From Backstage Beauty to Experiential Powerhouse: How City Lights Became a Leader in Brand Activations

When most people hear “City Lights Beauty,” they picture flawless makeup, on-location glam teams, and red-carpet confidence. That’s true—but it’s only part of our story. What started as a luxury beauty agency trusted by celebrities, brides, and TV productions has evolved into something bigger: a full experiential agency delivering high-impact brand activations and unforgettable corporate events.

The Shift From Services to Experiences

For years, I lived in the fast-paced world of backstage beauty—running elite teams across Chicago and Florida, perfecting looks under bright lights, and ensuring clients were camera-ready at every moment. But I noticed something deeper: brands and corporations weren’t just hiring us for makeup—they were hiring us for the experience.

The conversations weren’t only about foundation shades or updos. They were about how to make a conference memorable, how to engage employees beyond another PowerPoint presentation, and how to give attendees something to talk about long after the event was over.

That realization sparked a shift. If we could deliver flawless glam in high-pressure environments, why couldn’t we also deliver immersive, branded experiences designed to capture attention and build lasting connections? We already had the little black book that started way back in 2006. It was obvious - this was fate & evolution wrapped up with a pretty gold bow.

Building Experiential Events That Resonate

Today, City Lights Beauty + Experiential Agency curates and hosts a wide variety of offerings for Fortune 500 clients, luxury brands, and corporate event planners who are ready to elevate beyond the ordinary.

Some of our most requested activations include:

• Branded Glam Stations that merge beauty and branding in one seamless experience.

• Brain Coaching & Keynotes (PQ Method) that unlock team potential by addressing self-sabotage and leadership growth.

• Retreat Experiences designed for connection, reflection, and transformation.

• Content Creation Pods where brands and teams walk away with high-quality media, ready to share instantly.

• Luxury Pet Sitting & Wellness Activations that surprise and delight employees and guests.

• Luxe Face Painting & SFX Installations that blur the line between art, entertainment, and branding.

Every activation is designed with the same philosophy: blend creativity, psychology, and strategy to create impact.

Why Experiential Matters Now

In a world saturated with digital marketing and virtual noise, experiential events stand out as the ultimate differentiator. They don’t just reach your audience—they involve them. They don’t just deliver content—they create stories.

And stories are what people remember, share, and connect with emotionally.

That’s why upscale event planners, corporate leaders, and global brands like Gucci are investing in experiences that go beyond décor and logistics. They want moments that spark conversation, build loyalty, and feel unforgettable.

Our Next Chapter

Looking back, I realize this evolution was natural. From the beginning, my mission was never just about makeup—it was about transformation. First for individuals in the chair, and now for brands, teams, and audiences who crave deeper, more meaningful connections.

If your company, conference, or brand activation is ready to captivate, engage, and inspire, let’s connect. At City Lights Beauty + Experiential Agency, we don’t just host events—we design experiences that live far beyond the moment.

Planning your own event? Let's schedule a call! Contact me.