We recently connected with Shelly Barclay and have shared our conversation below.

Shelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

I love to take vacations! In the event business, you are always on call. You need to be available for questions or concerns whenever they come up. Luckily, my phone works everywhere and I am alway happy to take those calls, whether on vacation or home. This is fun for me, so when i get a call in Mexico or Palm Springs, I am happy to get on the phone and talk petals and parties! I also my instagram page @petals_and_parties_ for most of my inspiration for the upcoming party season. Traveling inspires me fresh ideas. My advice to other entrepreneurs is to pick something you love to do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been organizing and planning parties for the last 20 years. As a mom of two daughters with lots of close family that live nearby, there were always celebrations and events to be organized and attended. I found that I really organizing those parties and making them unique with my own special touch. I would spend hours planning and executing my daughters’ birthday parties or friends’ baby showers. Ans over time, I became the go to person to do the flowers for a friends wedding or create a signature cocktail to serve at a wedding. As my girls got older and my network grew I began doing it professional just by word of mouth. I wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to make it official with my brand Petals and Parties. Moms feel so much pressure to make each and every milestone picture perfect and memorable. Not everyone has the time or experience to organize a big Instagram worthy party every month. That’s where I come in. As a working mom and female business owner, I get it! If you are super particular and want to get every detail perfect, I can relate and will sit with you for every question until we get is right. I you are just too busy and want me to come up with a special theme and make it beautiful, I am happy to take the reins too. After 20 plus years of doing this, I have seen it all!

I am most proud when a client becomes a friend and uses my services again and again. These are often the most important day’s of a families life. The days when the most pictures will be taken or maybe the only time they will see extended family. When my clients feel confident enough to share me with their close family and friends is the highest praise.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have always been a creative person. Getting a degree in visual communications helped me express my love for creating and using the left side of my brain. One of my favorite things about what I do is the creative flexibility. My clients are amazing and I am grateful for the trust they have in me to share these special events and all the amazing clients I have met over the years.. I am blessed to have such a gratifying job.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I started this fun journey over 20 years ago, the resources were far less available as they are in today’s world. The internet is a world of information at your fingertips! One of my favorite ways to keep up with the latest trends are the various blogs. Ranging from themes, to money saving tips to the newest ballon craze. The endless tips and information out there is extremely beneficial when you are in need of some visual content to help with your special event!

Contact Info:

• Other: mysweetshelly@gmail.com

Image Credits
Roman Pervak, Jen Johnson, Rosie Watling