In early May, I reached out to a Valley-based parenting group on Facebook and asked for recommendations on “happy birthday” lawn signs. My daughter was turning 14 and since hosting a party inside of our home was out of the question due to social distancing guidelines, my husband and I decided to throw a “drive-by” celebration.
I received a few suggestions and chose to go with Jessica of World’s Best Event Planning. Why? Jessica is a professional party planner with a great eye for detail (check out her Instagram feed for photos of her work), reasonable prices, and a willingness to go the extra mile for her customers.
Jessica arrived to do the set-up on the morning of my teen’s celebration. With our masks firmly in place, and standing a safe distance apart, we talked about her business and how she got started. I thought I’d share her story because it’s a wonderful example of changing careers and following your passions!
Please meet Jessica Luteraan, owner and founder of World’s Best Event Planning!
(Image credit: World’s Best Event Planning)
How/why did you begin your business?
Jessica: I began working as an event planner during my years as an executive assistant. I was constantly throwing amazing events for my bosses and their employees/clients/families. I had so much fun planning company holiday parties, executive retreats, summer picnics, baby showers, dinner parties, and conferences. I’ve thrown every type of party you can think of for a boss or their company.
When I decided to start my own business, I wanted it to be something that I truly enjoyed so that I could enjoy going to work and have joy in my career path. I wrote down all the things I was interested in and what I’d love to do. I discovered that party planning was the answer that just kept coming up for me. When I finally decided that was what I wanted to do, I dove head first into it. I’ve been so blessed to be able to watch my business grow and see all the families I’ve helped celebrate special milestones in their lives. It’s the most rewarding career I could have ever chosen for myself – I literally get to help people bring fun and excitement to their lives by celebrating fun events, milestones, and occasions.
What is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?
Jessica: My best advice or tip is to keep learning – continue to evolve and expand your business knowledge by reading entrepreneurial books, take workshops, and follow others in your same field. Try to develop and grow as a businesswoman, because there’s always room for improvement. I’ve found that by growing and learning, I have become a more well-rounded entrepreneur.
What do you like best about having a business that services the San Fernando Valley?
Jessica: I love having a business that services the San Fernando Valley because this is where I grew up. It’s so fun when I’m using my party planning skills to help my SFV neighbors celebrate their events. It just feels like I’m bringing joy to the community that raised me and created me to be what I am today.
If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
Jessica: I definitely wish I had started earlier. I was apprehensive to just go all in and I wish I had trusted myself and my skills and just gone for it sooner. Also, I wish had started with a DBA (Doing Business As), instead of starting my corporation right at the beginning. I wanted to go full force and didn’t realize all the fees associated with a corporation. In hindsight, I suggest starting your business with a DBA and when the jobs start rolling in, then get your corporation set up.
Throughout my years in the Los Angeles “parenting scene” as a mommy blogger and also as a Parent Liaison for UrbanSitter, I’ve met many women who start side gigs that turn into full-time self-employment. I hope you find the tips and advice that Jessica provided in the interview helpful. I know I sure did! 🙂
Looking for help with an indoor/outdoor celebration for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties or even Father’s Day? Visit the World’s Best Event Planning website here for more info. Also, check out the company’s Facebook page for the latest updates!
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The image shown in this post is used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
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