We were lucky to catch up with Kat Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Growing up as a migrant family, my parents taught the me value of hard work. My father was a Crew leader of agricultural workers and I learned communication skills, accounting, and organization at the age of 10. My summers did not consist of fun camps or staying home. I was taught how to help them by filling out paper work needed for payroll, and talk to the workers to communicate any information they needed to know. Being bilingual was a must growing up. My parents always reminded me of how important it was to get a good education and work hard for what we want – never settle. If we didn’t, then we would end up working hard labor “out in the fields”. It’s because of this that I was determined to have a business I thoroughly enjoy so I never have to “work” a day in my life. And that is exactly what I am doing now. Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

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

In 2003 I attended my first scrapbooking workshop in which I became hooked on paper crafting and making greeting cards. As I hosted workshops of my own, I was approached by a family member asking if I could make some invitations for their daughters Quinceañera. Little did I know that marked the beginning of a hobby that I became very passionate for. I found it to be very therapeutic and even involved my two children who thoroughly enjoyed “craft time” – when really they were my little Minions in the assembly of invitation making. LOL!! Although the wedding and party industry came to a halt in 2020 due to the pandemic, it didn’t stop me from using the down time to reorganize and participate in styled shoots, making over 50 invitation suites. It was the best thing I could have ever done. It opened the door wide for great opportunities and exposure. Word of mouth was the way to go back in those days. Then came social media and I was in for the ride of my life. It has kept me busy with repeat clients. These repeat clients allowed me to evolve into day of coordinating and decorating for Weddings and Quinceañera’s. What started as just a hobby became what is now a full time job and Paper Majik Design & Events was born in 2010. Today, I have made thousands of invitations from birthdays, baptisms, Quinceañera’s and of course Weddings and have coordinated hundreds of events from a Baby Shower to Weddings/Quinceañera’s. Because I was taught organization and time management at an early age, this skill has allowed me to go above and beyond for my clients in making their day run smooth. I reduce and/or eliminate the stress from my clients the days leading up to and that day of the event. I am available to them 24/7 as a consultant if they are stuck with a question or situation. There is no challenge too great to conquer.
Sharing what I do and doing what I love. Seeing the smiles of satisfaction on my clients faces is an adrenaline rush for me. Not only have I made new connections with amazing vendors, but best of all I have made NEW FRIENDS!
My motto: “Every time I go to work…I end up at a party!”

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Listening to what my clients concerns and ideas are has been the number one thing that has helped me build my reputation of going above and beyond as well as following the holy grail rule of events – K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) no offense. :) Keeping things simple makes for a stress free, classy, elegant and fun event no matter the type of party. Don’t get me wrong, the K.I.S.S rule may not apply to every situation that may arise, but it provides a starting point to handling it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I still have a J.O.B. in the corporate world. And although I love my position with this company (working from home), my ultimate goal and mission is to work my “Majik” full time and leave my regular job.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/papermajik.designevents
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/papermajikdesignevents

Image Credits
Invitations photos: Camera Crew Tampa, Alexis Belli Photo, and Hannah T. Photos