Today we’d like to introduce you to Frederick Blanding
Hi Frederick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After serving 23 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a Senior Chief in 2012, I thought I’d seen it all—discipline, leadership, and responsibility. But when I moved to San Diego in 2015 and took on the role of operations manager at a power plant, I realized I was still searching for something more fulfilling. Fast forward to February 2024, when I decided to leave my corporate job after nearly a decade and finally chase a dream that had been growing in my mind for years.
The inspiration? It all started with a visit to New York City, where my cousin and his wife run a fantastic business called Ritzy Glitzy. I watched how their company brought joy and sparkle to kids’ parties, and the idea hit me like lightning. I thought, “What if I could bring that same magic back to the West Coast—but in a way that’s even more exciting, even more memorable?
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Little Stars was far from a smooth road. I knew from the beginning that bringing this dream to life would take more than just a vision—it would take perseverance, grit, and an unshakeable belief in what I wanted to create. But what I didn’t anticipate were the many hurdles that would test me every step of the way.
First, there was the challenge of finding the right people who could see my vision. I needed a team that understood I wasn’t just building a party bus; I was creating an unforgettable experience for young girls. The search for the right bus was another mountain to climb. Finding one that met our needs, both structurally and aesthetically, wasn’t easy. And once we finally found the bus, we faced the daunting task of building it from the inside out to make it everything I’d imagined—safe, fun, and magical.
But even once we had the bus, it wasn’t perfect. In the early days, there were breakdowns—literally. I’ll never forget the moment when, on the way to one of our very first parties, the bus broke down. I was gutted. How do you tell a parent that the party they’ve planned for weeks won’t go off as expected because your bus is stuck on the side of the road? Those were hard conversations, but I knew we had to make it right. We gave those families more than we had promised, doing whatever it took to turn a potential disaster into a day they’d still remember with smiles.
And then there were the financial challenges. As a startup, money was always tight. After each breakdown, I found myself scrambling to find the funds to get the bus repaired and ready for the next weekend’s party. The stress was constant. Every time the bus needed fixing, it meant more sleepless nights and the pressure of knowing I couldn’t let another family down.
But we didn’t stop there. We learned. We adapted. We listened to what the customers truly wanted and adjusted the experience to exceed their expectations. We realized that to grow, we needed to save and invest in a second bus to cover more areas and serve more families.
Today, we’re moving forward. The struggles we faced helped shape us, and after overcoming those early obstacles, the company is starting to run smoothly. We’re now saving for our second bus, and with each passing day, Little Stars is growing into the dream I always knew it could be.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Just contact us for Collabs.
Pricing:
- Star Package $699
- VIP Package $1299
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littlestarsparty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilstarsparties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilstarsparties
