Contestant's Case to Win

Crista Tharp is 35 years old and lives in Kokomo, Indiana, with her incredibly handsome husband, Chad. Married for 12 years, they have 8 spunky children all under 12 years of age.

Crista started Treasures of the Heart, a customized gift basket service, in February of 2000 in her home as an outgrowth of her family traditions of unique, creative gift giving. She concluded her first year of business with 123 clients and a MASSIVE amount of start up debt.

Two years later, after an incredible business growth spurt, Crista was forced into moving Treasures of the Heart from their home (to her husband’s great relief), to a 3500- square-foot design studio. She had gone from being an “At-Home-Mom” to having “At-Work-Kids,” ensuring that there was space at the studio for her children to play and drive her nuts.

In 2003, the business was growing faster than the kids. Crista expanded the business yet again by adding her true passion - Event Planning. This included Corporate Meeting Planning, Advertising Specialties, and Wedding Planning. Tharp & Associates, Inc. was born, and Treasures of the Heart was purchased by the new corporation. However this didn’t last long. After adding the Event planning and 2 more children, in 2005 Crista made the decision to sell Treasures of the Heart and focus solely on the Event Planning which was growing at a rapid rate.

Tharp & Associates Event Planning is now considered the premier Event Planning firm in the area, catering to large corporations, government officials and engaged couples from around the state. The success of Tharp & Associates has allowed Crista the honor of speaking at several workshops and conferences on topics such as entrepreneurialism, managing family and business, women in the workforce, and her creative method of event planning.

Just this past year, she has become the proud Mom to two new babies: Ava-Elisabeth and her first book, The Ultimate Bridal Survivor ™ Wedding Guide, which was chosen to be the official wedding guide for www.WedPlan101.com. Crista enjoys sharing the lessons that she has learned with other women in hopes that it will inspire them to follow their own passions in life.

You ask "Why I should be considered as a winner" and I answer by being a bit cliche'. I already feel like one because I get to wake up each day & do what I love while being supported by my crazy but loving family. Some women don't realize they can have it all; I enjoy showing them that they can - its as simple as making the choice to do so.