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

Alright, Catherine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My mother has always been the most powerful example in my life. She taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and showing up with love, no matter the circumstances. She showed me that no job is ever beneath you, and that even with little, you can create something meaningful.

Growing up, I watched her constantly find a way. Whether it was summer or Christmas, she adapted to what was possible; selling ice cream on hot days, holiday cards in December, fresh fruits and vegetables when she could. She didn’t have a store, but she still made it work with whatever she had. As the oldest, I was always by her side, helping. Without realizing it, she was teaching me how to be resourceful, how to push through challenges, and how to lead with intention.

Today, everything I learned from her lives inside Wiggle Boom Party; in the way I serve families with heart, and the joy and creativity I bring to every celebration.

I built this business from the ground up, carrying that same spirit she lived by: making the most of what you have, and putting love into everything you do. What I offer may look different, but the heart behind it is the same; to create something joyful, meaningful, and full of care.

She gave me the courage to believe that even when you start small, with love, effort, and faith, you can build something truly beautiful, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

My dream is not only to grow this business, but to show my children the same strength and hope that my mother showed me.

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.

Hi, I am Catherine, the founder of Wiggle Boom Party, a creative event rental company that specializes in soft play setups, ball pits, bounce houses, and immersive play experiences for children’s celebrations. What started with just a few items and a big dream has grown into a business built on love, imagination, and community.

Before launching Wiggle Boom, I worked as a nanny for over five years, and I’ve always loved working with children. When I became a mother myself, that connection grew even stronger. I started this business when I had just one little boy, and I was pregnant with my second. I began setting up small play areas for family and friends, and with each event, the joy on the kids’ faces (and the parents’ gratitude!) made me realize I had something special to offer. That’s how Wiggle Boom was born; from the heart of a mom who just wanted to make kids feel special and celebrated.

We don’t just drop off equipment and go. I love making each setup feel special and thoughtful. I pay close attention to colors and how everything looks together, so it matches the theme and vibe of the celebration. Whether it’s a backyard birthday or an indoor party, I want everything to feel fun, beautiful, and just right for the families we work with. I also offer vinyl personalization for the ball pits or bounce houses to give everything that extra custom touch.

What sets Wiggle Boom Party apart is not only the look and quality of our setups, but the care and intention behind everything we do. I know what it’s like to want to give your child a beautiful day, even when time, budget, or resources are limited. That’s why I approach every client with empathy and excitement; because I’ve been in their shoes.

What I’m most proud of is how this business has grown while still staying rooted in love. Every setup I create is made with the same heart I had when I first started: wanting to bring joy to children and help families celebrate moments that matter.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that reflects my resilience is not really just a single moment; it’s something I live every weekend. As a mom of three young boys and a small business owner, balancing both worlds is incredibly difficult. I try my best to be 100% present at home and also 100% present for my clients; but it’s not easy.

There are so many opportunities and ideas I haven’t yet explored in my business, not because of lack of passion, but simply because of time. Even though I manage my schedule well and make space for both my kids and my work, it often feels like there’s never enough time to finish everything the way I wish I could.

And still, I keep showing up. Even when I feel overwhelmed. Even when I question if I should stop.

There have been times when I’ve worked until 3am and started again at 5am. Days with just two or three hours of sleep. Times I had to step back from business completely because my kids needed me; and I’m grateful I had the freedom to do that without needing anyone’s permission.

Yes, the mom guilt is real. But so is the joy of knowing I’m there when they need me.

And somehow, when the weekend comes, I find the energy again. Not because I have to, but because I care. I can’t do work without meaning. Every setup I do is personal, thoughtful, and full of love.

To me, that’s what resilience looks like… continuing to give your best, even when things feel overwhelming or uncertain.. Not because it’s easy, but because you love what you do, and the people you do it for.

How did you build your audience on social media?

This is a question I’ve been asked many times by people starting in the event and rental business, and my answer is always honest.

I’m not great with social media.
There have been so many weekends where I haven’t posted anything, not because we didn’t have events, but because we had too many! Managing my business while also being a full-time mom to three little boys pulls me away from social media more than I’d like.

I’m not that person who naturally thinks to grab content or post consistently, even though I wish I was. But despite that, we’ve been blessed to grow, because most of our clients come through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Almost every email or DM we receive starts with:

“I was at one of your events,”
“My sister/friend/neighbor recommended you,”
“I saw your setup and loved it. I want something like that for my child.”

That’s how my business has grown. Every event we set up is not just a service, it’s a presentation, a living example of our work. And that’s always the advice I give to new businesses:

Treat every setup as a chance to market yourself. Make it meaningful. Make it beautiful. Let your work speak for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiggleboomparty?igsh=MXNnemRkdmdmOHR2
• Other: Gmail: [email protected]