stuffy and more casual,” Balles said. Alongside her client-based work, Balles knew she also wanted to host her own events that were smaller, community-focused gatherings that people could attend after work. From that vision, The After Work Edit was born as a sub-brand and event series under Nikki Balles PR and Events.
The After Work Edit officially launched with its first networking mixer on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Sunrise Tequila Bar.
Designed intentionally to break away from traditional networking norms, the event focused on authenticity over formality. Balles wanted to move past the expectation of blazers, business cards, and firm handshakes.
“Typically within PR, you want everything completely polished and perfect,” she said. “But I think today people want authenticity. I was trying to break down that stuffiness, not everyone needs a blazer and a physical business card. People want to meet in person, have a conversation, give a big hug at the end, and actually connect.”
One of the standout features of the evening was the opportunity for attendees to receive professional headshots. Balles carefully selected a photographer she knew would make people feel comfortable, ensuring guests walked away with something tangible.
“Come to a networking event, get a headshot, and leave with value,” she said.
The event also featured three local creators who briefly spoke about their individual paths, sharing how they built their careers and found success. These speakers included Ludovick Love, lifestyle and fashion creator, Catrina Breitweiser, celebrity makeup artist and Danielle Pullman, photographer, creator and founder of Pretty in Pride.
“Having these human beings up there who worked really hard to get where they are added another layer,” Balles said. “It made it feel human, not stiff.”
Pulling the event together was, as Balles described it, a “labor of love.” One of the biggest challenges was securing brand sponsors, local businesses that believed in the vision and purpose behind the event.
“That was the hardest piece,” she said. “Finding people who believed in what I was doing and making sure the sponsors felt there was purpose behind it.”
As for what she hopes attendees took away from the night, Balles’ answer goes beyond business cards or connections.
“My number one hope is that people walked away excited about connecting in person,” she said. “It’s so easy to go home after work, take off your shoes, put on sweats, and do the same thing every day. I wanted people to leave work, come to something lively, and meet people they could talk to and connect with again. I don’t want people to feel alone in their business or professional journey,” she added. “These in-person events really reinforce the importance of human connection.”
Looking ahead, Balles plans to host After Work Edit events at least twice a year, with additional gatherings sprinkled in along the way. At the same time, she is focused on growing her core business.
“My goal over the next few months is to build my client list,” she said. “I want people to know that if you’re running a business or planning a corporate event, I’m your girl.”
With a successful debut behind her, it’s clear that both Nikki Balles PR and Events and The After Work Edit are just getting started here in South Jersey.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
