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Inspiring Conversations with Leticia Shirley of Let’s Party by Leticia Shirley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leticia Shirley.

Hi Leticia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a passion for hosting and organizing events. Often I have taken the lead in planning and bringing celebrations to life for family and friends. I find great joy in supporting my loved ones by coordinating and executing their special occasions.

Seven years ago, I was profoundly affected by the loss of my husband John Shirley.I felt adrift without a clear sense of purpose in my life.

A few months after his passing, I was approached by my close friend’s husband, who requested my assistance in organizing a surprise party for her 40th birthday. While I was delighted to contribute to this event for my friend, I was also deeply navigating the grief I was experiencing which made it meaningful and challenging.

That same day, another friend remarked on strong organizational skills and creativity, recalling how I had previously helped in organizing parties. She suggested that perhaps turning this talent into a part-time endeavor could provide me with a renewed sense of purpose and generate additional income. At the time, I was preoccupied with enjoying the exceptional party and dismissed this idea.

A few weeks later, I discussed this suggestion with my brother, Leon Cedillo who expressed his unwavering support and belief in my abilities.

Not long after, he introduced me to a friend who works as a DJ for Bar Mitzvahs. As we spoke, I shared my experience and passion for event planning. He hired me to create a balloon wall for a Bar Mitzvah at Minute Maid. This was an extraordinary opportunity, and I was thrilled to be a part of this special event.

My services were highly appreciated, and the client referred me to another friend who was hosting a Bar Mitzvah a month later. That referral led to another, and soon, word of mouth began to grow, opening the door to new opportunities.

Over the past years I have diligently acquired new skills and expanded my services. By April 2019 – just eight months after the party at Minute Maid – I had already secured bookings for over 30 parties.

Since then, I have transitioned from specializing in balloon walls to designing, planning, and coordinating entire events. My main source of business is parties for teenagers, but I also specialize in weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My company has undergone significant growth and transformation, becoming a comprehensive “one-stop shop” We offer complete catering, bar, and server services as well as party rentals, planning, and coordination assistance.

While the journey has had its fair share of challenges, I have faced numerous obstacles along the way. One of the most significant challenges was the impact of the pandemic in 2020, which led to a decrease in party attendance and substantial financial hardships.

Despite these setbacks, we have persevered and are in the full-swing of party planning and hosting services. We remain committed to providing exceptional experiences and ensuring that our clients have memorable and enjoyable events.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Let’s Party by Leticia Shirley ?
I specialize in the design, planning, and coordination of events.
What sets me apart is the diverse range of services we provide extending beyond just planning.
I am undoubtedly detail-oriented and a problem solver.
I am proud to have a substantial number of returning customers and that my business is widely recognized for its referrals.
I am aware that social media is increasingly important for businesses, and one of my goals is to focus on showcasing more of my work on these platforms. However, I am equally satisfied in having built a substantial clientele through recommendations

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am dedicated to increasing my party bookings, broadening my inventory, and creating my own venue. The aspiration of owning my venue is genuinely a dream come true for me. I actively work to create strong partnerships within the industry. By keeping up with trends and designs, I ensure that my offerings remain fresh and engaging. Most importantly, I strive to make each event unforgettable for my clients.

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