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

Hi Caitlyn, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Investing in multiple open arches has proven to be one of the wisest decisions for Cady Creates. Their versatility has allowed me to utilize them on numerous occasions, swiftly recouping their initial cost. These additions expand the array of options available to customers, enabling us to bring their visions to fruition, no matter the occasion. With the success of this investment, I’m now considering the acquisition of a sturdy wooden backdrop, confident that it will similarly enhance our offerings.

Caitlyn, 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?

I’m Caitlyn Mendoza, the proud owner of Cady Creates. My journey into the balloon business began when I started crafting balloon garlands for my friend’s celebrations. Seeing the potential, I decided to turn my creative flair into a side hustle. Ultimately, my dream is to make this passion my full-time gig, perhaps even expanding to include a custom-designed transportation van on the side.

What distinguishes me from others is my unwavering dedication to my customers. I prioritize listening to their needs and collaborating within their budgets, all while ensuring they feel valued and eager to hire me again. At Cady Creates, I’m committed to exceeding expectations, especially when it comes to creating stunning backdrops that elevate any event.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back on my career, I realize the invaluable resources I wish I had tapped into earlier. Foremost among them is the incredible community I’ve become a part of. The support and generosity of the women I’ve encountered have been truly remarkable. One memorable instance was when I needed a backdrop for an upcoming event where I’d be incorporating balloons. A fellow member of the community graciously offered to collaborate, providing me with a discounted deal, even though she would only be delivering the backdrop while I added the balloons.

Additionally, I’ve learned the hard way that purchasing balloons from Amazon is not the best route. Through my journey, I discovered the importance of sourcing from reputable balloon companies, allowing me to access wholesale prices and ensuring the quality and reliability of my supplies.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have three goals for Cady Creates, as mentioned earlier: firstly, to acquire one or two sturdy solid wood backdrops, ideally in sizes of 5 foot and 7 foot; secondly, to transition into full-time entrepreneurship, liberating myself from the constraints of a 9-5 job; and thirdly, to invest in my own cargo van, eliminating the need for frequent rentals from companies like U-Haul. Additionally, I aspire to personalize the van with a custom logo and paint it in a vibrant, eye-catching color scheme.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cadymendoza1.wixsite.com/cady-creates
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cadycreates/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlynmendoza/