What has having your own business meant to your family?
Having my own business has allowed me the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, which has been a dream come true! From the moment my son was born I knew something had to change and fast! I spent most of my maternity leave dreading going back to work to my full-time job. I realized that after wanting to become a mom my entire life someone else was now raising my child and it was killing me inside.
Owning Party Poppers has allowed me to be there for him the way I felt like I needed to be while still providing the extra income our family needs. Owning my own business allows me to pursue my dreams and passion for bringing joy in so many people’s lives. There’s nothing better than seeing a child’s face light up when they walk in and see their birthday party or watch the tears of joy flow down a mother’s cheek when she finds out the gender of her baby for the first time.
Don’t get me wrong owning a party planning business is hard work and I definitely put in some long days to get the job done. There are deadlines and budgets that my customers are counting on me to keep up with and it’s a big responsibility. With that being said it gives me peace of mind knowing that when the need arises, I have the ability to put my family first.
If you had to choose one strength that you possess that has helped you be the most successful- what would it be and why?
The ability to be bold enough to take the road less traveled. When I first started thinking about opening a party planning business, I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of different people. All of them automatically assumed I was going to plan weddings, because, well, that’s what everyone else was doing and that’s where all the money is. I realized that if I was going to stand out and make a difference, I needed to do two big things. One was stay true to myself and the second was take the road less traveled. While I knew I could do wedding planning and design I also knew that wasn’t where my heart was. I am a party planning, Pinterest loving, crafty mom. I had to set myself and my business apart from the rest. One of the best ways I think I do that is by offering full event support to my customers. That means from setup to clean up I am there. If the chicken mini’s and lemonade need to be refilled, I am that girl. I want to make sure my customers “Don’t miss a single moment” of the parties or events they’re hosting.
What are you passionate about?
My passion is in serving others. Whether it be one of my customers or the clerk at the grocery store I am always trying to find a way to help bring joy to people’s lives. When I make a point to serve others, whether it something as simple as a kind word or surprising them with lunch I know in my heart that I am making a difference in this world.
What piece of advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your business again today?
Don’t let other people’s criticism define your success! You are going to meet and talk with a lot of people who are going to tell you that you are crazy and that your business is going to fail. And maybe it will but then again may it won’t. One thing is for sure, if you don’t take that first step, you’ll never know, will you? I knew in my heart and soul that I was meant to open an event planning business, that was all the assurance I needed!
In what ways can your business help another mom?
I want the other moms to look at my business and be inspired to take that step to chase their own dreams. Whether it’s in event planning or something else know that you don’t have to be stuck under the thumb working a 9 to 5 corporate job. With a lot of hard work and commitment you can make your dreams a reality and they are far beyond what you could have ever imagined. I also think it’s important for moms to know that you are not alone in this. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other moms who are business owners for help even if it’s in your same line of work. As moms, we need to encourage and support each other through the murky waters of motherhood and entrepreneurship! You might be great at digital marketing while I may be great at knowing how to provide excellent customer service. If we can connect with each other, we can help support each other instead of just struggling alone hoping it’s going to get better.
Who or what inspired you to start your business?
I will never forget my son’s first birthday party. My husband and I decided on a dump truck theme. I had spent about three months planning the party, making decorations, ordering the cake, etc. Looking back on it now, I don’t remember hardly anything about the party because I was busy running around refilling the food, cleaning up spills, etc. I think I got maybe 3 pictures of me and my son that day. After looking back on it a few days later I was so irritated because this was not at all how I pictured spending that day. It was that day that gave me the push to open my own party planning business.
What has been your favorite local resource to support you in your business?
Hands down, Macaroni Kid Roanoke has been my greatest supporter of my business. When I got the call from them asking if I would partner with them on an party, I was ecstatic! They have allowed me to have access to hundreds of clients I would have never been able to reach on my own.
Learn more about The Party Poppers
Connect with Lena on Facebook and follow her blog Wright for God
