Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharonda Richardson.
Hi Sharonda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Honestly, I never imagined myself running an event space. As an introvert, it just wasn’t something I thought was for me, the constant people, the spotlight, the energy of it all. But life has a way of shifting our paths. I went through a very dark season where I felt isolated and unsure of my purpose, and in that season I realized how much healing and joy happens in community.
That’s how Events at Solstice was born. The name represents the shift between darkness and light, a reminder that no matter how heavy things get, the light always returns. Creating this space meant taking financial, physical, and mental risks I never thought I’d have the courage to take. But I knew that if I wanted others to have a place of peace, creativity, and connection, I had to be willing to step out of my comfort zone first.
I started small a blank canvas with a big vision. Over time, I poured into the space, upgrading décor, hosting events, and building it into a hidden gem where people could truly let their guard down. From weddings to baby showers, from sip-and-paints to sewing workshops, I’ve watched this venue transform into more than four walls. It’s become a home for memories, artistry, and celebration.
Today, Events at Solstice is not just an event space. It’s a reflection of my journey, from someone who never wanted this path, to someone who embraced it fully and found purpose in serving others. It’s proof that sometimes the things we resist are exactly where our growth and impact are waiting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’ve lost friends and supporters along the way, and for a while I was even out of work. There were moments where I felt like I was building something nobody else could see, and it got really lonely at times.
Financially, it’s been tough. I didn’t have investors or a big cushion, so every step from paying rent to buying new décor came with a risk. There were months I wasn’t sure how I’d make it, but I kept pushing and trusting God to provide.
Physically, I’ve done it all from flipping the space, hauling tables and chairs, staying up late to set up and waking up early to do it all over again. Mentally, it stretched me too. I’m naturally introverted, so constantly meeting new people, giving tours, and putting myself out there hasn’t always been easy.
But looking back, those struggles made me stronger. Losing people taught me to lean more on God and trust the vision He gave me. Being out of work forced me to create my own lane instead of waiting on someone else to give me one. And every challenge has shaped Solstice into what it is today a space of light, joy, and community for other people who need it just as much as I did.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My first love has always been fashion. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a BA in Fashion, and for me, making women feel good in their own skin was my first mission. It felt like holding up a mirror reminding them of their beauty, their strength, and their light, even when they couldn’t always see it themselves. That same heart carried over into Events at Solstice. The venue became another canvas where I could create experiences that make people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just running a business. I’m pouring my own story into everything I do. I’m someone who naturally puts other people’s needs before my own, and I think people can feel that when they work with me. I’m goofy and likeable, I love to laugh, and I balance that with being deeply intelligent and intentional. I actually hold three degrees, and while I’m proud of those accomplishments, I’m even more proud of the woman I’m becoming through this journey.
At Solstice, I specialize in transformation not just flipping a blank space into something beautiful, but creating an atmosphere where people can feel peace, joy, and belonging. I’m most proud that when people leave, they don’t just talk about the décor or the setup, they talk about how the space made them feel. And that, to me, is everything.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would not be here without the God and the people he placed in my life along the way. Honestly, my clients deserve the biggest credit. Many of them trusted me when I was just getting started before the space had all the décor, before it was polished, before I even fully believed in myself. Their faith in me kept me going. Every tour booked, every event hosted, every kind word spoken after a celebration gave me the push to keep building.
I also want to acknowledge my mentors from ESE who poured wisdom into me and reminded me to think bigger even when I was operating small. My mother deserves credit too she invested in me when it didn’t make sense on paper, but she believed in me enough to plant that seed.
And then there are my biggest supporters they know exactly who they are. They’ve been the ones to show up and help decorate, flip the space, attend community events, and even donate when I needed it most. Their hands-on support and encouragement made Solstice feel less like “my business” and more like “our community.”
At the end of the day, every person who has poured into me has also poured into this space, and that’s what makes it special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventsatsolstice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventsatsolstice
