We were lucky to catch up with Grisell Careaga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Grisell , appreciate you joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Doing all the scary things…

It was never an original idea but it was one that I felt deep in my heart, “Acceptance”. I, and those like me, wanted to feel accepted and be accepting of all love, the more unique, the more different, the weirder the better. That was it, it was as simple as embracing and celebrating everything outside of the traditional spectrum of events. Something I’ve been dreaming about since I saw Jennifer Lopez star in the movie “The Wedding Planner”. I decided I would be her, who I saw, a strong Hispanic Woman that was creative, intelligent, and hard-working! (I’m aware she was Italian in the movie, but at the time, my young naive brain always associated the role with a Hispanic!) Regardless, the idea of being like her was inspiring and would set me on my quest to graduate from Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor’s degree in Event, Travel, & Hospitality Management, and then starting my business. The transition required a lot of maturity and discipline, beyond my experience working a 40-hour-a-week job, and it was very eye-opening. Business ownership has a learning curve and isn’t as intuitive as I thought. Once I move passed those initial obstacles, though, I could focus on the more important aspects of my business, such as marketing, booking clients, and networking in the industry to spread the word that I’m here to make a splash!

Grisell , 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?

It’s because we’re MAD about you, specifically your love! We offer Full-Service Planning, Partial Planning, Event Coordination/Management, Fresh Floral Design, Decor, & Specialty Rentals, along with so many other services!

Think of us as the ultimate personalized concierge-style assistant from start to finish! Enjoy the moments leading up to your wedding day and provide your guests with a memorable and immersive experience. Imagine ending the night with a fast food run, incorporating an animal, or orchestrating multiple live performances just to name a few… we are all about it and can make it happen!

ODD, Moody, Colorful, & Whimsical vibes are my jam! We’ll help you dream, let us narrow down your decor vision, curate the special details, and execute the experience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it has to be the ability to always have a reason, an excuse to be creative, to get away with losing yourself in a dreamland of colors, shapes, and tiny details, forever brainstorming combinations, and exploring the possibilities!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Building meaningful and purposeful relationships and connections in the industry. It’s all about finding your people! (businesses that share your branding and target market) Standing out and being true to your brand is everything!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madoddities.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/madoddevents
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MadOddEvents
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCv5CIt5fnliRNAC0X_D4saw
• Other: www.pinterest.com/MadOddities

Image Credits
@nickandlaurenphotos, @jennifernicolephotoandfilms, @twisted.pixels.photography, @melodyandharmonyphotography, @jasmineyabphoto