Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kastina Morrison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kastina, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, to me, is about adapting, learning, and finding creative solutions even when the road ahead is unclear. It’s also about recognizing that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. In this industry, where every event is a high-stakes, high-emotion experience, I’ve learned that aiming for a solid B+ consistently is far more sustainable than burning yourself out in the pursuit of an unattainable A+. Owning a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and the key is to keep moving forward.
I’ve built my resilience by navigating challenges that tested my integrity. The hospitality industry is rooted in trust, but I’ve worked in spaces where that trust was broken—where pricing wasn’t transparent, policies favored profits over people, and leadership lacked accountability. That kind of culture never sat right with me, and it solidified my commitment to doing things differently. I refuse to let the reputation of “price gouging” define this industry, and I’ve been intentional in surrounding myself with vendor partners who operate with the same level of honesty and care.
When I face obstacles, I return to intention. Whether it’s deciding how to illuminate a space, managing the flow of guests, or allocating a budget, every decision should serve a purpose. I’m here for thoughtful, well-executed events—not just throwing money at things because they “look cool.” That clarity of purpose keeps me grounded, even in high-pressure situations.
At the end of the day, resilience isn’t about being unshakable—it’s about staying adaptable, keeping your integrity intact, and making decisions that align with your values. That’s how I approach my work, my clients, and the industry as a whole.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My Story & What I Do
I’m Kastina, the owner of Kastina & Co., a wedding and event planning company, and a partner at Bigger Picture Solutions, a venue management and consulting firm. My career has always revolved around bringing people together—whether it’s through a beautifully designed wedding, a corporate event that fosters connection, or helping venue owners create spaces that become a backdrop for unforgettable moments.
After working in some of the most dynamic venues in Minneapolis I took the leap in 2019 to launch Kastina & Co. and later co-founded Bigger Picture Solutions. Today, I split my time between planning and executing high-touch weddings and events, while also helping venue owners refine or launch their spaces with strong operational foundations.
What’s Special About My Work
What excites me most about my work is the balance between creativity and logistics. People often assume event planning is just about making things look beautiful, but in reality, it’s a high-level coordination of people, time, and resources. I thrive in that space between artistic vision and operational precision—where design and experience meet functionality.
Another thing I take pride in is the collaborative nature of this industry. I firmly believe that hospitality isn’t just about serving clients—it’s about taking care of the entire event team. The vendors, the creatives, the behind-the-scenes crew—they are just as important as the guests and deserve to be valued and respected. This mindset has helped me build a strong network of trusted partners who share my standards of integrity and excellence.
With Bigger Picture Solutions, I also get to see events from a different perspective—helping venue owners build or refine their spaces to better serve their clients. That dual role as both an event planner and venue consultant allows me to bridge gaps and create better experiences for everyone involved.
What’s New & What’s Next
Right now, I’m focused on expanding Bigger Picture Solutions to work with even more venue owners who want to elevate their spaces. We’re consulting on some exciting new projects that will be launching soon in the Minneapolis market. I’m also continuing to grow Kastina & Co., taking on weddings and events that align with our approach—intentional, well-executed, and rooted in hospitality.
Beyond that, I’m passionate about raising the bar in the event industry—whether that’s through consulting, advocating for healthier workplace cultures, or fostering more collaboration among planners, vendors, and venue teams. There’s always room for growth, and I want to be part of making that happen.
If you’re planning a wedding, opening a venue, or looking to collaborate in ways that elevate our industry, let’s connect!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Adaptability – Learning to Pivot Without Losing Focus
The event industry is unpredictable—budgets change, clients shift their vision, weather throws surprises, and global pandemics (ahem, 2020) can turn everything upside down. Being adaptable has been essential to my success. I’ve learned that while you can’t control everything, you can control your ability to pivot, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.
Advice: Instead of fearing change, lean into it. Be open to learning from unexpected challenges and trust your ability to adjust. Early in your career, say “yes” to different opportunities—you never know what skill set you’ll develop along the way.
2. Emotional Intelligence – Reading the Room & Leading with Intention
A huge part of what I do isn’t just logistics—it’s understanding people. Whether it’s a nervous couple on their wedding day, a vendor team under pressure, or a venue owner navigating a tough decision, emotional intelligence helps me lead with empathy while staying in control of the situation.
Advice: Pay attention to how people communicate and what’s left unsaid. The more you understand emotions—both your own and others’—the better you’ll be at de-escalating tense moments, anticipating needs, and earning trust. Great hospitality is as much about how people feel as it is about what they see.
3. Strategic Thinking – Balancing Creativity with Logistics
I love beautiful, well-designed events, but I also know that aesthetics mean nothing if the logistics don’t hold up. Whether it’s planning a wedding or designing an event venue, I’m always thinking about both form and function. A great event isn’t just visually stunning—it flows well, makes sense operationally, and creates a seamless guest experience.
Advice: Early in your career, challenge yourself to think two steps ahead. If you’re designing something, ask: “How will this function in real-time?” If you’re planning an event, ask: “What’s my backup plan if something goes wrong?” Being able to see the bigger picture while sweating the small details will set you apart.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We’re looking to collaborate with venue owners, wedding and event vendors, and real estate developers who are ready to take their spaces or services to the next level.
At Bigger Picture Solutions, we specialize in helping historic, industrial, and urban venues refine their operations and maximize their potential. Whether you have an underutilized space and need guidance on how to turn it into a profitable event venue or you’re an existing venue looking to streamline operations, we’d love to travel to you, tour your space, and help you build something extraordinary.
For wedding and event vendors, we’re all about raising the bar in our industry. We believe in collaboration over competition, and we love working with like-minded professionals who are passionate about delivering top-tier experiences for clients. If you’re a planner, photographer, caterer, or creative looking to connect, let’s talk about how we can support each other and grow together.
We’re especially interested in expanding beyond Minnesota—so if you’re reading this from another part of the country and you’re dreaming of launching or improving a venue, let’s make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.biggerpicturesolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggerpicturesolutions_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kastina-morrison/
Image Credits
Janelle Elise Photography
Becca Dilley Photography
Jesse Lo Photography
Russel Heater Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
