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

Zenobia, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I left my position as an elementary classroom teacher after 12 years to become a full-time stay at home mom. After having my third child, I was craving a creative outlet.

Ever since I was young, I loved any opportunity to celebrate and bring people together. 2020 came and didn’t allow us to gather and celebrate as much (sure, there were plenty of virtual celebrations). Navigating life in a post-shutdown world was and still is tricky. I curated my party packages knowing clients would want to keep events intimate, yet memorable. My luxury picnics, tea parties and sleepovers for young and old do just that without missing any details.

Zenobia, 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?

Born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, I am the daughter of immigrants. My parents left their native India in the late 70s to pursue the American dream. I graduated Illinois State University with a degree in Elementary Education and taught for 12 years before leaving the classroom to become a stay at home mother to my 3 daughters.

I have always loved entertaining, decorating, celebrating (everything) and bringing people together. I began planning and styling evenings for friends and family as a hobby and absolutely loved it. I took the leap of faith post shut down and launched my small business in the fall of 2021.

My event planning services include luxury picnics, tea parties and sleepovers for both young and old. I love that I can bring elevated experiences to the comfort of a client’s home. There is a lot of hustle and heart behind each event to make every client’s vision a reality.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I honestly created my account to have a place to share my events and party ideas (an online photo diary if you will). I started posting more frequently and before I knew it, I grew from 40 followers to almost 1K. My advice to anyone is to be authentic and “stay the course.”

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes! I had to pivot when I left the classroom to become a full-time stay at home mom. As my girls grew older and a little more independent, I longed for a creative outlet that would allow me to utilize my strengths of organization and love of details. Two years later, I launched my small business. Even as a small business owner, I find myself pivoting from small events towards full service event planner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lyfe-oftheparty.com
• Instagram: @lyfe_oftheparty
• Facebook: Lyfe of the Party

Image Credits
Photo of Zenobia Bhanpuri by Becca Lentz of B and B photography