Working in the high-pressure world of event planning and production  can be rewarding and glamorous.  A-listers walking down the red carpet, paparazzi flashing, champagne and good food galore, DJ spinning the hottest tracks, how fun could that be to get paid to party!? Now, wait one moment before you jump into a new career. This event didn’t magically happen overnight.  There were VIP lists to write, a venue had to be selected, you had to stay within a defined budget, on- site staff to assist the day of, security had to be enforced, press had to be notified, and you may need to secure a sponsor as well!Doesn’t sound like a cake-walk after all? Enter I’na Saulsbery, an Atlanta-based event planner who has turned her passion into the Starfire Group, which produces an array of events of every caliber. From baby showers to large scale celebrity events  I’na knows how to create an affair to remember.

A Clark Atlanta University alum, she started her career while  working at Diddy’s restaurant, Justin’s as a Marketing Director for seven years and built a loyal following that in turn became future clients. Her strong work ethic and innovative eye has made her a sought  after planner in Atlanta and nationally. You may have seen some of work on the BET show  Monica: Still Standing  and  the MTV  series,  My Super Sweet 16 party for Quincy, Diddy’s son. See how one woman’s passion became her labor of love.

 1.    Style & Substance: When did you know working in the event planning industry was your calling?
I hadn’t realized that event planning was my calling until a little later on in my life. For eight years I worked HARD for someone else, and although I enjoyed my job, as rewarding as it was-I wanted more. I would do events from time to time on the side and people would always tell me how much they enjoyed themselves. I just never realized that I really could make a living out of it. Since I was 16, I knew it was something that I enjoyed doing, and surprisingly I was pretty good at it.

2.    Style & Substance: What was your idea  behind the name Starfire for your company?
I came up with name-The Starfire Group for my company, because I wanted a name that was unique, vibrant, and yet easy to remember.

3.    Style & Substance: Your core business is based in Atlanta, how do you continue to gain new clients outside of this market and grow your brand?
I have been able to gain new clients and grow my brand, because I believe I do doing good work, and when you do good work, you can’t help but to move up. (SMILES)

4.    Style & Substance: In this tough but rising economy, how did you get the strength to start your business and was it difficult?
I started my company in 2007, and I had no idea that the economy was going to take this downward spiral. It was more than strength it was about timing and having faith. “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” -Martin Luther King Jr.  It has been difficult, but I have been extremely blessed.

5.    Style & Substance: What are some resources every event planner should have to be successful?
While some people may think that you have to have a lot of money or a nice office to show off, its much more important for every event planner to have a creative mind, be detailed oriented and possess a very outgoing personality. It also helps to have a good following of people that support and look forward to attending your events. These are just some of the resources that every event planner should have to be successful.

I'na prepping for an intimate baby shower.

6.    Style & Substance: How do you stay grounded when working with celebrities and not  getting star struck?
It can be exciting to work with celebrities, but it’s not hard to stay grounded when working with them, as they are regular people just like us at the end of the day. Now, I couldn’t have said the same if I was working with someone like Michael Jackson or Madonna…I’d probably be floating on cloud 9 for years!

7.    Style & Substance: Do you have any advice for up and coming event planners that  are starting out?
I would advise any up and coming event planners to do their research. I would suggest they read plenty of books on event planning and use the Internet…it’s your friend. (SMILES)I would also suggest that frequent different events in their area as well as other markets.

I'na at the Still Standing Preview Party, an event she planned to promote singer Monica's reality show.

8.    Style & Substance: What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is having to accept that I am not able to control the weather. (LOL) Clearly, that is something that is way out of my league, yet being an event planner, you plan accordingly so that everything goes just the way your client imagined- you always want to make sure that everything is perfect for your client. However, Mother Nature can put a damper on even the brightest day.

9.     Style & Substance: Describe your style and substance?
My style and substance is extraordinary, exuberant, & EXPLOSIVE!

To learn more about I’na and her company click here.