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From the basketball court to beautifully curated events, Chynna Miley has always known how to captivate a crowd. The Atlanta-based event planner and founder of ‘Events by CCM’ has built a standout name for herself in the competitive world of eventplanning, one sentimental moment at a time.

Chynna’s journey into event planning began during her college years at the University of Oregon, where she attended on a full-ride basketball scholarship. Though her heart was set on majoring in communications and journalism, the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete led her to pursue a degree in education instead. Yet, it was during her time being in a student organization that she was given the opportunity to coordinate events, an experience that would ignite her passion for curating meaningful experiences.

“I fell in love with putting on events in college,” she recalls. “That hands-on experience showed me how powerful it is to bring people together and create something memorable.”

After graduating, Chynna officially began taking professional event planning seriously when she organized her very first event, her cousin’s Sweet 16 party. The success of that event became the spark that officially launched ‘Events by CCM’, her event planning brand that has since become a staple in Atlanta’s social scene.

While the event planning world can often be fast-paced and high-pressure, Chynna’s calm creativity and personal touch setsher apart. Specializing in social events like baby showers, bridal showers, and birthday celebrations, Chynna prides herself on adding emotional detail to every setup, often incorporating personalized photos and mementos that resonate with her clients.

“It’s about the sentimental touches,” she says. “I want every event I do to feel like it was truly made for that person, not just something pretty.”

 

Though she’s fully capable of handling larger events, weddings are something she approaches with caution due to the intensity of extreme planning and the size of her team. “Weddings are beautiful, but they’re very different. I like the intimacy and emotional connection that comes with more personal gatherings.”

 

In a city like Atlanta, where creatives and entrepreneurs are thriving, standing out can sometimes be a challenge. Chynna’s strategy is simple but consistent: show up. From regular posts on social media to maintaining a cohesive and eye-catching brand, she makes sure her work stays front and center.

“Social media is huge for my business. You have to market yourself constantly. I always make sure my content reflects the quality I bring to events,” she explains.

Her drive and attention to detail have led her to work with a wide range of clients, from families planning their first baby shower to celebrities with national recognition. Two of her most memorable events include a private celebration at the Four Seasons for NBA player Dejounte Murray and his girlfriend, and a Father’s Day event for comedian DC Young Fly, following the tragic loss of his partner in 2024, a moment that deeply touched Chynna.

“I treat all my clients with the same love and care, no matter their status. But those two events in particular stayed with me emotionally and touched my heart,” she says.

While social media often shows the polished final product, Chynna is quick to remind people that event planning is far from easy.

“People see the beautiful outcome, but they don’t always see the behind-the-scenes chaos such as vendors falling through or deliveries running late. As the planner, you’re the one who mustpull everything together no matter what because your name is on it.”

Despite the challenges, she remains committed and inspired. Recently attending the BET Awards and planning to head to Essence Fest, Chynna uses large-scale productions as learning tools. “These events are just like what I do, just on a biggerscale. I go to learn and stay motivated. There’s always something new to take in.”

For those hoping to get into this industry, Chynna emphasizes the importance of organization, patience, creativity, and the ability to adapt quickly. She also credits her Google MarketingCertificate for helping her market and grow her business in a smart, strategic way.

“Find inspiration everywhere,” she encourages. “You never know what will spark your next idea.”

If given the opportunity to plan her dream event, Chynna envisions something elegant and timeless, a white and gold theme reminiscent of the “Paris in the Springtime” scene from Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion. Her dream collaborators? None other than Tyler Perry and 50 Cent.

With heart, hustle, and an eye for detail, Chynna Miley continues to prove that event planning is more than just décor, it’s about telling a story, creating emotion, and leaving a lasting impression. And she’s just getting started!

Follow her on social media platforms @eventsbyccm