We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Granados. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.

Hannah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Originally, back in 2017, I gained the want to begin a business, in the creative part of events. At the time, I purchased a Cricut and began trying to sell party banners, cake toppers, etc. All items being paper goods, didn’t sell for much. I wasn’t gaining clientele and it never picked up. I then began working in the corporate world. Years later, in 2023, I began selling charcuterie boards. This was how my now business, began. Sells began strong, fast. It was around Mother’s Day. While delivering a board, a client was struggling with balloons. I, at the time, didn’t know much or what I know now, of luxury balloon garlands. I did it, posted it, and I began getting questioned, “How much do you charge?” — At that time, I didn’t have pricing or much interest in balloons, but I offered friends and family, if they paid for the supplies, id attempt it. Months went by and people began inquiring more for balloons than charcuteries. That’s when the transition of type of business began. At the time, I also had a child in the hospital, so this was unintentional and more me “taking on a job” for the income. Quickly, I became obsessed with the event industry. I began catering to a variety of events, I began learning through videos new techniques, I began purchasing props and what not. Finally, just putting myself out there, and here I am. I’m very fortunate with the clientele I have, and still have a lot to learn.

Hannah , 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?

My names Hannah. I’m a mom of three. I went to school for Social and Human Services to be a social worker. Im a believer of Christ and all the good he’s done for my business. The business has always been a passion of mine. I’ve always liked creating over the top children parties for my kids, as well as for other family members. I’m known to be one to celebrate everything. I love having a good gathering! So it all just worked itself out.
My brand Completely Captivated, offers personalized event set ups. I work with high-end professional grade balloons, to create luxury balloons garlands. I also provide custom backdrops. I’m now branching into the floral aspect of events. And if you have someone to do all that and just need someone to oversee it all, I do event coordinating. Whatever I don’t offer, I work alongside other great businesses to provide the whole event experience and necessities at one affordable price.
I will make it easy for you to get ready, enjoy your event, and still obtain all of the vision you had yourself. I am a person so I know what it’s like to have to plan a party and juggle it all on my own, so here I am making it easier for you.
What clients tell me that they love about me and my business the most is my people skills. I am very upfront about the cost and I don’t sugarcoat anything, especially when it comes to hidden fees. I also treat my clients as family, so I’m very understanding when it comes to budgets and the reality of things. At the end of the day, most of these events are to celebrate someone so that’s the main goal I have at heart. I pray over each and every event I do, big or small.
There’s a lot of passion and love and faith behind this business as I give it my all. There’s no plan B. Your hard earned money becomes my hard earned money and there’s no one I appreciate more than my clients and those who support my business. And I know, and let others know often, I still have a lot to learn, but I promise to always give you my best.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

About a year ago, I was still new to the industry and starting off. I had come across a community event organization, called Unidos Community Events. At the time I was still learning the industry a lot and still finding ways to gain clientele. I knew this event was well known with families, such as my own. This was a place where ones came out to enjoy their time and a great environment and it was very small business driven. I had just reached out to them and put myself out there, offering my services, and they accepted. This was a shocker for me. I have been working with them and their events for a year. I travel to different cities, for different markets, offering event photo ops and entry way decor. Unidos Community Events has not only been a blessing to myself, but to other small businesses, giving everyone the opportunity to showcase their work and their potential. I’ve also been featured on KTLA with this event organization. Again, I myself and other small businesses, have been blessed by Stacey and Jay, the owners of this organization, for giving everyone an opportunity and advocating for small businesses, while giving families a place to enjoy themselves, shop, listen to live music, dance, play, and so much more!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always been raised on kindness, to give whatever you have and expect nothing in return. So when I came into this business, my heart truly was to help people enjoy their time. At the time I had a child in the hospital when my business was first growing fast. I didn’t really stop and think of myself and all the work I was doing, with no pay, while being away from my kid(s). It became to take a toll physically, and financially. With most businesses at first, you have to spend money to make money. Which I was doing by giving my own money to buy clients their event decor and never holding them accountable to pay my pricing. This has led me to do at least 40% of my work for free while being in this business. I really had to set boundaries between myself and clients, create policy and contracts, to get paid properly. Professional event is a luxury and isn’t for everyone. As much as I try to keep it affordable in this industry and keep my prices the best among my competitors, theres still a cost to it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/completelycaptivated
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Completely-Captivated-Company/100083077664779/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: instagram.com/floristabycc