Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Filippi.
Hi Candice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started off in an entirely different path then where I currently landed. I started my early career in the restaurant industry. For over 15 years, I worked almost every position I could. I have always enjoyed learning as many aspects of a job or personal interest. So I worked front-of-the-house (serving, bartending, cocktail waitressing, managing, training) and back-of-the-house (pastry chef, line cook, bookkeeping, and expediting). From casual to fine dining. I enjoy people and the social aspect of restaurant work and I have always thrived in fast-paced, oftentimes stressful environments.
Cooking quickly became a real passion of mine and still is today, so in 2005 I graduated with Honors from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA, with a degree in Culinary Arts. Soon after, I started a catering business in Los Angeles, met my husband and we had a beautiful baby girl. I worked on growing my business for six wonderful years and had an absolute blast. In 2013, we decided to move south to the small, beachy surf town of Encinitas while I was a few months away from expecting our 2nd child. I made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to my catering business because of the distance and complication of relocating and rebuilding it while being a mom of two in a new city.
I went from working girl to stay-at-home mom and it was the hardest (yet most rewarding) job I’ve ever had. During that time with my two beautiful girls, I learned so much about myself. That my creativity went beyond the kitchen. I loved painting, crafting, and designing. I have always enjoyed throwing parties. My love for hosting events really intensified when I had children. I threw very detail-oriented birthday parties. As we made more friends in Encinitas, my parties grew and grew. The elaborate nature of them grew and grew. I would craft large pieces of decor or design custom banners, cake toppers and signage. I am definitely known as “the Party Girl” amongst friends and family. I knew somewhere in my next chapter, it would include event & parties. Currently, I am running my own party box company and I am fulfilled, happy and passionate about what I do. I feel that I am at the beginning of a new chapter. I love where I live, I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends. Overall, this little slice of life I’ve carved out for myself is pretty darn good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever perfectly smooth, right? My grandfather passed away in front of me tragically right after my husband and I lost our first child. A few years later, deciding to close my catering business which was heartbreaking for me because it was becoming a successful operation in Los Angeles & Hollywood. But I knew it wasn’t realistic when I moved and had a second child on the way.
And I don’t care what anyone says… being a stay-at-home mom is honestly the most difficult job. I find it much easier to lead a company and staff than a toddler and a newborn haha. Once my kids started attending elementary school, I quickly over-committed myself to their school. I wasn’t working and like I mentioned before, I have a BIG creative outlet to fill… so I became in charge of running many of the fundraisers and events for our non-profit organization. I have no regrets though, I made some pretty wonderful friendships through that time.
Of course, the pandemic has been a challenge on almost all of us. As a parent, the schooling has been challenging and hard on my daughters. But we overcome and prevail. We move on and forward. I find a silver lining in every obstacle of my life. It has shown me a new and many time wonderful path. Each new chapter is exciting and an opportunity. It helps define who I am the future decisions I make. I’m wiser and a better person from it all.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run Oh My! Creative LLC. It is a Party-in-a-Box concept that was started with my good friend, Kirsty. Working in events herself, we started this journey together during the summer of the Covid pandemic. I loved the idea of inspiring people to enjoy entertaining at home more. It’s truly a lost art. It doesn’t have to be so stressful and overwhelming. I use my expertise to design, source, order and package almost everything you’d need to host a beautiful themed party. Kirsty was a wonderful partner that helped get the business up & running in record time. Now, I am running the company solo and extremely passionate about what I do each day.
I love how our boxes can truly give people chance to experience the type of parties I’ve always loved to throw in my personal life. I try to set my company apart by giving free party tips, tricks, hanging materials, expert support, and set-up advice tailored to their theme. I am determined to go beyond just a standard party goods company. Parties create happiness, great memories and moments I cherish. This is what I feel I’m now meant to do at this chapter of my life. Spread love & parties.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have many favorite childhood memories. A top one is probably a tie between summer with my dad and his fiance taking our boat out to the lake in NV or AZ. Going water skiing and tubing. And Christmas baking/traditions with my mom.
Contact Info:
- Email: partyteam@ohmycreativeparty.com
- Website: www.OhMyCreativeParty.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ohmycreativeparty
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/omcparty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1povuRThBfVKNbAqCdvoBg
- Other: www.pinterest.com/ohmycreativeparty
