Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Peña.
Hi Carolina, 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?
My official journey to Bellamoon Events began about a year ago, but my real passion for artistic design started when I was a teenager. Born in San Diego and raised in Ramona, I found myself searching for creative outlets to fill my time. In my high school and college years, I stayed busy with hands-on courses in arts, painting, photography and interior design. I also attended beauty school and obtained my Cosmetology License.
Since I can remember, I was the go-to person for planning and decorating for our family parties. This included several Quinceañeras which are major events in our Mexican culture. Not only was I the host, I was the hair and makeup artist for these events. I was responsible for managing the budget, finding vendors, and decorating from beginning to end. I became obsessed with the whole process and just loved seeing my vision come together with a gorgeous end result.
After college and in need of a steady income, I began my 16-year career as a Legal Assistant. These positions provided me with important technical, interpersonal, and structural skills, along with a strong work ethics. I have found these skills to be crucial as an entrepreneur. During this career, my passion for party planning only grew as I continued to decorate for family parties. I was finally able to plan and decorate my own wedding to my high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful supporter of this journey.
Then came the lockdowns of 2020 due to COVID. I suddenly found myself without a job. I tried to remain optimistic and decided I needed to be positive and use this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I used this time to research, learn and practice the art of balloon decorating – I learned some basic techniques and was able to create a large balloon garland for a family Quinceañera – the guests were delighted and impressed! I was hooked and Bellamoon Events was born.
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?
It most certainly has not been a smooth road. Initially, I faced my own fear of doubt, but I also was entering an industry full of extremely talented balloon artists that make balloon decorating look easy. Believe me, it’s not! The pandemic has brought its own challenges – rising prices and the scarcity of latex, along with cancellation and postponement of events. But I trusted the process and my abilities to make beautiful balloon creations and dove in.
In these times, it is important for entrepreneurs like me to stay active on social media pages. Being a one-woman show, at times I have found myself struggling to create content and post on a regular basis. Still, I will stay up late at night to do so because it feels fantastic to share my designs with others and gain new followers and potential future clients. Thankfully, I am blessed with an amazing family, husband and friends that continue to push and motivate me along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I created Bellamoon Events with the desire to make your guests say, “Wow!” We provide gorgeous balloon designs that will captivate everyone that sees them. Balloons are a perfect added embellishment to any celebration – no matter how big or small the event – balloons always take it to the next level.
Bellamoon Events offers all types of balloon designs including arches, columns, bouquets, organic garlands, walls, centerpieces and more. My designs are completely catered and customized to my client’s vision and I always offer differing price ranges to meet everyone’s needs.
I proudly consider myself a perfectionist – I treat every design meticulously and with love as if it were a family event. My goal is to provide clients the best experience from beginning to end, recommend me to their friends and return to me for future events.
I am most proud when I can stand back to admire a finished balloon masterpiece next to an extremely happy and delighted client.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Starting a small business is scary. Finding a mentor that can guide you and give you that much needed confidence boost can help you along the way. You should finding someone that has been in your same industry longer than you and that you can trust to keep you grounded, motivated and focused. It is equally important to take advantage of opportunities to invest in your business. I have found social media groups to be the most beneficial getting started because the members willingly share knowledge at no cost. Small business social media groups can help you connect with other businesses for networking. Attend all the local pop up events, get your name out there, and share what you can on social media.
In my case, I have found many balloon artists with years of experience willing to share their knowledge and mentor the newer generation. I continue to attend courses on new balloon trends and techniques while also connecting and networking with fellow balloon artists and instructors for future collaboration.
Balloons have created so many opportunities for me and I am grateful that I get to work doing something that I am passionate about and that brings me and others so much joy.
I would like to thank SD Voyager for this opportunity and encourage its readers to visit our social media pages. Please support small business like mine by shopping their products, following their pages, liking, sharing and commenting on their posts. That is the fuel that keeps us going.
Contact Info:
- Email: bellamoonevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellamoonevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellamoonevents/
