As one of the most sought after event planners nationally, Christy Bareijsza has been responsible for detailed marketing, production and venue consultation since 1999. Christy is known in the industry for her constant creativity, fresh ideas and commitment to surpass client expectations. Her reputable and distinct combination of talents have helped her create a multitude of memorable events for a long list of corporate and celebrity clients.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
After graduating from Hofstra University with a B.A. in Dance, History and Art History, I had a short stint at JP Morgan Chase. While employed there, I discovered that event planning existed as a profession. Realizing that I did not have the experience to apply for the event planning position, I was driven to obtain a post-graduate certification from NYU in the field of Meeting, Conference and Special Events Management. Then, I strategically secured a position as a meeting planner. This lead to a fast-track promotion to Vice President and Head of Corporate Events at two major Fortune 500 companies. During my tenure in the corporate world, I founded Events By Red Carpet in 2001. The part-time venture then grew into full time employment in 2006. Surviving in a “frivolous” industry during a recession became far more difficult than the pressure of producing the event itself. At the time I considered this challenge part of being an entrepreneur, but in retrospect, the complicated environment ignited the drive to succeed strategically while continuing to acquire top quality clients and producing memorable meetings, conferences and events.
Tell us about your business.
Events By Red Carpet is an award winning company currently in its eleventh year with offices in New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Napa Valley and Los Angeles. With extensive expertise in the marketing and event services profession, we have the resources desired to make any production a flawless success. We have cultivated the finest partnerships to bring sensational events that can accommodate any brand initiative or budget. Our dynamic attention to detail and creativity ensure a seamless approach to match the tone of each event.
Through the success of Events By Red Carpet, and the knowledge I acquired in the last two decades, I will be launching The RED Philosophy (Refining Event Developers) a webinar series. The RED Philosophy will provide a real world application and solid foundation for professionals seeking to elevate their knowledge in the hospitality industry. The RED Philosophy affords premiere access to industry experts and presents tools to provide creative solutions. Our goal is that the accelerated educational programs will improve their ability to obtain career advancement.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
As our team prepares to launch The RED Philosophy in the fall of 2017, we will be offering educational seminars and scholarships opportunities for professionals promoted through our Facebook Group Page and social media outlets.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Certification in Meeting, Conference + Event Management – New York University (NYU)
- (CMP) Certified Meeting Professional – Convention Industry Council (CIC)
- (CMM) Certified Meeting Manager – Meeting Planners International (MPI)
- Top 25 Event Planning Companies – NJBIZ 2008-2012
- Nominated “Event Planning Company of the Year” – Caterersource 2008
Where is your business based?
- Los Angeles
- NYC
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Napa Valley
Combined with the multiple locations, Events By Red Carpet produces events globally.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Building Events By Red Carpet in 2001 and The RED Philosophy in 2016, the first few steps were extremely different. Whereas the initial business was about past event look books and the proper collateral, the current business will solely be created and marketed online. The impact of social media within the last decade has changed the entire perspective on how businesses are built and strategically impacts our potential clientele.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Events By Red Carpet is a service providing business; therefore the best way to raise awareness of our premiere brand is networking during events, strategically posting photos of past events on social media as well as maintaining a strong database of contacts for referrals.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge has been the current state of the economy. Meeting and Event Planning is considered a frivolous industry, especially in a technology driven world. Therefore, events are the first to be cut during a financial crisis, as the need for face-to-face interaction isn’t deemed a priority.
How did you overcome these challenges?
The solution to this crisis is to seek out clients that are profiting during an economic downfall. For instance, while financial companies were receiving a ball out in the 2000’s, most individuals were drinking and smoking due to stress, which dramatically increased alcohol and cigarette company’s marketing and event budgets. The key is to stay ahead of economic and industry trends and welcome change.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My motivation is driven by not giving myself a choice to do anything but focus on success. The intriguing aspect of this business is that your next client can come from an unforeseen place. Therefore, I need to always remain open to opportunities and look at challenges as a detour not a dead end.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
We are effective event producers. We offer our clients a team of expert, cultivated vendor relationships, and 30 years of real world experience.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
The advice I offer is that entrepreneurs need to trust in themselves and have blind faith. Success is not earned by being complacent; it is predicated on taking risks, not being afraid to make mistakes, and surrounding yourself with valuable professionals that aren’t afraid to challenge you.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My favorite business tool is the internet. The combination of the internet and a creative imagination allows me the ability to implement an original concept and ensure there is a practicality to the design and all potential liabilities are mitigated to guarantee the theme is flawless onsite.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly.
Not only is this novel a historical account of the evolvement of empowered women, it truly depicts the battles women had to fight daily for equality during the feminist and civil rights movement. This story helps to shed a light on the life altering sacrifices the previous generations made to create opportunities and build respect for the present woman.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
We are currently learning about building a social following, online advertising and understanding how to engage the targeted demographic through social media, video content and blog posts.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- The main goal is to continue to steadily expand Events By Red Carpet with a variety of global high-level clientele that value our expertise and services.
- My other goal this year is the launch of The RED Philosophy. My vision is that it will ultimately change the event industry educational standards.
Each goal will be achieved through strategic research, undivided focus and investing time.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @christybareijsza, @stylishmemories, @theredphilosophy
Twitter @chrisbareijsza, stylishmemories, redphilosophyed
Facebook @eventsbyredcarpet, @theredphilosophy, @christybareijsza
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/theredphilosophy
Website www.theredcarpetevents.com, www.theredphilosophy.com (will be coming shortly)
Anil Sutan says
Thanks for sharing such great information with us.