Pocket Full of Parties- Mompreneur Ladybug Spotlight of the Month

We will be featuring moms who are business owners for our new series Mompreneur Ladybug Spotlight of the Month. This month Little Ladybug Designs spots Andrea from Pocket Full of Parties as Mompreneur Ladybug Spotlight of the Month. I am so excited to feature Andrea. We met through social networking and she has been a big supporter of my business and is a good friend! I have enjoyed getting to know her and her business. She is very talented!

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a 32-year-old wife to a very hip husband and a mother to a precious 2-year old daughter. My primary profession is school psychology. I work at three elementary schools and a middle school as a school psychologist in the Tampa Bay region of FL. Pocket Full of Parties, my party planning business, is my passion in my free time on night's and weekends. I also love to travel, read, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family.

What is your business?

Pocket Full of Parties is my children's event and party planning business. I am the chief party designer, and my cousin/best friend, Melissa, is my creative consultant. With an eye for detail and a drive for success, I have creatively fused my experience as a full-time mom and school psychologist to establish an event planning service that focuses on the unique party needs of each client. Specializing in children's events, Pocket Full of Parties' events go above and beyond client expectations, creating a cohesive theme that is beautifully designed and focused on not just the party itself, but on the party experience. My team at Pocket Full of Parties would be pleased to use our creativity, eloquence, and style to plan any children's party or event.We offer party packages at three different price points (The Posy, The Tulip, and The Lilly), as well as "a la carte" services such as, inspiration board displays, dessert table design, and children's table design.

When did you start your business?

July 2010

Who is your inspiration?

Wow, that is a hard question! I'd have to first say my mother. She was incredibly creative and inspiring when I was a child (even going so far as organizing a carnival at our home to raise money for a charity in Africa). She is a talented cook and baker as well! As far as within the party planning business, my foundational inspirations were and still are Kate Landers of Kate Landers Events, LLC, Kori Clark of Paper and Pigtails (who is an old friend and neighbor of mine), and Lindsey of Bella Grace Party Designs

What do you like about owning your own business? Freedom and creativity! I love having the freedom to work on my own schedule (if I feel like making a bunting banner at midnight, I can!!), to be at home with my daughter and even to include her in some of the crafting activities I do, and to use my time in a creative and productive way.

What are some challenge you face owning your own business?

The current state of the economy works against small business owners, especially when the service you are offering (such as party planning) is a luxury that many might not consider to be within their budget.

Where do you see your business in 5 years form now?

In five years, I would like to see Pocket Full or Parties flourishing and becoming the premier business in the Tampa Bay area for children's party planning!

What marketing strategies have used to build your brand?

I have used a couple of strategies. First and foremost, I have used online networking and promotion through websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and the Children's Party Network. Through the use of these tools, I have been able to make connections with amazing people and businesses in the industry.

Because my business is so new, I am just beginning local marketing. I have used Craigslist and local mom's websites. I have also placed my business cards and brochures at a variety of child and party-related places such as preschools, bakeries, and children's clothing stores.

What would you tell others starting out?

Some key pointers:

1. Start out slowly, building your clientele through local advertising and word-of-mouth. Do not expect to be the next Amy Atlas overnight!

2. Have a business plan and all of the little details worked out before you "go public" (e.g., business cards, brochures, contracts, etc).

3. Make connections in the industry both locally and nationally. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself and your business to anyone and everyone who may be an asset for gaining business!

If you could chose one celebrity to market your product, who would it be and why?

Another hard one!! My favorite actress is Gwyneth Paltrow, so I will nominate her. Especially since she is a mom, seems like such a good person, and is talented all-around (did you see her on Glee - boy, can she sing!).

Can you see yourself with a reality show like the ones on Food, WE, or TLC, and if so what would be the plot of the show?

Definitely! I actually oftentimes pretend I am a reality show star! LOL! It would be called "The Real Housewives of Tampa Bay," and I would love for it to feature mom's of all types (such as my neighbor and many colleagues at work) who are balancing mothering with many other duties successfully!

Favorites:

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: Cookies

Favorite Song or Musicians: I cannot pick one!!! Anything by Metric, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleigh Bells, The Black Keys, Silversun Pickups, My Chemical Romance, Phoenix, Weezer, Johnny Cash, Social Distortion, The Smiths, Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift

Favorite Children's Book: The Napping House

Favorite Vacation Spot: Adirondacks

Favorite Activity to do with your child(children): Goofing around and being silly

What is your website, facebook fan page, and twitter url's?

Blog: http://pocketfullofparties.blogspot.com

FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pocketfullofparties

Twitter: twitter.com/pcktflofparties

Planning a New Year's Eve Bash for your family and friends? Little Ladybug Designs is giving away Printable New Year's Eve Party Invitations and Favor Tags for Pocket Full of Parties first giveaway! Stop by the Pocket Full of Parties Blog to enter.

Andrea is also offering Little Ladybug Designs readers a custom inspiration board for any type of children's party for $15 (that is $10 off). Email {pocketfullofparties at gmail dot com}for more information!

Thank you so much Andrea for taking the time to answer these questions. I am looking forward to seeing more photos from the beautiful parties you style!

If you would like to be featured as the next Mompreneur Ladybug Spotlight of the Month please email Little Ladybug Designs at {info at littleladybugdesigns dot com}