Cristin Kelly Design and Events

Cristin Kelly Design and Events has an unparalleled aesthetic. It was obvious that an interview was necessary. Read/scroll on:

YENW: What is Cristin Kelly Design?

CKD: Cristin Kelly Design & Events is a full-service design, styling & boutique production company based in Red Bank, New Jersey. From Weddings to Showers to all of life events, I love dreaming up designs to reflect the uniqueness of each of my client’s tastes. Taking my client’s vision and bringing it to life is my specialty! I offer a variety of event packages that are fully customized to fit my client’s particular party needs: Event Decorations, Customized Dessert Table Design & Set-up, Full-Service Design & Set-up, Paper Flower Sets and Paper Flower Walls for Rent & Purchase. I strive to bring a sophisticated sense of style and creativity to make my client’s event a memorable one!

YENW: Tell us the genesis of Cristin Kelly Design

CKD: My friends and family really pushed me to start my own business as they were always so complimentary of the events I have hosted throughout the years. I always knew I had an eye for design and always believed that I could do anything that I put my mind to but their words of encouragement were definitely the push that I needed. I decided to start Cristin Kelly Design & Events when I finally trusted my talent and believed in myself as much as everyone else did.

Once I did that, everything fell into place so naturally and I knew I made the right decision. In no time at all, my event schedule was booking months in advance and even though it was a little overwhelming – I wouldn’t have changed a single thing!

Passion, strong work ethic and the belief in myself have led me to where I am today. And now, Cristin Kelly Design & Events is officially going to be 2 years old this summer! The company’s success has been driven by the love and support of my family, friends, and clients. I am humbled and grateful for all of the support received thus far and I am excited to see what the future holds for the company.

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YENW:  What is your favorite part of your job or business?

CKD: I get so much joy out of making my clients happy. After all, my job is simply to enhance an already memorable event. I truly believe in the motto “doing what you love is where happiness lives” and I am so incredibly lucky to do what I love as an Event Designer. When I started my company, I wanted to surround myself with creative minds and people who share my passion and I am so lucky to have done that! Not only do I have a talented staff, but I work with some incredibly talented vendors. When you have the right team in place, the work is easy and you can actually have some fun doing it!

YENW: Tell us about a career high

CKD: I just reached over 8.2k followers on my business Instagram and I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support!

YENW: Care to share a career disappointment?

CKD: Owning your own business is sometimes a 24/7 job! People expect you to be available all hours of the day and night. I need to work towards finding a better work-life balance as my personal life sometimes suffers as a result.

YENW: If you didn’t have this business, what might you be doing instead?

CKD: Prior to starting my own company, I was a Buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. One of the perks of the job was being invited to lavish events, countless runway shows, and over-the-top launch parties. After years of leaving these parties inspired, I knew I found my true calling in Event Design. If I didn’t have my own company, however, I would imagine I would still be in the fashion industry in New York City doing event design in some capacity.

YENW: Do you remember the first event you designed for a client? Was it a success?

CKD: My first event was a Baby Shower at the Spring Lake Golf Club in Spring Lake, NJ. I will never forget it as I still receive countless compliments from guests who attended the event as well as the Spring Lake Golf Club staff and club members! Potential clients always mention how they love the sophistication and the refined way I handled a sometimes tricky theme as well. That is always a success in my book!

YENW: What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

CKD: Three things on my personal bucket list all revolve around traveling with my husband!  1. Napa Valley, California for wine tasting 2. Aspen, Colorado for skiing  3. And a return visit to Maui, Hawaii

YENW: Favorite quote?

CKD: Happiness, not in another place, but this place … not for another hour, but this hour.
– Walt Whitman

YENW:  Please share with us a random fact or surprise talent about Cristin Kelly

CKD: I come from an incredibly large family. My mom is one of 14 and my mother-in-law is one of 10. Needless to say, I’m used to large parties and gatherings!
I love to draw! Especially watercolor painting.

Cristin, we can’t thank you enough for your time in answering our questions. We are sure your business will continue to grow and flourish all over the tri-state area!