Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael and Karen Mae Gonzales.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began a few years ago while I was working as a nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital. Over time, my coworkers and I developed close bonds, transforming into a tight-knit family. Through countless shifts spent together, we learned about each other’s lives and celebrated non-work-related milestones within the hospital’s confines. These celebrations ranged from birthdays and baby showers to marriages, promotions, and retirements, all taking place in our humble nursing unit breakroom.
With a natural love for decorating and DIY-ing, I always volunteered to add a touch of flair to these events and milestones. Initially, it involved creating table decor arrangements, diaper cakes, and simple balloon displays. However, as my passion for themed parties grew, I began exploring new ideas for more complex decorations. It was during this journey that I stumbled upon the captivating world of balloon decoration on Pinterest and Instagram. The intricate designs and possibilities fascinated me, igniting a spark within me.
One day, my work bestie approached me with a request for a fully themed barnyard 2nd birthday party. Inspired and motivated, I dove deeper into balloon decoration, determined to make this event a success. The party decor wowed everyone, and photos of our creations quickly spread across social media platforms, garnering attention from friends and family. Soon enough, a referral came our way, seeking our services for their event. This marked our first paid gig outside of the hospital.
With this newfound opportunity, we delved into researching the best quality balloons to provide our customers with the best value. During consultations, we realized that incorporating wooden backdrops would add an extra layer of complexity to our designs. Fortunately, my husband shared a passion for woodworking and eagerly took on the task of building various backdrops to complement my balloon arrangements. This marked the birth of our custom woodwork party decor.
We were met with tears of joy and awe as we showcased the completed decor at our clients’ homes. The impact our designs had on their special moments was truly heartwarming. This success led us to design and decorate for more events within our extended family. Eventually, our closest friends suggested turning our love for decor into a small business. Encouraged by their support and fueled by our passion, Mae I Design, LLC was born.
The joy and excitement that lights up each person’s face when we reveal their meticulously crafted decorations drive us to continue designing and decorating. For us, it’s not merely about providing a product or service; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. With Mae I Design, LLC, every event is infused with magic, transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Balancing our nursing profession with our balloon business has presented us with unique challenges. On days when we have parties scheduled, we often find ourselves having to juggle our responsibilities as both nurses and business owners. It can be physically and mentally exhausting to work as a nurse one day, attending to the needs of patients, and then transition into party mode the following day, bringing joy and celebration to our clients through our decorations.
Regardless of the challenges, our passion for nursing and bringing happiness to people’s lives through our decorations drives us forward. We strive to maintain the highest level of care in both professions, always seeking to deliver exceptional service.
However, despite the struggles, we are driven by our passion and love for bringing happiness to people’s lives through our decorations. We continue to find ways to manage our time effectively, prioritize our commitments, and ensure that we provide exceptional service in both domains. It may be challenging, but the satisfaction we derive from positively impacting people’s lives, whether in healthcare or through our decoration business, makes it all worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
We at Mae I Design, LLC, are a party/event company that specializes in creating unforgettable themed party events and stunning balloon garlands. With our expertise and attention to detail, we bring your party vision to life and transform any space into a captivating and magical experience.
What sets us apart from other party decorators is that we’re not just selling a product or service – we’re offering an individualized experience. We understand that your celebration is unique and deserves special attention. That’s why we prioritize creating a personalized experience tailored to your specific decor design. We take the time to listen to your ideas, understand your event theme, and collaborate with you to bring your dream party to life.
Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our ability to create immersive and cohesive party atmospheres. We take into consideration every aspect of the event, from color schemes and themes to the smallest details, ensuring that our balloon decor and decorations seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic of your event. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on both you and your guests, making your event truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, gender reveal, corporate event, or any special occasion, our balloon creations will add that wow factor and elevate your celebration to new heights. Our focus is not just on delivering beautiful balloon decorations but on curating an immersive and enchanting experience that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. With us, you can expect unparalleled attention to detail, creativity, and a commitment to making your event truly one-of-a-kind.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
There are several ways in which people can contribute and help support Mae I Design, LLC. Firstly, we can be contacted through our phone number, email, or by messaging us directly on Facebook or Instagram. Additionally, spreading the word about who we are by sharing our posts, tagging us, and inviting friends to like our page can greatly increase our visibility. Engaging with our content by liking, commenting, and sharing also helps boost our online presence and attract more potential customers. Lastly, providing feedback, suggestions, and ideas on our decorations or services can help us continually improve and meet the needs of our valued customers. Together, we can reach out to the community and support the growth of Mae I Design, LLC on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maeidesignllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maeidesignllc
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Phone: 361.302.1006
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Email: maeidesignllc@gmail.com
Image Credits
Mae I Design, LLC
Karen Mae
Michael Gonzales
Laurenne & Chris Padilla
