We were lucky to catch up with Christa Guglielmelli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My first paid client was one of my professors in college. I formed my company, Magnetic Magnificent Events, before I graduated. I never imagined it would grow how it did. This professor was looking for a student leader for a large international conference that her non-profit was hosting. The director of our department (Hospitality department) referred me, and we hit it off! My professor was not only my first client, but she also became a very good friend. She brought me in as the planner for all of the events at the non-profit, including a Great Gatsby-themed fundraiser gala and a surprise nightclub-like holiday party for the staff. When she moved on from the non-profit and formed her own business, she brought me along for all the events they did and even her epic house parties. I am grateful for being referred and being put in a position where I had to learn as I go. Almost 14 years later, and I can do this in my sleep.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Magnetic Magnificent Events, we produce high-end luxury events, including weddings. I started in this industry back in middle school. As the student body president, I have always wanted to host epic dances and social events. I have a love for bringing people together. In college, I pursued a degree in Hospitality and formed my company before graduation. Our craft is creating world-class events while also being budget-conscious. Since we started in the non-profit space, we have always kept the bottom line as the main factor.
The name Magnetic Magnificent was inspired by a poem that was written about me by a good friend, which ended with the lines “She’s magnetic magnificence”. He used that to describe me because my personality is magnetic, and he viewed me as magnificent out of love for me. The day he shared the poem was the same day I was online looking for names for the company. It just clicked! The rest is history!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

As I was building the business, I made it a point to attend a many networking events as I could afford to attend. That got my name out in the market and social recognition. People attribute any kind of busyness to being busy. Plus, I made sure to create my brand and leave a lasting mark. As I started to actually do events, I was largely referral-based. Partly because of the events I produce and partly because of the reputation I had created from being social, likable, and memorable.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Over the years, I’ve had many moments that would show my resilience. That’s what entreprenuership is – resilence! It’s not for the weak or meak, it’s for those that believe and have faith. Over the years in running my business, I’ve gone through losing a major client because of my spouse, a divorce, a bad business deal, another relationship that was abusive, miscarriage, pregnancy, birth with no maternity leave because I am self employed, another divorce, and now a solo parent with a business that was my first baby. If anything can define resilience; I think that’s it.

I take pride in having a bit of a ego, not in an egotistical way, but enough ego that I won’t let myself have any other option for income than my business. Some days, I’m not always sure but I’m reminded that entreprenuership is magic – we create income out of thin air. Business ownership is a transfer of belief. Belief in yourself, your product, and your ability to produce. Those that do well survive and those that don’t, aren’t meant for this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.magneticmagnificent.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/magnetic_magnificent_events
• Facebook: Christa Janelle or Magnetic Magnificent Events
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christajmekkicmp/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MagneticMagnificentEvents
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnetic-magnificent-events-san-jose-3?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)