Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Villalobos.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Lilah & Co. started very organically at home. I began by creating balloon garlands for my kids’ birthdays, which slowly turned into designing for friends and family as more people started asking for help with their celebrations. At one point I even invested in a bounce house, thinking that would be the direction of the business, but over time it naturally evolved into creating custom backdrops and signage for events. I run Lilah & Co. independently from home, and every piece is hands-on and personal to me. What started as small party details has grown into a creative business focused on meaningful, customized designs, and at the heart of it all is simply my love for creating and bringing ideas to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been anything but a smooth road, and honestly, I think that’s what has shaped me the most as a business owner. I started Lilah & Co. without a roadmap and had to learn every part of running a business from the ground up. I truly do everything myself, from designing client mockups and building proposals to contracts, invoicing, and all of the behind-the-scenes work. I’m also very hands-on in the creative process, which means I’m building, painting, cutting, sawing, and bringing many of the physical pieces to life myself. There were a lot of learning curves, long nights, and moments where I had to figure things out through trial and error.
I originally launched in 2024, but life had other plans. Just a couple of months after starting, I found out I was pregnant with my third baby and experienced intense morning sickness that forced me to step back for a while. After welcoming my daughter, I took additional time to focus on healing and being present with my family. While it slowed my momentum at the time, it also gave me clarity and a stronger sense of purpose.
I’d say the real “full-throttle” chapter began in mid-2025, and since then things have grown quickly. It’s been busy, exciting, and incredibly rewarding, but definitely earned through self-taught growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create custom signage, escort walls, draped backdrops, and personalized design pieces for weddings and special events. My focus is always on thoughtful details, textures, materials, and designs that feel elevated but still personal to each client.
I’m involved in every part of the process, from the first mockup to the final setup. I design, paint, prep, and bring many of the pieces together myself, and for larger builds I collaborate with a woodworker who helps execute my vision. One thing that really sets my work apart is the level of connection I have with my clients, I personally answer every call, text, DM, and email because I want us to always feel aligned and supported throughout the entire experience.
What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up that reflects both my creativity and my work ethic. I started Lilah & Co. from home, teaching myself every step along the way, and watching it grow into something people trust with such meaningful moments has been incredibly rewarding. I think what sets me apart is that balance between design and authenticity, my work isn’t about trends or mass production, it’s about creating pieces that feel intentional, personal, and true to each story.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I definitely didn’t build this alone. My biggest supporters have been my family, especially my husband, who has encouraged me to keep going even during the messy learning phases of starting a business. Being a mom of three while building something from the ground up isn’t always easy (in fact, it’s freaking hard) and having that support system has meant everything. It truly takes a village, and I wouldn’t be where I am without my sisters, my mom, and my mother-in-law. They’re like second mothers to my kids, and knowing I can count on them has allowed me to keep showing up for both my family and my business. To all the moms out there trying to build something of their own, it really is possible!
I’ve also been incredibly lucky to connect with other women and creatives in the San Diego event community who have shared advice, opportunities, and encouragement along the way. Fellow vendors, photographers, coordinators, and industry friends have played a huge role in helping me grow and believe in my work.
My clients deserve so much credit too. Many of them trusted me early on, gave me creative freedom, and recommended me to others, which helped Lilah & Co. grow organically. Behind the scenes, I also collaborate with a talented woodworker who helps bring my larger builds to life. Every person who has believed in my vision, referred my name, or cheered me on has been part of this journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for that community.
Pricing:
- It’s all custom pricing 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lilah.andco
Image Credits
Aubrey Rose Photography
Adriana Michele Photography
Salome Palomino Photography
