April 24, 2017

Meet I’na Saulsbery of The Starfire Group in Metro Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to I’na Saulsbery.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began planning events at the age of 16. But, it wasn’t until I threw myself a big 25+one (26th) birthday celebration that other people saw my creative talents in event planning. It was then that a few people came to me and suggested that I really should get into event planning. I remember thinking, how awesome that would be but I wasn’t convinced that I could actually earn a living planning events. Fast forward three more years, I decided to challenge myself and plan one event per month. As faith (not fate), would have it, one event turned into two events and then the big one came (or so I thought). (SMILES) Kim Porter, asked me to plan Christian’s 9th Birthday. I remember being so excited that she asked me to do it. I was in disbelief. The funny thing is, I remember telling her that she didn’t even have to pay me, I was just happy to do it. (LOL) Kim, laughed and said that she and Puff were extremely pleased with everything and there was no way she wasn’t going to pay me. Not only did she pay me, she gave me a HUGE TIP. (WINK) I bet you are wondering how huge that tip was, huh? Well, I’ll let you decide for yourself. She turned to me and said, “I’na, you know Quincy is turning 16 in June? Puff and I are in conversation with MTV for Quincy’s birthday party to appear on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16, would you be interested in coordinating his party?” WHAAATTT???!!! OMG!!! I nearly passed out!!! LOL Without missing a beat, the answer was an EXUBERANT YES!!! Now how is that for a HUGE TIP?

However, it wasn’t until my 30th birthday, that I realized and truly believed in myself that I could actually earn a living solely planning events. Just a few months later in August of 2007, I put in my two weeks’ notice at my job and decided to start my own company. It was literally, one of the happiest days of my life.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It absolutely has not been a smooth road. There were tons of challenges and obstacles along the way. But I don’t dwell on that. My college motto is “Find A Way or Make One.” I live by this, all day, every day. #CAUMadeMe

The Starfire Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Starfire Group is a full service special events firm that has produced and managed countless experiences over the years that include both corporate events and social soirees. Our mission to provide each client with superior service from conception to completion.

I am most proud of the fact that even after starting my company in the midst of a crashing economy known as the recession, that almost ten years later, we are still here. I give God all the glory!

I like to think that what sets us apart from other event planning companies are the extraordinary experiences one may encounter when attending one of our events.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Madam C.J. Walker said, “There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it for if I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.”

This, I have found to be extremely true. Hard work is the path to success, nothing less.

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