Today we’d like to introduce you to Shae Schneider.
Hi Shae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out as a hairstylist right out of high school, but after realizing I wanted something more structured, I went back to College. I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education and became a PE teacher and cheer coach, and loved every minute of it. In between school and work, I was always involved in planning events and throwing parties for family and friends (You’d think I would have figured out sooner that that was truly my calling). My husband then got a job that moved us to Houston, which allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom. Although I adore my babies, I also love to throw a good party! With the support and love from my husband, he convinced me I should be following my dreams and make event styling for people other than friends and family a reality. Looking back, this truly has always been my passion, and I’m so grateful for the love and support from everyone around me who gave me the confidence to take the leap!
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?
When my husband told me we were moving to Houston, I was devastated. We had an extremely close group of friends, I loved my job, and all of our family was in California. I was absolutely determined to be miserable here. Although I came with a bad attitude, it didn’t take long for that to change. We have met absolutely amazing people who have been so supportive and have also played a large part in me following this dream. I truly feel like I am so blessed for the opportunity to be here. It’s been an incredible place to raise our babies, and so nice to be able to call this “home.” Starting this business hasn’t been easy, but it’s all been so worth it. I feel so lucky to be doing what I love, and getting to do it in Houston is not anything I ever thought would happen, but I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to think of my company as a one-stop shop. If there’s a vision that a client has, I will do everything in my power to make that vision come to life. When a client comes to me with their plans for an event, I take all their wishes and start from there. We compile all the things, from furniture rentals, florals, chefs, photographers, bartenders, prop rentals, cake, balloons, and more and get to work. I walk the client through every step to ensure their event goes off without a hitch.
I’m absolutely known for being “extra” and way over the top. In my opinion, where events are concerned, the more over the top, the better! Give your friends something to remember, and of course that Insta-worthy photo opt!
An event that I’m most proud of is the event that pushed me to take the leap into this event planning world. It was a good friend’s 40th surprise party that I planned at the Peach Orchard in The Woodlands. I did all the florals and worked with some amazing vendors to add personalized touches. She had recently lost her mom, and it was going to be her first big birthday without her, so we added lots of things that payed tribute to her mom. Someone attending the event would look at the details as just decor that was added, but for the birthday girl, she was able to see touches of her mom everywhere. The smallest details at an event truly make the biggest impact.
What sets me apart from other stylists is that I do most of the decor myself. It definitely makes for more work, but I am able to ensure that exactly what my client wants is what they’re getting. A lot of companies subcontract out but I feel like as a stylist I lose some of the creative control, and I’m not willing to do that. Some would say I’m a control freak, but I call it a perfectionist. I want each client to feel like their event was the greatest night of their lives and something they will never forget.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband has been such an amazing supporter. He is my biggest cheerleader and (almost) always goes along with whatever crazy idea I have come up with. I owe so much of this to him for allowing me to follow my dream and for always being my biggest supporter. My mom is someone else who has helped make this possible. She is not only someone who cheers for me in my corner, but she is also my built-in babysitter. Knowing my babies are being taken care of allows me to pursue this dream! Finally, I couldn’t be on this journey without my sister-in-law, Helina Schneider. She owns Oak X Collective, which is where all the amazing props come from. We work together to make the most amazing things come to life, and I’m so lucky to be able to do that with her. We’re pretty much the dream team, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Contact Info:
- Website: Lifesapartyhtx.com
- Instagram: Lifesapartyhtx
Image Credits
Unearthed by Tera
