Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Jackson.
Hi CJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My background is in Event Management with nine years of stage managing and performing at Universal HHN. Then went to San Jose, CA where I helped to create and direct several Halloween events, Sundance Film Festival and Action 3D gaming. In between my Event Management career with Universal and in San Jose, I was the SE Regional Marketing Manager for Cold Stone Creamery for four years.
While in California, I went to school and got certified as a Nutritionist. My husband was already a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. So, we decided to move back to Orlando and open a spa in Altamonte Springs. We had that for eight years but decided to close it up in 2019. Which was lucky for us since COVID hit in 2020.
My husband and I opened up an online business called Tea and Tarot Emporium and Events. My husband makes all kinds of crystal items and I also make teas. My passion project has been teaching peace through tea ceremonies, but that’s for another day. www.teaandtarotemporium.com
Last year, we met a gentleman out in Chuluota that has a private property there and wanted to create a unique private event space. So, now I manage and create the events for his property, known as Isle of Valhalla. The goal is to have a small property that creates fantasy themed events for charity organizations.
Our latest project is the Central Florida Witches Ball for the Transfiguring Adoption organization, which is a local charity resource hub for foster and adoptive families.
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?
The event and entertainment market is always up and down. We were hit pretty hard last year with COVID. Other issues have been finding funding sometimes. But, we always aim to create some amazing events for our clients and are excited to do so.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in producing and managing fantasy themed events. I have done A LOT of Halloween-themed events. Started out working them as a performer, then moved into management and now I produce my own.
We are creating an amazing event this year with some of Orlando’s top-tier performers. It is the Central Florida Witches Ball to benefit Transfiguring Adoption.
As the producer, I’m involved in every aspect of the events now. I help to design them and bring together my creative team to make the dreams a reality. With this specific event, we are just creating a one night fun Halloween event. However, the goal is to build it into a Renaissance Faire style weekend event. Instead of Renaissance theming though, it would be all Halloween themed. Just imagine an immersive event, from the food to drinks and entertainment all Halloween. Vampires, Witches and Werewolves…Oh MY!
I love creating these entertaining events for people. It just makes me happy.
Hopefully, next year we will also do an Alice In Wonderland Steampunk style Tea Party, among other event concepts we have in the idea bank.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am partially blind. So, most of my books are audiobooks. Books: How to Gain Financial Freedom, Minimalist Living, Outrageous Openness, Practicing Mindfulness, Zen and the Art of Tea and the Book of Joy.
I use a lot of apps, especially in my business. The ones I use the most are Canva, Linq, Photo Editor, Wix, Videoleap and every social media app you can think of.
I don’t listen to many podcasts.
Contact Info:
- Email: cflwitchesball@gmail.com
- Website: www.cflwitchesball.com
- Instagram: @cflwitchesball
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cflwitchesball
- Other: www.teaandtarotemporium.com
Image Credits
Photo of CJ by: Carmen Witches Ball photo by: Tabitha Whidby
