Meet Krista Long | Freelance Corporate Event Manager & Special Event Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krista Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krista, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time, my balance has shifted as my priorities, responsibilities, and understanding of personal fulfillment have evolved. Early on, I was focused more on external expectations—fitting into a structured routine, achieving milestones, and meeting deadlines. But over time, I’ve realized that balance isn’t about rigidly adhering to one thing at the expense of another. It’s about finding harmony, where my obligations create the foundation for my freedom to pursue what I love.

When I think about balance now, I draw inspiration from the quote: “Do what you have to do, so that you can do more of what you want to do.” -Author Unknown This perspective helps me view the more obligatory or less enjoyable parts of life (work, chores, etc.) as stepping stones to the greater freedom to enjoy personal passions, creativity, and rest. It’s not about sacrificing one for the other, but about managing them strategically so that I can have both.

So, my approach to balance has become more intentional over time—working hard when I need to, but also carving out space to recharge and enjoy life’s pleasures.

What should our readers know about your business?
Krista’s Event Koncepts, LLC. (KeK) is an event support services company, encompassing Krista’s Birthday Koncepts (KBDAYK), the special event design division of the company for smaller social occasions with our partnering venue, D7 Lounge. KeK specializes in freelance event consulting and support services, catering to both small businesses, Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

Starting an event services company was the easy part; keeping it successful has been a much bigger challenge. One of the toughest hurdles was finding our specific clientele. Our target demographic consists of professionals with reputable budgets who seek expert event services and support. Initially, success relied on personal connections and referrals, but I soon realized that building a sustainable corporate client base requires more than just word of mouth. You need to actively market your services, stay visible, build trust and continue keeping your brand sharp. Some months are great, while others feel like you’re starting from scratch again.

Marketing, too, is a constant struggle. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s hard to figure out where to put your energy—social media, digital ads, networking, or building your portfolio. As a small business, you wear a lot of hats, and sometimes marketing gets pushed to the back burner. But if you don’t focus on getting your name out there and telling the right story, it’s tough to stand out in such a crowded industry.

Then there’s the challenge of staying relevant in a constantly changing market. The event industry is always evolving—whether it’s new trends, client expectations, or even technology. When things shifted to virtual and hybrid events, it felt like I had to learn a whole new way of doing business almost overnight. It’s a lot to keep up with, but the key is staying adaptable and open to new ideas.

On top of all this, there’s the pressure of managing finances, maintaining cash flow, and scaling without overextending. It’s a balancing act between accepting new business opportunities and making sure you have the resources to follow through.

Despite the ups and downs, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. March 2025 made 12 years in business maintaining 5-star ratings across all platforms! It’s about learning, adjusting, and finding ways to keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. And above all, it’s about building something that lasts, step by step.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t go out much, so when I do, I make sure it counts. While my career requires me to be an extrovert, I’m definitely an introvert the rest of the time. I typically spend my time playing with my dog, dating or relaxing at a friend’s house with a cocktail or crafting. If I had friends or family coming to town, we’d kick off the day with a delicious smoothie at Arden’s Garden Midtown then we’d head over to “The Works”, food bar to walk around to some of the shops, people watch and chat. Once we’ve “worked” up an appetite, we’re already at the perfect spot enjoy everything from fresh and tasty mouthwatering southern classics to an array of cuisine options. After fueling up, we’d head over to the “Improv Theatre” for a quick 30-minute comedy show that’s guaranteed to be enjoyable. Sometimes they have several armature acts within one setting so that 30 minutes may turn into an hour or so.
After, we’d head over to a cozy jazz club to soak in some live tunes and let the smooth vibes take over just in time for our first cocktail. Next, we’d let loose a bit at “Punch Bowl Social” at The Battery, where we’d sip a few more craft cocktails, play some games, and just enjoy the good vibes. To top it all off, we’d end the night with dinner a “City View Sports Bar and Bistro”, chowing down on delicious bites, sipping drinks, and listening to more great music of our generation. It’s the perfect combo of food, fun, laughs, and music for an unforgettable day in Atlanta!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I would like to dedicate a huge shoutout to two very important people in my life that have been with me along this journey. First my best friend, James Alexander, for his unwavering support and commitment to my success. James has been my rock; always offering encouragement, wisdom, and a steady hand through both the highs and especially the lows. His belief in me has fueled my perseverance, and his friendship has been a source of strength that I could always count on. There were times when I had no idea how I would go on as an entrepreneur and he would always sit and listen to me vent. He often would say something encouraging like, “when you win, we all win”. This was always the vote of confidence I needed when things were not going as I hoped. James deserves all the recognition for being a constant presence in my journey, helping me stay grounded while pushing me to reach for greater things. No success of mine would feel as complete without acknowledging his impact.

Second, I want to give a major shoutout to my right hand, my company ace, and my Special Events Coordinator & Manager, Jasmine Atkins. Jasmine has been with me for over five years, starting as an intern alongside four others. From the beginning, she stood out with her drive, passion, and dedication, shining brighter than anyone else. Her tenacity, encouragement, and genuine love for events and the craft have made her an invaluable asset to the company. I’m incredibly grateful for everything she brings to the team and I am grateful that I found her.

Lastly, I want to shoutout my tribe—friends, family, former mentors, professional partners, clients and my network—because the journey is never solo! Each person, in their own way, has contributed to my growth, and their support has meant the world..

Website: https://www.kristaseventkoncepts.com

Instagram: @kristaseventkoncepts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/krista-s-event-koncepts-llc

Twitter: @keventkoncepts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristaseventkoncepts & https://www.facebook.com/kbirthdayk

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kristas-event-koncepts-atlanta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3PKNPnbi5vosz6sgmrXRw

Image Credits
Rick’s Photography & Design
Skylove Images
Capturing The Moments Atl
Krista Long