Can you tell our readers about your background?

I’m a perpetual optimist that loves marketing and entertaining.  I spent 10 years in corporate marketing working on large brands like Coors Light and Dyson.  Three and a half years ago, I started my own business called Girl Meets Party to share inspiration for events, interiors and motherhood.  As my social media following grew so did a demand for social media & brand consulting.  Fast forward to present day and I’ve taken my business full time working in social media consulting, side hustle coaching and branded event planning.

What inspired you to start your business?

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs.  My great grandfather started one of the first supermarkets in Little Italy in Chicago.  My grandpa was an entrepreneur.  My mom is an entrepreneur. It’s definitely in my blood.  I always knew I wanted to start a business but I wasn’t sure what I wanted my product or service to be. 

After getting married and hosting countless events, I launched Girl Meets Party to bring my event expertise to life. 

Where is your business based?

Chicago, IL

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Most literally, I started a blog.  I purchased a logo on Etsy, started my social media accounts and began posting.  It was always important to me to treat my business with professionalism so I also filed all appropriate paperwork. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Collaborating with brands, bloggers and influencers in an authentic way.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge continues to be where to spend my time.  As a new mom and an entrepreneur, the saying, ‘there are not enough hours in the day’ rings too true.  I’m always balancing when to market my business, when to tackle my current workload and when to pitch new business or answer inquiries. 

 How do you stay focused?

 I’m diligent with annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly goals.  Without outlining my top 3 for the week, I find that my to-do list piles and I get overwhelmed.  Being focused on goals helps me to achieve what I need in the short and long term.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I focus on what’s true to me.  As an influencer, it’s easy to get caught up with what other people are doing.  However, I find that when I think about 1) what’s important to me 2) why do people follow me and 3) what are high level market trends, I do best.

 What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

When I was new, the best tool was sending out personalized stationery I created to influencers.  I was able to authentically introduce myself and they posted it on their social pages, which helped me to quickly grow my following.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

 Jump in when you’re 75% there.  If you wait until it’s perfect, you’ll never launch.  It’s why I started coaching people with side hustles who are looking to go full-time.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

 I love ‘How I built this’ when it comes to podcasts. 

 What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

 Planoly is my favorite business tool because it allows me to build out my Instagram content in advance.  I tend to use it to help me with content planning, too!

 Who is your business role model? Why?

 Martha Stewart.  She launched a catering business, grew into cookbooks and designed a full empire.  She’s talented and a smart business woman.

 What do you have planned for the next six months?

 Personally, we’re trying to find our future home.  Professionally, I’m working towards finishing my year in September so I can focus on strategy the back half of the year. 

 How can our readers connect with you?

I love to connect on Instagram through @girlmeetsparty or my blog (www.girlmeetsparty.com).  Readers can also reach me directly at hello@girlmeetsparty.com for side hustle coaching or other advice.