We were lucky to catch up with Jess Evans recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

I manage our social media accounts personally. In the future, I believe I would benefit from a social media manager. Social media is such a tricky thing right now. TikTok is at the brink of extinction, Instagram and Facebook are under fire from the protest of Meta, and written blogs feel like a thing of the past. Being seen in an oversaturated market by your core audience whose attention span is statistically lowering by the day is making it virtually impossible to grow. Small business owners like myself are really struggling without managers or dumping all of their funds into marketing campaigns.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jess Evans. I started my party planning company in January of 2024. Polie Party Co. (“PO-Lee”) was founded out of necessity in a small beach town. We live in a relatively rural area that does not offer many experience-based activities outside of the summer months. We have a Great Wolf Lodge in town, and aside from that, there isn’t much else that doesn’t involve bowling or sledding. I have always enjoyed party planning and hosting. So, one day, while playing with my daughter, I decided that I should try to build a business plan from the tea party we were having. I wanted to create something new that provides a more affordable, more thoughtful experience to the birthday girl. That plan expanded quite quickly when my son, who is one year older, asked what party I would have for him. I wanted to be inclusive and offer something for the little guys as well. My son absolutely loves Legos, and just like that, another piece of the puzzle was set in place.
Our services now include tea parties, Lego parties, bridal and baby showers, picnic services, a mobile charcuterie cart, floral bar, and castle bounce house. All of our services include set-up, styling, and tear-down. Our birthday parties always come with virtual invitations that are customizable to the client’s preferences, goodie bags, and a special gift for the birthday girl or boy. Our services differ from the town’s offerings because it is personal. We care about tailoring each experience and making core memories shine.
Polie Party Co. was built for parents who cannot afford a $1,000 birthday party and would rather have something more intimate. We take care of everything so you don’t have to. From the start of booking to laying the last macaron on the tea party table, we’ve got you covered. I am really proud of the joy we have made through connections, the tiny details that make the biggest difference, the expansions we’ve made in the way of adult events, and the friends we’ve made along the way.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Flexibility, 100%. I made a promise to myself that whether the business skyrocketed into success or failed, I would stay true to my WHY. I created this company for families like ours who wanted a nice experience on a budget. I will work with all potential clients on their specific needs. If something needs to be added at the last minute or removed before the invoice is sent, I am happy to do so. I know that times are hard and only getting harder, so showing empathy and excitement for each experience is key.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth! As I said before, social media is becoming quite tricky for new accounts. The best source of new business is by telling a friend you enjoyed our services. Positive reviews and referrals go a very long way in a small town.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poliepartyco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poliepartyco?igsh=MThqdmxuNHE4M2EwaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19k1Ho6kxA/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: TikTok:
  https://www.tiktok.com/@polie.party.co?_t=ZP-8tMvltJtbmJ&_r=1

Image Credits

Kayla Mari Photography