Meet Motunrayo D. (M.D.) Akinmurele, Owner of Pink Llama Entertainment

Have you ever started down a path and thought about making a switch? I know a few people who have quit their corporate jobs because they wanted to explore another avenue that was in line with their passion projects. I’m do inspired by their stories and that leads me to Motunrayo D. (M.D.) Akinmurele!

I became acquainted with Motunrayo’s Pink Llama Entertainment through Instagram. Pink Llama Entertainment offers specialty party rentals, decor and photo both services. The company services the San Fernando Valley, LA and Santa Clarita.

I found her story compelling and wanted to share it with my readers! Please meet the latest Real Mom of the SFV – Motunrayo D. (M.D.) Akinmurele!

How/why did you begin your business?

Motunrayo: After seven years of working as an attorney and using the more analytical side of my brain, I was really itching for a new experience, a new challenge, and a new adventure that used the more creative side of my brain. So, I decided I wanted to open a business, but I wasn’t exactly sure what type of business I wanted to open. After some soul-searching and doing some market research, I decided that I wanted to get into the event rental business. I love fashion and I wanted to take my fashion style and translate that to events/ party rentals. I would say my style is LA laid back with a bohemian flare and that’s what our inventory at Pink Llama reflects. I also wanted to bring my attention to detail and professionalism that I’ve learned in practicing law to the events business. All in all, I am loving running this business (with my husband) and using my creative side.

As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?

Motunrayo: Oh boy…I have been a mom for a hot second (13 months). I am a rookie and I’m always looking to my sisters or others for tips. I think what I tell myself is “baby steps” and you will eventually get where you are going. I have zero clue where I am going—that’s life—but as long as I am staying present and keeping my eyes on what’s in front of me, I will not get overwhelmed. But it is easier said than done. And for those really rough days or weeks, I just tell myself, well, the baby is alive so, I did something right. Lol. Also, there’s always Bridgerton. I love that show.

What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?

Motunrayo: Two things. First, the people. As a party rental business, we get to meet people during the happiest time in their lives. They are celebrating a marital union, birthday, pregnancy, etc. People, especially after the rough year and a half we have all had, just want to enjoy life with their families and friends and we are so humbled to be a very minor party of that. I love hearing the stories they tell us about the event they are putting together and making new friends. The second thing is the event location. The Valley has so much more square footage than the city and a beautiful mountain in its backdrop. We see some amazing backyard weddings; it is hard to believe this is only a few minutes down from us (we are in Granada Hills).

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?

Motunrayo: To get more variety of tables, chairs, etc. The events rental business, at least in this market, is very inventory intensive. In the beginning, we lost some good opportunities because we didn’t have enough of something, or we just didn’t have what a potential client was looking for. We have since grown our inventory and are continuing to grow it. I think there’s enough events to go around but you need to have what people want. I believe we have what people want and at competitive prices too.

For more information on Pink Llama Entertainment, check out their website here. Also, don’t forget to follow the company on Instagram for the latest updates!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.