We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Tyson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2019, I began to see people post photos on Pinterest of these super fun looking and elaborate slumber parties. Thinking, “oh, that would be so cute for my daughter”, who was still a baby at the time but thinking of all the possibilities of future birthday parties for her. At the time, I was going on my second year living in Seattle with my family and a friend came to visit me. We were just talking about everything, work, people, how it was going living in the Pacific Northwest, etc., a little bit of everything. I brought up to her that I had been mulling over the thought of starting my own business creating the luxury sleepovers that I had been seeing on Pinterest all the time. She thought it was a great idea however, I was living in a new place, hardly any friends and no family. My biggest trepidation was starting a business in a place where I knew no one and could not rely on word of mouth or referrals to get things going. Secondly, I knew nothing about starting or running a business.

Fast forward to October 2020, I made up my mind and slowly started purchasing inventory. Then, in November 2020, we decided to move back to the Atlanta, GA area which was perfect because I was now close to friends and family again. In December 2020, I tested my concept with a few of my friends and their kids. I set up two themes, a Christmas theme, and a sweet dreams theme. I also organized a pizza making activity. The kids loved it! Then, another friend of mine ended up being my first paying client. Her daughter’s birthday was in December, and she hosted a virtual slumber party and it was a space theme. It was at this point, I decided to run with the idea.

I felt it was a great idea, especially since we were still in the middle of a pandemic and people were only doing very small, intimate gatherings. The further away from its inception, the better business got. With each slumber party setup, seeing the excitement on the children’s faces encouraged me to keep going. For most of them, either this was their first party because of the pandemic, or it was the first in a couple years and just to have a fun and new way to spend time with their friends was so exciting. At times, the adults/parents were just as or more excited than the children.

I quickly began to add extra services to the sleepover packages. I added balloon services and take-home spa kits for the kids. The balloon services took off in a way I did not imagine or anticipate for. I would add small balloon decorations to a slumber party and then the parents would call for balloon decorations and party décor when they were hosting an event or knew someone else that needed them. It really began to work out really well. My client list grew and well as the services offered. Within two years (going on three), my business has grown exponentially, by at least 400%, while acquiring multiple repeat customers.

To say the least, 2022 far exceeded my expectations and I hope to keep it going in 2023.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am originally from New Orleans but living and servicing in the metro Atlanta area currently. I come from a legal and law enforcement background but always had a love for all things DIY and crafty. As a child, every year for the science fair, I had family participation and this was a huge opportunity to showcase our creativity. I have a clear memory of recreating a rainforest ecosystem one year and recreating a laboratory, testing how blood cells react via osmosis when placed in different liquid solutions. We used illustrations to exhibit results, not real blood.

I got into the small event planning industry starting with luxury sleepover packages and luxury picnic services. Within the first year of business, I began to receive requests for balloon services as well. So, I took a class online and began practicing as much as I could and including small balloon setups with my sleepovers. A few months later, I began booking bigger and paying balloon jobs. My services are perfect for both children and adults. I have set up multiple sleepovers for children with themes they love and also adults. “Ladies Night In” definitely became a popular theme because of the pandemic and I think it will continue. I have planned, coordinated, and provided décor for dinner parties, indoor/outdoor picnics and surprise parties.

I believe for the majority of my clients, I have provided a service to solve all of their party planning needs and problems. They want to have a birthday party or some type of event but have no idea where to start. I can help with all of that. I would like to think I am a “one stop shop” for all your party needs. You need to find a caterer, I GOT YOU! Do you need balloons and/or party décor? I GOT YOU! And if it is something that I don’t have, I will find it and have it ready or there on the day you need it. I have been able to plan surprise parties with only 3 days to get everything done.

I try to make the process as easy as possible so that on the day of your event, all you need to do is show up. I manage all vendors and have the ability to coordinate the day of, with the help of additional staff members of course.

At the end of the day, I am most proud of the progress I have made in the last 2 years of being in business. I have clients that have become friends and others who call me for EVERYTHING. I truly enjoy what I do and continue to serve with a big smile on my face. My life has been dedicated to be of service to others in so many different capacities. Serving in this space is such a blessing because at times, I am more excited to help plan or decorate for a party than the client but after everything is done and you can see the happiness and excitement on your client(s) face(s), it’s what keeps me going. I look forward to every new inquiry and each new challenge that comes my way.

For any potential clients, just know that you will be well taken care of. If you have the slightest bit of a vision, I can take and run with it. I am ready to be of service to you and help you create the “Party of your Dreams!”.

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

Instagram and referrals have been by far the best source of new clients for me. To be honest, I am terrible at posting and making Reels but when I do, I give it my all. Reels have more reach than just the basic post. I also offer discounts to new customers who have been referred to me by a previous client and all returning customers get loyalty discounts and sometimes little extra surprises on the day of their event. If I feel like something is needed that would take the aesthetics from an 8 to a 10. I’m going to do it. As long as I can squeeze it into the budget, the client will have it.

Any advice for managing a team?

Advice for managing a team and maintaining a high morale would definitely and most of all include creating opportunities to bond outside of work and within a work setting, let them know how valuable they are and also allow autonomy. Even though I have a small staff, each person came with their own gifts and talents that I appreciated. We do lunches and sometimes dinners if the event is at night and we are waiting for the event to conclude so we can break down. I want to make sure they are also compensated for their time and the creativity that they bring to my business. I acknowledge birthdays and any other day that I find to be special to them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @prettyzzz.teaparties