We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sahar Kohandel. Check out our conversation below.
Sahar, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are a mix of chaos and sweetness. Our household is up early—usually with the two weens licking my face to let me know it’s time to get moving. I roll out of bed, let them out to potty, and refresh their food and water bowls. Then I kiss my man goodbye, tell him to have a great day and go kill it. After that, I start getting myself ready—quick tidy-up, check my emails, and head into whatever projects are lined up for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey y’all! I’m Sahar, the founder of Helluva Party Productions—a bold, fun, and heart-filled event planning brand based in Houston, TX (but always down to travel!). What started as a wild dream quickly turned into a full-blown business, thanks to a whole lot of word-of-mouth love and support from my amazing community.
I’ve always had a thing for planning parties—mixing vibes, visuals, and good energy to bring people together. It was definitely scary jumping in, but everything just kind of clicked. Before this, I spent 11 years as a salon manager at a place I loved, where I learned the ins and outs of customer service, problem-solving on the fly, and how to genuinely connect with people. That experience definitely shaped how I treat my clients today—with care, creativity, and a no-fluff attitude.
Now I plan everything from weddings and brand launches to wild motorcycle shows and themed birthday bashes. I’m all about creating unforgettable moments with a personal touch (and usually a playlist involved). It’s been such a ride already—and I’m just getting started.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I genuinely believed I was too shy to talk to people—I was super quiet and kept to myself most of the time (hard to believe now, I know!). Somewhere along the way, that quiet girl found her voice, and now I can’t stop connecting, creating, and chatting with everyone I meet. It’s funny how the things we once saw as limitations end up being our superpowers.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say I ever truly gave up, but I was definitely discouraged at times. Change can be really scary, and there were moments where I questioned if I made the right choice by taking the leap. But deep down, I knew I was chasing something I loved—and that kept me going, even when things felt uncertain.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
One of the people whose ideas I value most is my boyfriend, Eric. His creativity and work ethic constantly inspire me. We make a great team, always bouncing ideas off each other that help us grow—both as individuals and as business owners. His perspective has definitely shaped parts of my journey in the best way.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was someone they could count on—someone who showed up with heart, followed through, and made others feel seen and supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helluvapartyproductions.com/
- Instagram: @helluvapartyproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saharstarr/
Image Credits
Please credit Heather Cetina with Love Struck Photography for all photos
