Mynisha Crenshaw left a career in banking to pursue one as an event planner and went on to open her own venue, The Event Groupie, in North Port’s Bobcat Village. However, the building was sold, giving her a chance to seek a new space to accommodate larger events.

Mynisha Crenshaw

The Event Groupie moved to a 3,000-square-foot building at 483 Collingswood Blvd. in Port Charlotte with room for up to 130 people. It features a modern, luxury look with marble wall panels, custom woodwork and chandeliers.

It opened March 5, and Crenshaw, who runs the business by herself, has been busy ever since. She’s already booked a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, weddings, birthday parties and a gathering for event planners and photographers.

“It’s just me, and it takes all of my time,” Crenshaw said. “But it is my passion.”

The Event Groupie offers three options for clients.

The Book the Look package provides an all-day rental with the venue providing the decor and linens. There also is an all-day rental where the coordinator just pays for use of the facility. Hourly rentals are available, as well.

Clients must provide their own caterer, bartenders, food and beverage, with Crenshaw providing referrals upon request.

Although there is no stage, businesses have rented rises for live music and DJs.

After graduation from Port Charlotte High School, Crenshaw worked at Chase Bank and Fifth Third Bank. After her son was born 11 years ago, she pursued her passion. She found she had a talent for coordinating the many details that go into event and wedding planning.

Most of her business has come through word of mouth. Having lived in Charlotte County most of her life, Crenshaw knows many people who recommended her facility to others.

“I met some pretty incredible people this past year,” she said.

One of the advantages of using her Book the Look service is that whatever the occasion — wedding, bridal shower, anniversary, birthday, retirement party, baby shower or corporate gathering — Crenshaw customizes the decor down to the color of linens and table decorations.

It is a “one-stop shop making the process of hosting an event or party easy,” Crenshaw said.

The born-to-be event planner and business owner begins with a clean palate and fills in the space with the appropriate decorations, arrangements and even props for theme parties.

Since the Book the Look package is customized, Crenshaw consults with the client to determine the price of the event. Prices vary depending on the time and day of the week.