Rising Stars: Meet Lea (Shadi) Lembi Mostamari of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea (Shadi) Lembi Mostamari.

Hi Lea (Shadi), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Lea. I’m a mix of French and Persian heritage and have been calling the USA home for the past 8 years. Ever since I was little, I’ve had a passion for everything creative and for organizing events. I was always the go-to party planner for my family and friends.

When I first arrived in the States, I settled in San Francisco and worked for companies to organize their business events. After a while, I moved to sunny San Diego, and that’s where my real adventure in planning all sorts of parties kicked off.

In October 2023, I launched Create with Shadi. “Shadi” is my second name, which means joy in Farsi, perfectly capturing the essence of what I strive to bring to every event. Since then, I’ve organized children’s birthday parties, bat mitzvahs, and graduation parties, adding a touch of joy and celebration to each occasion.

I organize events from start to finish to ensure my clients have a stress-free experience and a reliable person to lean on for their special moments. With my keen creative eye, I also consider myself a decor designer. I handle the entire visual aspect of the event—from the concept, layout, and decoration choices to theme development, mood boards, creative presentations, and the creation of all visual elements.

I’m also Freelancing in Graphic design (specialized in Canva)

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 my party planning business, “Create with Shadi”, and freelancing in graphic design since last October has been an exciting journey, but not without its bumps.

Some of the struggles included:

Finding Clients: Building a client base took time and effort.
Juggling Roles: Balancing event planning and graphic design was demanding.
Managing Finances: Handling expenses and setting prices was a learning curve.
Keeping Up with Trends: Staying updated required continuous learning.
Building a Brand: Establishing my brand identity took strategic planning.

Despite these challenges, seeing a successful event or a happy client makes it all worthwhile!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I run “Create with Shadi”, a party planning business in San Diego, and also freelance in graphic design, specializing in Canva. Here’s a bit more about what I do:

-> Event Planning and Decor Design: I organize events from start to finish, ensuring a stress-free experience for my clients. I handle everything, from vendor research and contract negotiation to concept development and theme creation and more. As a decor designer, I also focus on the visual aspects, transforming spaces into beautifully themed environments.

-> Graphic Design: I create stunning designs on Canva, catering to various needs, from event invitations, to marketing materials. My designs are known for their creativity and attention to detail.

One of my favorite memories was organizing an “Everything Pink” Bat Mitzvah for twin sisters. When they walked into the room, their faces lit up with pure amazement and joy—it was priceless! Seeing their excitement was incredibly rewarding. What made it even better was how happy and relieved their mom was. She had expected stress but got a day filled with fun and heartfelt emotions instead. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do—creating unforgettable experiences that bring smiles and happiness to others.

What sets me apart is my love for creativity and my commitment to clear, friendly communication. I thrive on bringing fresh, imaginative ideas to every event, making each one uniquely memorable. I’m always here for my clients, ready to listen and bring their visions to life with enthusiasm and care. By being accessible and attentive, I build strong relationships and ensure every detail is perfect. My goal is to create experiences that not only meet but exceed expectations, leaving a lasting impression of joy and celebration.

Overall, I strive to create joyful and memorable experiences, whether it’s through a beautifully organized event or a striking design!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I’m deeply passionate about mental health issues. I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts and educating myself on various aspects of mental well-being. If I had pursued another path in life, I would likely have chosen to become a therapist or studied mental health in depth. Understanding human emotions and supporting others through their challenges is something that truly resonates with me on a personal and professional level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createwithshadi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-mostamari/

Image Credits
Pink event pics – Katherine Elaine Photography