Our Team
Our Story
Before there was a brand, there was a block.
More than 35 years ago, on 9th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, two girls met and built a friendship rooted in laughter, creativity, and an unspoken understanding that life’s moments—big or small—deserve to be celebrated.
That friendship became the foundation of On the 9 Events & Experiences.
Alicia Gaskin’s path led her into communications and the performing arts, where she developed a natural eye for expression, storytelling, and detail. Jamie Ricks built her career across organizational operations, mental health, and wellness—spaces that require intention, care, and a deep understanding of people.
Different journeys. Complementary strengths. One shared passion.
What began as planning gatherings for family and friends—birthday parties filled with thoughtful touches, celebrations that felt effortless yet unforgettable—quickly became something more. People didn’t just attend their events… they felt them.
They remembered them.
They talked about them long after they were over.
That’s when Alicia and Jamie realized they weren’t just planning events—they were creating experiences.
On the 9 was born from that realization. Named in honor of where it all began, it is more than a brand—it’s a reflection of legacy, friendship, and intention.
Here, every detail matters. Every moment is curated with purpose. Every experience is designed to feel both elevated and deeply personal.
From intimate gatherings to professional events, On the 9 helps creativity, connection, and community come together—where stories are told and milestones are honored.
Because for us, it’s never just an event.
It’s a feeling.
It’s a moment.
It’s more than just an event.
Alicia “Missy” Gaskin
Alicia infuses her work with a genuine love for the arts. Drawing from her extensive career in Project Management who specializes in interior finishing, she brings creativity, organization, and a keen eye for detail to every experience she helps create. Her communications expertise, combined with her remarkable talent for making others feel seen, heard, and understood, are among the many strengths she contributes to the On the 9 team. Alicia's ability to blend thoughtful design, strategic planning, and meaningful connection ensures that every event is both beautifully executed and memorable for all who attend.
Jamie Ricks
Jamie is a certified event planner who thrives in the world of logistics. Her unwavering attention to structure, organization, and operations makes her a powerful pillar of the On the 9 team. With a talent for turning vision into reality, she masterfully manages timelines, coordinates vendors, oversees event execution, and ensures every detail is aligned from start to finish. Jamie's strategic mindset, calm leadership, and commitment to excellence allow her to anticipate needs before they arise and create seamless, stress-free experiences for clients and guests alike. Her passion for planning, combined with her ability to keep every moving part on track, makes her an invaluable force behind the unforgettable experiences On the 9 is known for creating.