Who’s Who of Atlanta: I’na Saulsbery

Meet I’na Saulsberry, a 31 year old Celebrity Event Planner from Atlanta with an impeccable sense of fashion.I’na began her career as a Marketing Director at Justin’s Restaurant in Atlanta before taking a leap of faith and starting her own Event Planning business. Under her imprint The Star Fire Group, I’na has coordinated numerous events for major celebrities. Check out my brief Q&A with I’na as she talks about how she began her career and gives out valuable advice to up and coming and aspiring event planners:

How did you get started as a celebrity event planner?
I guess, I would definitely say, I got my start from working at Justin’s Restaurant & Bar. I had the opportunity to meet many personalities in the entertainment world and it just kind of took off from there. It also didn’t hurt working for one of the biggest names in entertainment as well. When you work for him for as long as I did, people look at that and say, “Man if she worked for Puff, I gotta have her!”

To date, what is the most memorable event you have planned and why?
The most memorable event that I have planned thus far, would definitely have to be Quincy Brown’s “Stunna 16″ Birthday Celebration. [View Photos Here] There are so many obvious reasons that would make his event the most memorable, however for me there was a bigger picture. This was the second time that I had the opportunity to work with his parents to coordinate a special event for their family. I also orchestrated Christian Combs’ 9th Birthday Celebration earlier that year. So, when the call came in to execute Quincy’s party. I knew that they were pleased with my work. That says a lot, mainly because Kim & Puff are not easily impressed. Many people are given the chance to do one event, but the true test, is if you will get called upon to execute another.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an entertainment attorney. However, in my junior year at CAU, I realized that I wasn’t ready to commit myself to more schooling. At that point I was just ready to graduate.

I’m sure there are many young women in the Atlanta area who are interested in event planning. What is your advice to aspiring “celebrity event planners”?

I am so glad you asked me that, I could probably go on and on about this, but this is my top 5!

1. WORK HARD! I found this quote by Madam C. J. Walker (check your history books if you don’t know who she is ladies, she is part of the reason you look so fine today) and it couldn’t have been more fitting for me.
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.”-Madam C.J. Walker

2. Say What You Mean And Do What You Say!

3. Never Over Promise And Under Deliver!

4. Never, Never Use Your Sexuality To Get Ahead!

5. Find A Way Or Make One! This is CAU’s Motto…run into anyone that attended CAU (Clark Atlanta University) , this is true essence of how they are living their life, knocking down doors and breaking barriers…don’t believe me, check the stats…The Aphilliates (DJ DRAMA & SENSE),SUPERFRIENDS (MARS & TRAUMA), FCC (CAC, KENION, & my main man TAI BOOGIE), DTP (CHAKA & JAMAL), AG ENTERTAINMENT (ALEX GIDEWON), CLOUD 9 (MARK BARNES), DR. PEPPER (CRYSTAL BETTS), ADRENE BOUTIQUE (ADRENE ASHFORD), (METROMIX) JANA HICKS, (BLACKBABY) BRYAN MICHAEL COX, BRYAN BARBER…I mean the list is endless!

Also, Remember what is meant for you, will be for you, no one can take it away from you…God will make sure of that!

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is realizing that sometimes, things are out of your control…like the weather….Everything has to be perfect for my clients. I strive for perfection at all times, even in the midst of a storm.

You have a unique sense of style (I love it). Who would you say is your fashion inspiration?

Thank you Necole. My fashion inspiration, is truly inspired by life itself. We all know that there is nothing new under the sun,but modifications are made to recreate the past. I love to try different things, I’m not afraid or hendered by anything or anyone.

Something that is very key for me is that I dress according to where I am going and the type of event it is. My good friend calls it “themey”. However, it works. For example, if I am going to an art show, I may wear something a little bit more daring or artistic than if I were going to a tail reception. Right now, I’m loving the whole 80’s-early 90’s movement. But there where fashionistas, like Klymaxx, Lisa Lisa, and a true fashion Icon like Grace Jones, that broke the mode.

One more question, if you were a celebrity who would you be and why?
If I were a celebrity, I would have to say I would be……….. ME!
They say you have to own your celebrity-ness…so until I reach that mark…I’m owning my own celebrity-ness…(SMILES) Besides, by being that celebrity, that means I have to take their issues and problems too…NO WAY! Just look at Britney!

To find out more about I’na, check out her feature in Rolling Out Weekly and the AJC. This sista is definitely making waves.

Star Fire Group Myspace

Contact I’na

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