2036 Colonnade Way, Sacramento, 916-952-0138, eventsbykristinaelyse.com

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

I’ve always had a passion for organization and events and started Events by Kristina Elyse during a difficult time. Life is short, and I knew I wanted to start working toward doing what I love and that there’s never a "good time" to start a business, so I made the decision to just do it.

What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from the experience?

Like a lot of high school students, my first job was as a barista at a small, family-owned coffee shop in Downtown Sacramento. I learned while taking drink orders for a line out the door that my multitasking skills still needed a lot of development. I also learned how to work under pressure and how to stay calm in stressful situations. Being a barista or any type of food/beverage server is some of the most challenging work I've done. The ability to deal with upset customers, being on your feet for hours on end, and being able to do five things at once is admirable.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?

I participate in styled shoots with other professionals in the wedding industry. We all collaborate to put a beautiful shoot together by donating our services. It allows us to get exposure, be creative while creating more content for our businesses, network, and have a good time. As a coordinator, I get very involved with my customers. Planning any event, especially a wedding, is a very personal thing, and it's important to trust the person who will be executing all the plans and details.

Why is your staff the best in the business?

I genuinely care for everyone I work for and everyone who works with me. I see each event as a team effort and treat other vendors with respect. I always intend to exceed expectations in communication, design, and day-of labor; and always do my best to go above and beyond for all my clients.

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?

Getting my degree in organizational communications and Sacramento State. Education is power, and I feel very blessed to have had a college experience. I am also proud to be married to David James Foerster, singer/songwriter for his band Fate Under Fire, and Sacramento's number one vocal coach and writer/composer for Luna Music Group. We’re also both very proud to be dog parents to Sadie, Miley, and Minnie.

Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?

My husband. He works harder than most people I know and always encourages me to go after anything I want. He is the person I talk to about my wins and my failures. He listens and offers great advice that I value as a new entrepreneur. He is his own boss and built his business to something that is successful and stable, which is what most only dream of. He also pursues his dreams by putting out his own music and has made great contacts all over the country through different publishing groups that just prove what a great businessman he is. What’s more, he landed his original music on multiple TV shows, movies, and commercials and is the one who encouraged me to start my business. Money is never a factor when we talk about what we want to do; he just wants to be sure I am doing something that I love.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?

I like to watch Broadway movies. I acted and danced a lot when I was young, so it was a dream of mine to be on Broadway someday. It's my happy place and never fails to soothe my soul.

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m very good at memorizing scripts. If I fall in love with a movie or a TV show, I will re-watch them and memorize all the lines. 

What’s your biggest job perk?

I get to work in beautiful places! There are so many amazing venues in Sacramento and its surrounding cities.

What’s your favorite place to eat out locally?

I really enjoy The Rind in Downtown Sacramento. Wine and cheese…what else is there?!

Where do you and your family go locally to have fun?

We enjoy going to the El Dorado Hills Town Center to walk our dogs around the lake and then head to Perry Creek Winery for a tasting and picnic.

What’s your favorite local event that you go to?

The California State Fair—all of our friends always go in a big group, so it's sort of our tradition now.

What’s your favorite local business other than your own?

I love Waggers in Natomas! I go there for our dog food, dog shampoo, and dog toys. The owner is very sweet and really cares about her customers and their furry children.

If you could be any other profession, what would it be? 

The owner of a boutique bed and breakfast by the ocean.

And finally, customer service is…?

Doing what is best for your client, even when it's inconvenient and difficult to accomplish, all while having a smile on your face. A customer should never feel like you're "put out." The attitude you present is the most important business tool you can possess. It's what keeps people coming back and what makes referring you to new clients second nature.