We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie Katz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business, Outdoor Movies by You, has been a test to myself, a way to prove that I am meant to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always had my own businesses, but in 2010, I decided to challenge myself in a different way.

I took a a break from being my own boss and accepted a position as Member Service Director at a Country Club, planning in-house social events to engage members and boost retention. But here’s where the real test came in—could I be an employee?

The experience was incredible, but I quickly realized I wasn’t wired for the corporate world. The pushback from coworkers showed me that my energy, creativity, and drive were just too much for a structured employee role. That was my test, and honestly, I didn’t pass.

However, the last event I planned there changed everything. It was a Dive-In Movie Night, I hired a company to set up an inflatable screen by the pool. We added floating rafts, poolside BBQ, and fresh popcorn. It was one of the most successful events the club had ever seen.
That night, I came home, looked at my husband, and said, “I’m quitting my job and going back into business for myself.”
He asked, “Doing what?” and without hesitation, I said, “I’m starting an Outdoor Movie Business!”
His response? “A what?!”

And that’s how Outdoor Movies by You was born.

Just five months later, I lost my Mom! The hardest day of my life. She was the reason I fell in love with social event planning. She did it for fun and was absolutely amazing at it. Her passion became mine, and this industry has stuck with me ever since. Not just as a business, but as something I truly love and excel at.

This isn’t just a Job!. It’s my calling

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Outdoor Movies by You was born from my passion for bringing people together through unforgettable experiences. My career in hospitality and event planning spans over 30 years, and I’ve always loved crafting moments that leave lasting impressions. But in 2010, I discovered something truly special, a way to merge my love for events with a unique entertainment concept.

It all started when I planned a Dive-In Movie Night at a country club where I worked as Member Service Director. We set up an inflatable screen by the pool, threw in some rafts, served BBQ and popcorn, and watched as families enjoyed a night under the stars. That event was one of the club’s most successful ever, and it sparked an idea.

That night, I came home and told my husband, “I’m quitting my job and starting an outdoor movie business!” His reaction? “A what? But I knew this concept had the potential to bring joy, connection, and magic to people’s lives.

What Sets Outdoor Movies by You Apart?
I always say “OMBY Events isn’t just a rental company” “We are an Outdoor Movie EVENT Company”
OMBY Events is not just setting up a screen and pressing play we’re creating an experience.
What makes Outdoor Movies by You (aka OMBY Events) different?
Personalized Service – Every event is tailored to fit our client’s vision.
More Than Just a Movie – We help clients add special touches like Inflatable Chairs. OMBY Movie Munchies, Blankets and we have just added Custom T-Shirts and Sweatshirts too
We are a 1 Stop Shop for all your Outdoor Movie Event Needs to make it a Magical Experience!

Like any entrepreneurial journey, its not easy. There are challenges building a brand, learning the technical side of outdoor movie setups, and standing out! When we started in 2010 there was a 99% rate of closing the deal booking the event on the first call. But after the pandemic hit is has been a bit more challenging. The first 3 years 2020-2023 were the busiest years we have ever seen! I overcame them with resilience, adaptability, and a deep belief in what I was creating.

I’ve learned that success isn’t just about having a great idea it’s about putting in the endless hours of work, staying passionate, and never settling for “good enough.” Every event we produced by OMBY is a chance to deliver joy, bring people together, and create a little bit of magic under the night sky.

What I Want the World to Know
Outdoor Movies by You is more than a business; it’s a labor of love. We’re here to turn Backyards, Schools or anywhere you choose to have gatherings, and celebrations into something extraordinary. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a movie night it’s a memory in the making

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My Best friend comes to visit!

Well living in California most of my life the Beach is beyond my favorite place. However the devastation this year has been horrific. So lets pretend that we rolled back time.

Day 1. We would spend the day t Paradise Cove, Malibu. Breakfast then stay at the Beach for the day.

Day 2. Drive up to Santa Barbara. Walk around State Street, Then drive to Solvang, Stay over night at the
Hadsten House. Have Breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House. Go Wine tasting at Saarloos & Sons for Wine and Cupcake Tasting. Visit Chumash Casino, Have dinner at Willows

Day 3 Go to the Farmers Market and the Grove.

Day 4 Go see the Hollywood Sign and a Taping of a tv show so they can feel like they are part of that “Celebrity Life”
Ok thats enough!! The rest of the time is staying home and just relaxing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to the 3 most important people that have been there for me!
My husband, aka Prince Charming, Mitch, and my two daughters, Blair and Brynn.

My first marriage in 1990 felt like the beginning of a fairytale, but by 2000, that fairytale had ended like a Nightmare!. While it was far from a happily-ever-after, it gave me two of the greatest gifts, my daughters. It also taught me one of the most valuable lessons: what I would never accept in my life again and what I would teach my daughters to never accept the same!!

Then in 2005, Mitch came into my life and changed everything. I had no intention of ever getting married again I didn’t believe in unconditional love. But Mitch showed me what true love really is. Now, almost 20 years later, I know I made the right choice.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without Mitch, Blair, and Brynn. They are my strength, my joy, and my biggest cheerleaders

Website: https://www.OutdoorMoviesbyYou.com

Instagram: @OutdoorMoviesbyYou

Facebook: Outdoor Movies by You


Image Credits
We took them all and have written in our contracts any and all pictures taken will be the property of ours.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.