What is Cristin Kelly Design?
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!
How long have you been in business?
Cristin Kelly Design & Events will officially 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.
What has been the biggest hurdle you have overcome since starting Cristin Kelly Design?
The biggest hurdle for me was building up my confidence to actually start Cristin Kelly Design & Events! I was nervous to put myself out there. My designs, my ideas, my style - it was very nerve racking! Even though it was scary, I pushed through it because I knew I had it in me. I trusted my talent and believed in myself.
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!
Who do you look up to?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life but I would have to say that my father and husband are two people that I deeply respect and admire. My father started his own company 30+ years ago and my husband has worked in the insurance industry for the past 15 years. Both are very successful and highly respected in their fields.
My father really instilled in me the confidence to believe in myself and to have the courage to go after things in life. Both my father and mother always allowed me to dream and I am extremely thankful for that. I always believed that I could do anything that I put my mind to! Passion, strong work ethic and the belief in myself has led me where I am today.
My husband has always been so supportive of my business venture. He really pushes me to be the best version of myself and to put myself out there when it comes to my work. His love and support mean the world to me. His belief in me and my talent inspire me to keep pushing forward, keep getting better at my craft and to keep dreaming. I am beyond grateful for his love and support!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me! I have a very vivid imagination! I get inspired by the books & magazines I read, the movies I watch, the places I travel to with my husband and just everyday life. I am also inspired by all of the small business out there and all the boss babes I’ve met recently!
What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Live in the moment and do what makes you happy. Don’t worry too much about outside influences. Your heart knows what is best for you. If something doesn’t feel right or you have doubt in it, even for a minute, it’s probably not a good fit.
When you take a leap of faith in yourself you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I believe once you invest in yourself and focus on what’s important, letting go of everything else, you truly flourish and can achieve anything you put your mind to.
What is one of your proudest moments thus far?
I just reached over 7.2k followers on my business Instagram and I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support!
What’s the next goal you hope to meet?
The one goal that I constantly work on is time management! 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.
How important is it to build a team and surround yourself with the right people?
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!
Why is designing for special occasions so important to you and your team?
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.
What are three things about you that not many people know?
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.
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 use to large parties and gatherings!
I love horses and I am hoping to find the time to get back to riding!
