Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassondra Holmes
Hi Cassondra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The night sky is a free gift available to everyone, capable of bringing joy, curiosity, and a deep sense of connection, yet it’s something we often overlook as we get caught up in the demands of everyday life. Most of the time, we forget that we are floating on a gigantic sphere in space, surrounded by the infinite wonders of the cosmos. I know I had forgotten—until I joined the LA Astronomical Society and met my business partner, Keith Armstrong. Our mutual curiosity and passion for the universe sparked a journey that not only deepened our appreciation for the night sky but also gave us a shared mission: to remind others of the incredible beauty and mystery that’s right above their heads.
We started by doing sidewalk astronomy on Sunset Blvd, setting up telescopes and inviting anyone who passed by to take a glimpse at Saturn’s majestic rings, the colossal presence of Jupiter, or the ethereal beauty of galaxies and nebulae hidden beyond our naked-eye view. It was an incredible feeling to see people’s faces light up with wonder as they connected with the universe for the first time.
The night sky belongs to everyone. It’s ever-present, yet so many have forgotten it’s even there, hidden behind the distractions of everyday life. I grew up in Alabama, where light pollution is minimal compared to Los Angeles. Moving to LA opened my eyes to just how disconnected people have become from the stars, simply because they can’t see them anymore.
That’s when Keith and I knew we had to go further, and so we founded Stargazer Events. With our high-powered telescopes, we’re able to bring the wonders of the cosmos directly to our guests, helping them see beyond the city lights.
Today, we’ve expanded from Sunset Blvd to working with wineries, country clubs, and resorts across Southern California, from Paso Robles to Palm Springs, sharing the ‘wow’ factor of the night sky and creating opportunities for people to reconnect with the cosmos in ways they never thought possible.
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?
Building a business from the ground up is never a smooth journey, especially when it’s in a niche like astronomy, which is so unique and not always understood. One of the biggest challenges has been cold calling. Hearing ‘no’ after ‘no’ can weigh heavily, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing the mark or not pitching your passion in just the right way. Reaching out to high-end venues like country clubs, wineries, resorts, event planners, and private schools brings its own pressure. These are places where every word matters, and if you don’t captivate them right away, they’re quick to move on. It can be disheartening.
But what kept me going was the confidence in our vision—the joy we knew we could bring to others. I had faith that the right opportunities would come at the right time. I’ve probably heard 200 ‘no’s’ and missed out on countless callbacks, but the few ‘yes’s’ have been more than worth it. Those ‘yes’s’ came from people who truly appreciate the magic we aim to create, and that validation is priceless.
Ultimately, it’s those moments of wonder that make all the challenges worthwhile. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s in navigating those bumps and staying persistent that we’ve been able to grow and reach people who are genuinely excited about what we do.
We’ve been impressed with Stargazer Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Stargazer Events, we specialize in creating unforgettable stargazing experiences by bringing the cosmos directly to you and your guests. We operate as a mobile observatory, meaning we can transform any night into a magical cosmic adventure—whether you’re at a private event, a winery, a country club, or even a beachside resort.
What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly blend modern astronomy with the comfort and ambiance of your chosen venue. Our high-powered telescopes allow you to witness the majesty of Saturn’s rings, the massive beauty of Jupiter, and the ethereal glow of Orion’s Nebula—no matter if you’re under dark skies or within the bright city lights. We believe that everyone, regardless of location, deserves to experience the awe and wonder of the universe.
Our goal is simple: to spark curiosity, joy, and a sense of wonder in every person who looks through our telescopes. Whether you’re hosting a grand event or an intimate gathering, we provide a unique, interactive experience that creates memories lasting long after the stars fade from view.
What we’re most proud of as a brand is our ability to make the stars accessible to all—by adapting to the environment of your event, we ensure that your guests experience the cosmos in a way they never expected.
So, if you’re ready to escape the everyday and explore the wonders of the universe with us, Stargazer Events is here to turn your night sky into an unforgettable adventure!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a lower middle-class family in Mobile, Alabama, I was taught from a young age that respect knows no hierarchy. Whether it was the janitor or the CEO, I was taught to treat everyone with kindness and equality—and that’s exactly what I did. I made friends with everyone, from my teachers and classmates to the janitors at school and in our apartment complex. I’ve always been a people person, with a deep love for connecting with others. I was the sweet, kind, and charismatic kid who just wanted to bring happiness to the people around me.
While I always had a quiet curiosity about the night sky, it wasn’t something I actively pursued until just last year when I joined the LA Astronomical Society. That’s when everything clicked. I discovered not just a passion, but a purpose—to inspire others by sharing the magic of the cosmos. Now, I live for those moments when someone looks through a telescope for the very first time and experiences that jaw-dropping sense of awe, whether it’s Saturn’s rings or the craters on the moon. Those moments of wonder are what drive me, and they’re the reason I do what I do today
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stargazereventsla.com
- Instagram: @stargazereventsla
Image Credits
Stephanie Holmes
