For Women Who Don’t Do Boring (or Ordinary or Predictable)
Join the private list for curated, in-person local experiences.
“I get it…”
I get it.
I’ve moved more than once in my life — and every move teaches you something different
In 2020, we left the Chicago suburbs after 20 years. I used to joke, “I won’t die here at the North Pole.” I love sunshine too much for that. We’d remodeled our entire house — full kitchen gut, two bathrooms, new floors, repainting everything — and I was exhausted… and ready.
We spent eight months at the beach during COVID, overlooking Emerald Isle. What I thought would be a month or two turned into a full school year. It was healing and strange and beautiful all at once. We lived 19 miles from the nearest Starbucks — which my kids found tragic after growing up walking distance from one.
And yet… that season taught me something.
You can live almost anywhere and be happy — if you feel grounded and connected.
When we finally landed in Huntersville, I loved it immediately. The trees. The water. The feeling of possibility. My son sat back in his chair over lunch at Birkdale Village and said, “Ha. Civilization.” And we laughed.
But here’s what I’ve learned through every move — from being the third grader walking into a new Catholic school in Florida… to being a young mom 45 minutes away from everyone I knew… to arriving in a brand-new town as an adult:
It only takes one kind person.
One seat saved.
One invitation.
One “come sit with us.”
I still remember Lynette in third grade.
I still remember Alethea at church when I was overwhelmed with two toddlers.
I still remember how much it meant to be seen.
And I’ve never forgotten that.
Then something unexpected happened.
After years of working with clients remotely — on Zoom, by phone, across the country and even internationally — I took on a very part-time role at Knotty & Board Furniture Market.
And suddenly, I was back in person.
Talking.
Listening.
Laughing.
Connecting.
I’d come home smiling after my shifts because the conversations were so good.
But I also started to notice a pattern.
About one out of every three women who walked through the door would say:
“I’m new to the area.”
“We just moved here.”
“I’m moving here next week.”
Over and over again.
Different ages.
Different backgrounds.
Same story.
And every time, something in me lit up.
Because I knew exactly how they felt.
The Discovery
I’ve been the new girl.
The one rebuilding community.
The one learning a new place.
The one wondering where she fits.
And standing there in the store, having these real, unhurried conversations, something else clicked too.
This wasn’t new for me.
Thirty years ago — long before HGTV was even a thing — I created and taught an eight-week adult education course on interior design.
Every session sold out.
Women would come to learn… and leave feeling confident, inspired, and excited about what they could create in their own homes.
That course led to private clients.
To deeper work.
To relationships.
I loved teaching.
I loved helping people see what was possible.
Then, about fifteen years ago, life shifted again.
My oldest daughter entered middle school — and she was struggling.
Unhappy.
Stressed.
Unable to find her place after switching schools.
Watching her go through that was heartbreaking.
So I had a “crazy mom idea.”
What if I created something to help girls navigate the emotional maze of middle school?
That became an eight-week program called Pretty & Poised Teen.
I ran it for ten years.
Dozens and dozens of girls came through.
I’ve always designed experiences.
Not just rooms.
Not just clothes.
Not just programs.
Moments.
Spaces where people feel seen.
Confident.
Connected.
At home.
Even my own wedding. (Yes, I had everyone learn a line dance out on the dance floor.)
Even small gatherings.
I’ve always looked at what exists and thought:
“Okay… how can I make this better?”
“How can I make this more meaningful?”
“How can this be more fun?”
So when I found myself at the furniture store, listening to woman after woman talk about being new, or disconnected, or a little overwhelmed…
All the dots connected.
Design.
Teaching.
Mentoring.
Community.
Belonging.
Beauty.
Possibility.
It was all the same work.
Just in a new chapter.
We did fashion shows.
Photo shoots.
Manners.
Confidence.
Social media.
Color.
Style.
But more than anything, we built community.
We created belonging.
We ended with public fashion shows.
Families gathered and celebrated young women.
Deep friendships formed.
Later, I created one-day events like Beautiful You — part retreat, part experience, part celebration.
One of my favorite moments was a photo shoot with three generations of women — grandmother, mother, daughter.
The matriarch passed away the next year.
That photo became one of their most treasured possessions.
And I realized something:
I am Christy Sharafinski,
and I am passionate about creating experiences that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impact.
Through the events I host, I bring together people, ideas, and opportunities in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Each event is designed with care, professionalism, and a personal touch, giving sponsors a platform to showcase their brand while engaging with a highly attentive and inspired audience.
Over 10+ years of experience in
1,000+ individuals (served)
Conducted 100+ workshops + events
95% satisfaction rate
“Now you can…”
Be first.
First to hear about the Art Takeover.
The Mocktail Mixology Experience.
The Front Door Feng Shui Reset.
The Road Rally.
The Pet Portrait Painting Night.
First to grab a seat at the table.
First to say yes to something unexpected.
Thoughtfully curated.
Live.
Limited.
And designed so you walk in relaxed — and leave glad you came.
Upcoming Events
Love to put your brand in the spotlight?
Sponsoring one of my events puts your brand front and center — while supporting experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking for premium visibility or a targeted touchpoint, there’s a sponsorship package that fits your goals.
I offer several types of sponsorships to suit different goals and resources:
Financial Sponsorship – Support the event directly while gaining premium visibility.
In-Kind Sponsorship – Provide products or services that enhance the event experience.
Media Sponsorship – Amplify your brand through event marketing and communications.
Promotional Sponsorship – Share your brand with attendees through curated activations
No matter the type, your brand will have a meaningful presence at events that bring people together, spark connection, and make an impact. Let’s create something memorable—together.
Gain visibility, build connections, and be part of experiences that truly matter.
Explore Sponsorship Packages
Gold
$2,500
Popular
