We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diana Antillon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
For a long time, the traditional 9 to 5 wasn’t just difficult for me it was impossible. As a mother of children who struggle with asthma and severe allergies, my priority has always been being there for them. I needed to be the one to pick them up early, to stay home during a flare-up, and to be present for every holiday. In a world that often demands you choose between a career and your children, I felt stuck. I needed a way to provide for my family without sacrificing my role as a mother.
I started Padme Tea Party with my daughter in mind. It began as a way to create a little extra income and spend time together. If you had asked me years ago if I’d be a children’s entertainer, I would have said No way! But then, something unexpected happened, I fell in love with it.
I realized that I wasn’t just hosting parties. I was creating a sanctuary for parents and a world of wonder for kids. I saw the relief on a mother’s face when I took over the stress of the day and I saw the pure joy in the children’s eyes. I realized I wanted to do this for everyone, boys, girls, teens, and adults. I wanted to be the person who makes the entire day perfect, from luxury picnics to interactive craft stations.
However, I was hidden behind a name that put me in a box, Padme Tea Party. People thought I only did one thing. The risk was deciding to leave that safe brand behind and rebrand to Padme Events.
The fear was and still is very real. What if I lose the customers who knew me for tea? What if I’m starting from zero? It’s a huge risk to change your identity right when things are working. But I realized that staying small was a bigger risk than trying to grow.
I took the leap because I want to be the one-stop solution for my clients. I want a mom to know that I’ve got her covered, whether it’s a slime station for her son or a beautiful picnic for her own birthday. Today, looking at Padme Events, I feel a sense of pride. I didn’t just find a job that fits my kids’ schedule, I found a calling that brings joy to other families while keeping mine at the center of my world. The risk taught me that when you lead with heart and a family-first mission, the community shows up to support you.
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 path into the world of event planning and children’s entertainment wasn’t a straight line it was a discovery born out of necessity and a mother’s love. I am a mother first, and my children are my world. Because my kids manage health challenges like asthma and allergies, I needed a career that allowed me to be present for every doctor’s visit, every school holiday and every unexpected sick day.
I started with a small idea called Padme Tea Party to create something special for my daughter. I never imagined that I would find my true calling surrounded by kids laughter and creative chaos. What started as a way to support my family while staying present for them turned into a deep-seated passion for celebration. I realized I wasn’t just hosting parties I was building memories.
As my passion grew, so did my vision. I realized that my clients didn’t just want a tea party, they wanted a partner who could take their vision and make it effortless. That is why I rebranded to Padme Events.
Today, I provide a full spectrum of bespoke event services:
Interactive Kids Entertainment: From our famous luxury Kids stations and guided craft bars to high-energy games that keep children constantly engaged.
Whether it’s a whimsical themed birthday or an elegant milestone celebration.
Curated outdoor or indoor setups that bring a touch of modern minimalism and comfort to any gathering.
Full-Service Planning: I handle the details so the parents can actually enjoy the party.
The biggest problem I solve for my clients is stress. Parents today are busier than ever. They want their child to feel like the most important person in the world, but they are overwhelmed by the logistics.
What truly sets me apart is my ‘Family-First’ perspective. Because I am so hands-on with my own kids, I know exactly what keeps a 6-year-old engaged and what makes a mom feel supported. I don’t just drop off decorations; I stay, I entertain and I ensure the energy of the room stays magical. I treat every event as if it were for my own family, with a meticulous eye for detail and a heart for service.
I am most proud of the trust I have built within the communities. There is no greater compliment than a family inviting me back year after year. I’ve watched my party kids grow up and being a staple in their family traditions is my greatest success. I am also incredibly proud that I’ve built a thriving business on my own terms one that allows me to be a successful entrepreneur and a devoted mother simultaneously.
If there is one thing I want potential clients and followers to know about Padme Events, it’s that we are about intentional celebration. Whether we are making a Tea Party or setting up a luxury themed party for adults, my goal is to make every guest feel seen and every host feel celebrated. My brand is a reflection of my life: creative, resilient and deeply rooted in the joy of family.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
In the world of luxury kids entertainment, your reputation is your most valuable currency. My most effective growth strategy has been a relentless commitment to excellence at every single event. When I host a party, I’m not just entertaining five kids, I’m auditioning for every parent in that room by ensuring that every child is constantly entertained and every detail is ‘on top of everything,’ I turn one birthday party into five future bookings. My clients become my biggest advocates because they’ve seen the ‘Diana magic’ in person.
While word-of-mouth builds the foundation, my digital strategy is what scaled the business. I realized early on that parents are searching for solutions on their phones. I’ve focused heavily on my Google Business Profile maintaining a perfect 5.0-star rating and keeping my profile active with fresh photos of stations. Seeing real, local reviews from neighbors in Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas builds immediate trust with new clients who haven’t met me yet.
Most recently, my growth strategy involved a ‘Bold’ pivot: rebranding from Padme Tea Party to Padme Events. I recognized that my original name was limiting my reach. By broadening the brand, I opened the doors to a much larger clientele, including boys parties, teen events and adult luxury gatherings. This strategic shift tells the market that I am a versatile event partner, not just a niche entertainer. It’s about meeting the client where they are and showing them I can solve any celebration challenge they have.
Lastly, I use social media specifically Instagram. People don’t just hire a service, they hire a person they connect with. By being authentic and showing the love for what I do.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The most significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that professional success only comes through a traditional 9-to-5 career path. For a long time, I felt that because I couldn’t commit to a normal office schedule due to my children’s health needs and my commitment to being a present mother that I might not be able to build a serious career. I had to unlearn the idea that being a stay-at-home mom and being a successful entrepreneur were two different worlds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.padmeteaparty.com
- Instagram: padmeevents
- Facebook: padmeevents
- Yelp: Padme Events
Image Credits
Diana Antillon