We were lucky to catch up with Meredith Collvins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Party Favor really came from our own lives. For years, I poured my heart into planning my kids’ birthdays and hosting gatherings for friends. What started as something I did out of love—staying up late to decorate, brainstorming fun themes, and finding ways to make each event unforgettable—slowly grew into something bigger. Over time, friends and family began to notice the energy, joy, and creativity I put into every detail. They encouraged me, telling me over and over that this wasn’t just a hobby, it was a gift.

I felt that confirmation in my heart, and through prayer and guidance, I knew God was nudging me toward something greater. That’s when it clicked: this passion wasn’t just about our family’s parties—it was about creating those same special experiences for others.

The more my husband and I thought about it, the more it made sense. In Stillwater, there wasn’t another business that offered everything under one roof: bounce houses, event planning, decorating, and all the extras that turn a simple gathering into a memory people cherish. Parents were often left juggling multiple vendors, managing the stress of logistics, and missing out on the joy of actually being present at their own party. I realized we could solve that problem by creating a one-stop shop for all things celebration.

What excites me the most is that this business combines everything I love—creativity, hosting, and serving others—while filling a gap in our community. Party Favor isn’t just about balloons or bounce houses; it’s about creating joy, bringing people together, and giving families the chance to actually enjoy their special moments. That’s the heart behind why we started, and why we believe so strongly in what we’re building!

Meredith , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We’re a family that has always believed in celebrating life’s moments in the biggest and most joyful way possible. For years, planning my children’s birthdays and hosting gatherings for friends was something that brought me true happiness. I loved dreaming up themes, decorating spaces, and finding ways to make people smile. Over time, what started as a family tradition became my passion—and eventually, with encouragement from friends and the conviction that this was my calling, it grew into Party Favor.

At Party Favor, we provide full-service party planning and bounce house rentals, along with décor, event styling, and all the extras that turn a simple get-together into a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it’s a child’s birthday, a family celebration, or a special event with friends, our goal is to make the planning effortless and the celebration unforgettable.

The biggest problem we solve for our clients is taking away the stress of planning and managing multiple details. As a mom myself, I know parents and hosts want to enjoy their party, not run around coordinating decorations, rentals, and activities. That’s why we created a one-stop solution right here in Stillwater—the only business locally that offers this wide range of amenities under one roof. From bounce houses and décor to full event coordination, we bring everything together so our clients can simply show up and enjoy.

What sets us apart is more than just our services—it’s our heart. Every event we take on is treated with the same care and energy we put into our own family gatherings. I believe that joy is contagious, and when we bring joy to others through our work, we’re living out our true purpose.

I am most proud of the fact that our business is rooted in passion and faith. I didn’t start this journey to chase trends—I started because I genuinely love bringing people together and creating lasting memories. I want potential clients and followers to know that with Party Favor, they’re not just hiring a service, they’re partnering with people who care deeply about making their day as special as possible.

At the end of the day, our brand is about celebration, community, and connection. Every party we help create is more than an event—it’s a memory in the making, and that’s what excites me every single time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivotal Moment

Originally, I went to college to become a teacher, and I truly loved it. Teaching gave me the chance to pour into children’s lives, to be creative, and to make a difference every day. But when I became a mom, my perspective shifted. I knew I wanted to be more present in my kids’ lives—to be there for their milestones, to share in their day-to-day moments, and to have the flexibility that teaching didn’t always allow. At the same time, I also wanted to contribute financially to our family.

That was my pivot point. I had to ask myself: What could I do that allowed me to combine my love for children, my creativity, and my passion for making moments special, while also giving me the freedom to be home with my kids?

That’s where the vision for Party Favor was born. Planning my own kids’ birthdays and family celebrations gave me a spark I couldn’t ignore. It was the perfect blend of what I loved most about teaching—creativity, organization, and seeing individuals light up with joy—paired with the flexibility and financial opportunity I was searching for.

The pivot wasn’t easy. It meant leaving behind the path I had prepared for, stepping out of my comfort zone, and trusting that the skills and heart I developed as a teacher would serve me in a new way. Looking back, that decision to pivot is one of the best I’ve ever made. Not only do I get to be fully present in my children’s lives, but I also get to help other families create joyful, stress-free memories through Party Favor.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

From Side Hustle to Calling

Yes—what started as a side hustle has grown into something much bigger. In the beginning, Party Favor wasn’t a formal business; it was simply doing what I loved for our kids and close friends. I would spend weeks planning their birthdays, designing decorations, and making sure every detail was perfect. Word started to spread, and before long, friends were asking me to help with their events too. At first, I said yes out of kindness and excitement, never imagining it would become a business.

The turning point came when I realized two things: first, how much joy this work brought me, and second, how much it relieved stress for others. Parents and hosts were constantly telling me how grateful they were to actually enjoy their party instead of spending the whole time setting up, managing activities, and cleaning. That’s when it hit me—this wasn’t just fun for me, it was filling a real need in our community.

Scaling up happened step by step. A few of the key milestones were:
    •    First rentals outside our circle of friends – The moment we helped a family we didn’t personally know, it felt like a business was being born.
    •    Investing in bounce houses and equipment – This was our first big leap. Instead of just decorating or helping with parties, we now had something tangible to offer that made us unique in Stillwater.
    •    Becoming the “one-stop shop” – I made it my mission to simplify the party planning process by offering everything in one place: bounce houses, décor, event planning, and extras. This was when it was truly set apart.
    •    Formalizing Party Favor as a business – Once I saw how consistent the demand was, and with my husband as my main support and business partner, I took the leap to make Party Favor official. That decision was both exciting and a little scary, but I knew it was the right step.

Looking back, what started as a hobby rooted in love and faith has become my full-time calling. The joy I felt planning our own kids’ birthdays has multiplied into something so much greater: bringing joy, relief, and unforgettable memories to families all across our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partyfavorstillwater?igsh=OG9tMzY0MGNlMDI1&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14LNsRfJwQ9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNRWyJ4LC23RMHiIhb_tEDN5rWLzoTyT15xqKnke6lJqZZAg/viewform