NOT ON THE RESUME: KENT JACKSON, software engineer: She throws terrific parties —- for kids

Kent Jackson, who tests software as an engineer during the workweek, spends her weekends putting on children’s birthday parties. It started late last year, as she was planning her daughter’s fourth birthday. She was very busy at work and looked online for someone who could do the planning. She only found a couple of sites and both specialized in princess parties—-not her daughter’s thing.

So Kent set about organizing a magic party. Once she got started, she couldn’t stop, creating a stage in her living room with a huge magic wand and oversized cards for decoration. There was a full spread of food and drinks for the parents, as well as the kids. “My daughter loved having it at her house,” the 44-year-old Alpharetta mom said. “It was very special.”

She decided to try organizing other parties as a side business, and Pint-Sized Parties was born. Since January, she has done five parties, including an enchanted fairy princess garden party. She charges a flat rate of $350 and takes care of every detail.

“I love it,” she said. “It is so creative. I have fun coming up with ideas and games and activities for the kids.”