Faces of Brown Sugar

the women...

Kristin Bright- Kristin has been involved with event coordinating since early 2002. She's done everything from comedy shows featuring Comedy Central and Bet Comedians like The Rat Pack, to Personal Development and Motivational Speaking programs with former professional athletes like Ray McElroy (NFL) and Steve Grant (NFL).

After planning her joint B'Day Soiree in 2007, with now business partner Kira Valentine, she realized that even though she enjoyed doing everything that went into it, actually planning your own event can take away from the fun and the experience you set out to have on the day of. "After dealing with all of the details of the party in the months leading up to it, I was kind of exhausted with it once the big day came. Having to make sure everything was going according to plan and that all of our guests were accommodated made it difficult to actually celebrate our birthday. Most people don't realize that planning and hosting are two very different things, and it's difficult to do both at the same time. But that's the beauty of our business…with Brown Sugar, people won't have to [do both]. We have taken the things that we love to do and have been doing for our friends, schools and jobs for years, and created an amazing service for people who can appreciate it. Our clients get to put the details of their desires in trusted hands, so that they can actually enjoy hosting their event, and I get to make decisions and fulfill a vision with two of the most creative women I know, which happen to be my best friends…How hot is that!"

With a Bachelors Degree in Political Science (Chicago State University, 2005) and a Masters Degree in Sports Management (Indiana State University, 2007), Kristin works in the Student Affairs Division of the University of Indianapolis. As the Residence Life Coordinator for UIndy, she is responsible for planning and coordinating the University's' Diversity Lecture Series and campus wide Wellness and Personal Development Programming. In addition, she coordinates various aspects of the Residence Life Department, including staff hiring, training and development. Kristin's educational and professional background allows her to confidently interact with people from all walks and conduct business in multiple arenas. "I can go from politics to athletics and not miss a beat. I enjoy working with an eclectic mix of people and ideas because together, they make for great experiences".

As for fun, Kristin enjoys shopping, playing cards, reading, having cocktails with friends and traveling. She was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, IL, but now resides in Indianapolis, IN with her three fish (t-rex, shades & reno) and large collection of lip gloss, stiletto pumps and designer handbags =)

Prior Employers Include: Chicago State University, Indiana State University and The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Robyn Johnson- Over the past 7 years Robyn Johnson has managed to turn her passion for entertaining into purpose. With a keen eye for uniqueness and an attention to detail that has the ability to make any event magical Robyn's purpose is to enthusiastically plan dynamic events that leave the host and guest with a lasting impression. After receiving her Event Planning Certification from Indiana University Northwest, Robyn developed her own personal style that can be defined as traditional with a twist! Robyn's goal is to work with the client to provide exactly the experience they've dreamed of! She believes that no event is too large or too small and all are given the same devotion and hard work that makes events memorable! Her 7 years of experience planning weddings, birthdays, banquets, and much more illustrates the level of excellence she delivers.

Kira Valentine-Kira Valentine, Event Specialist, has been planning various social events since 2001. Using her creativity and imagination has always been at the forefront of her everyday life, so to be able to bring her creative side into the limelight; she knew that she had to display it for others to see. Always wanting to host social gatherings, and entertain down to the detail, led Kira to her dream of event planning. As a teen working on the catering staff of a family friend along side her mother, she knew then this would grow to be her passion.

Kira was born and raised in Southern California’s “South Bay” and moved to Chicago in 2001 to attend college at Chicago State University, where she earned her Bachelors in Marketing. Upon graduating Kira returned home to California, leaving behind a city in which she fell in love with. In 2008 Kira returned to Chicago’s South side, to reunite with the city’s thriving culture, people and lifestyle.

Kira has spent many years in the event planning arena, from planning and catering events for Honda Corporation, the Los Angeles Museum of Art and Science, Western States Junior Golf Association, American Golf, and Chicago State University

To the vision of Brown Sugar and to their clientele, Kira brings flair, spontaneous ideas, a hip sense of style and class and most of all designs events and fabulous affairs with client’s dreams in mind.

How They Met: Attending college at Chicago State University

Where are they now: Indianapolis, IN, Gary, IN, and Chicago, IL (respectively)

What they like to do together: Going to Red's, enjoying cocktails, shopping, eating, nites on the town, just hanging out with each other

Common Goal: To provide an upscale, classy, chic, flourishing event planning company for years to come...

~brownsugarkv