A Mom Who Made It Happen
Chrissie Barcelona
HomeTown: Reynoldsville, PA (near DuBois...off of 80) Currently live in Franklin Park
Tell Us about your business and why you created it!
"I am a party stylist/planner and I also create delightful, custom party decor. I love making parties beautiful. I can work with any budget and put together a complete, adorable, fun, unique party. I created this business because I always make party decorations for family birthdays and events. People are always telling me I should sell my items. So finally, I did. The party styling/planning came next. I would style my girls' parties and thought, 'Hey. Maybe I should do this to make some extra spending cash.' I am in the process of officially starting a party styling and design business."
Tell us about your family.
"I am married to a wonderful man, Nick. We have been together for 15 years. Married for six. I have two sweet girls. Kaelen is four and Addison June "AJ" is two. My girls are my inspiration and are what started my passion for party decor design and party styling."
Tell us about your background/ education
"Graduated IUP in 1998 as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing.
Taught in New Jersey for 8 years at The Summint Speech School, a preschool for deaf and hard of hearing children."
What Advice do you have for other moms looking to make it happen at home? Looking to have it all!?
"Follow your heart. Do what you love. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Be confident. Be strong. Network with other women."
What do you love about having your own business?
"I love the freedom. I love not having a boss. I love the extra cash. I love having something that identifies me. "
When did you know it was going to WORK!?
When did you know it was going to WORK!?
"I knew designing custom party decor was going to work when people consistently began buying items from my etsy shop and I had repeat customers. Regarding the party styling/planning, it is currently working on a small scale. Once I launch it fully to the public...I hope it takes off and continues to work."
What challenge(s) did you find most prevalent as a mom running a business?
"Time management is always the repeat offender. It is so tricky to juggle all of the daily tasks, be a mom and then find time for my business. I have many late nights."
Did you ever want to quit, throw in the towel!? What kept you going?
Did you ever want to quit, throw in the towel!? What kept you going?
"The thought has crossed my mind once or twice. The idea of doing something I love and have fun doing and the thought of success are what kept me going."
Any other information you' d like to share. Is there a part of your story we missed? Tell it here!
I love styling parties. I love finding the little things that make a party stand out and will make it complete. http://www.etsy.com/shop/partypaperscissors
(website is live but still under construction)
Etsy shop: Use code FAMILYANDFRIENDS for 20% off your purchase. Excludes fabric items and party packages.
Free 2 hour consultation with purchase of a Party Styling Package. Mention this article.
