Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christa Skinnell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Christa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

From an early age, I loved to dream and plan…BIG! Big ideas and moments that I did not know how I would ever be able to accomplish, yet deep down inside me, I knew it would happen. I would write them down and somehow that cemented in my mind that it would be so. Yes, most of my dreams and plans did come true. A notable teenage dream I wrote down was that one day, before I die, I was going to meet Steve Perry, lead singer of Journey. A couple of months later, I did! And I thought I was going to die!! He and my mom had a nice conversation as I stood there, rendered speechless. She finally introduced me to him and he politely shook my hand and said “nice to meet you, Christa”. I was only able to utter, “hi”. I’m sure he still remembers me. (laughing) Although my original career path was not in event planning, I was a Licensed Optician in my former life, I found myself planning all sorts of events. Bridal and baby showers, anniversary parties, and weddings. Then I stayed home to raise a family and that brought forth birthday parties, moms club outings, and church events.

One day, after 16 years of raising kids, a massive “life rattle” occurred and I began the process of asking myself what I want my future to look like. I’m in control of my destiny so what are my next steps?

My brother was the one that reminded me that I have always been good at planning events. “You should be an event planner!”, he said. The bells went off in my head and so the process of getting certified through Emory University began. My original thought was to work for an organization as a planner but my gut instinct pushed me to dream bigger and take the plunge into entrepreneurship! After all, one of my big dreams was to own my own business. Nine88 Events launched in May 2021 and I was off to the races!

Christa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Life can be tough. I know. But life also brings amazing color and brilliance to make the journey something to celebrate. From a major “life rattle” that could have kept me in despair for a long time, came purpose, meaning, and joy. After I received my certification in Event Planning and started Nine88 Events, I wanted to take on the world. Any type of event, any size, any budget, I’m your gal! I quickly realized that was not what brought me joy. And when I do not have joy in the work I am doing, I lose creativity and motivation. It took some wonderful council to remember that I did not become a business owner to do things that aren’t fulfilling to me, to work with people that are unkind and unpleasant, that I was the captain of this ship and I can steer it in the direction that I want. I re-wrote my vision and goals.

Nine88 Events specializes in Corporate Events for marketing and retention and/or recruiting, and Private Parties. That is all we do. It is who we are. There is nothing more rewarding, in my opinion than a “blow your mind” event or party experience. Our goal for our clients is for their event or party to have something that is uniquely theirs and at least one extraordinary experience that keeps your attendees talking for a very long time. No two events are the same. Our vendors are chosen carefully and strategically based on our client’s needs.

We create an environment that makes our clients stand out and shine. We work within their budget to create something amazing. It all begins with a conversation. I love sitting down and learning about a company or a family. To hear their heart and their vision for the celebration draws me in and consumes me. If the client lacks a vision then we help develop it by asking questions. From there we develop ideas and concepts through themes, textures, food, entertainment, and so much more, taking it to a unique and extraordinary level! Communication is paramount so we update our clients regularly as the process continues and grows. The excitement builds as we get closer to the big day and when it is here our clients need only to prepare themselves to walk in and receive all the glory. Behind the scenes, we are taking care of every detail.

I absolutely love what I do and take tremendous pride in it. I hold Nine88 Events and our vendors to a high standard of integrity and professionalism. I know there is competition out there but I believe there is room for all of us. We all hold our own unique skills and passions.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

After launching Nine88 Events in May of 2021, which basically consisted of me announcing that I started my own business on Facebook and Instagram, I went to Miami in July to attend an event and catering conference. The parties, classes, and experiences I took part in lit a fire in my belly and I came home and told my husband I wanted to throw a big party and showcase what I can do. After all, how will people know what I can do unless they see and experience what I can do? I wrote down my plan and vision but had no clue where I would host it and who to invite. I started attending networking meetings in my area in late June. This was a huge thing for me since I had not been a part of the business world in 16 years and I was extremely nervous and shy to be there. To my surprise, everyone was welcoming and kind and so began the individual meetings over coffee with various business owners. One morning I had coffee with an individual that changed everything for me. We shared our stories and our whys and something told me to share with him my dream, my vision of hosting a big party and pulling out all the stops. He replied, “I have always wanted to host a big party at my house for all the people that attend our networking group!” He called his wife and she approved, he provides the venue and I’ll provide the party. Another person jumped in and said he would help market it for us. In October 2021 Business Connect Live was hosted by Nine88 Events and The Video Plug and sponsored by Audacity Marketing plus 10 other companies that gave in so many different ways. It was a true community effort and it was nothing short of spectacular!

That is what created the buzz. People were talking about Nine88 Events and we started gaining momentum. The investment and risk were so worth it!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Networking and the referrals that lead from that bring us great opportunities. Nine88 Events would not be where it is today without the fabulous people we network with and our awesome community here in Woodstock. Past clients are also a wonderful source of referrals for us. It is such a rewarding feeling knowing we have gained our clients trust and respect.

Just this year we joined NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) Atlanta Chapter to build relationships with the best of industry vendors, planners and trends. We are also proud to announce that we are working on obtaining our WBE and DBE Certification. All of these things are key to increasing our visibility in the corporate world and our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nine88events.com
• Instagram: @nine88events
• Facebook: Nine88 Events
• Linkedin: nine88-events
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7R6xrHu3WUgiOGGttPeGvg

Image Credits
Dianna Frausto and Jared Adams