Things are not always what they appear to be.
So often it seems that life is a game of random chance. Perhaps, but you are forever grateful when you or someone you love happens to be in the right place at the right time, random or otherwise?
Don”t Dismiss Ordinary or Even Disappointing Encounters
That which simply seems ordinary or even a disappointing encounter may well be the trigger for dynamic change or that prayed for new direction.
Early in my marriage, I was a career woman, working in fashion retail and highly motivated to succeed.
My husband was building a career in the housing industry and became a prominent executive. It was smooth sailing into tomorrow against an endless blue sky.
Take Nothing for Granted
We hadn’t started a family yet, although we were trying, and trying, but were otherwise doing well. It seemed like this comfortable life would stretch out forever.
We finally began having kids after what seemed like an endless journey through the world of fertility clinics. That’s when my 9-5 career aspirations began to sharply taper off. By the time kid number three came along, (quite unexpectedly, believe it or not) my motivation and reasons for working bore no resemblance to how it was before.
That’s when my 9-5 career aspirations began to sharply taper off. By the time kid number three came along, (quite unexpectedly, believe it or not) my motivation and reasons for working bore no resemblance to how it was before.
Changing Motivations
By the time kid number three came along, (quite unexpectedly, believe it or not) my motivation and reasons for working bore no resemblance to how it was before.
Life now was hook line and sinker involvement with the kids. While taking part-time work at home or few days in an office, it was a no-brainer I needed to pursue something home based or a business that fit my busy schedule.
Although we were still good financially, I needed to go back to work and help out. The fact that my husband was in a volatile industry in an uncertain economy at best, put the exclamation point on the obvious: that I should find something to supplement our finances.
An Expensive Clown Changed my Life
On our daughter Sean’s 3rd birthday we had a party with a clown in the backyard on a Saturday afternoon. I can still see her little face buried in her hands sadly watching his uninspired act.
It could have been that brief moment when the light went on for me.
I liked party planning and I could do better than this. So not long after I began to take the idea seriously and quietly looking into birthday party businesses. Wouldn’t that be the best idea ever?
I enjoyed kids, to say the least, and part time on the weekends would keep me a full-time mom.
Brilliant.
The more I thought about it and did some research, I steadily eliminated whatever doubts I had about succeeding in business.
The pieces of the puzzle to bring in extra money while staying available for the kids were falling into place nicely.
Line up Your Ducks
Once I had my ducks in a row, with concept ideas and rough numbers, I approached my husband with it. I figured he would at least listen.
Luckily for all of us, he did more than that.
Once I explained that I wanted to go into a weekend Children’s Princess Tea Party business, how I saw it working and what it would take, I was surprised by his reaction. He thought Tt was a natural because everyone knew little girls loved playing princesses.
Just Go Ahead
So on that, and other careful consideration, we decided to go ahead.
It proves that some ideas are just good and you don’t have to overthink or oversell things in order to get people on board.
We approached the new business for what it was, a modest side business second income opportunity that allowed me to be a full-time mom while dodging the cost and uncertainty of outside child care.
Luck or a Stroke of Genius?
Who cares?
Little did we know what a crucial decision we were making and how significantly it would impact our lives years down the road.
I became a mompreneur about a year after hatching the idea as Lisa Rose in honor of my mom.
Once the word got out, it took off, becoming self-sustaining and returning our investment about 18 months later.
What an Exciting Time to be Alive
Not to be overlooked is the fact I was having a great time. Whenever our friends asked about how our jobs were going, my husband always said: “Lisa has the happy job!”
The business grew and became an institution of sorts in the community.
Then we became a casualty of the times. After 13 years, economic conditions brought my husband’s consulting firm to a halt. We had 3 kids in college. You can imagine the widespread panic that monstrous expense would unleash.
After 13 years, economic turmoil brought my husband’s consulting firm to a halt.
We had 3 kids in college
You can’t imagine the widespread panic those monstrous expenses unleashed.
With his firm closed, and no income coming from it, anxiety showed up like clockwork and was downright scary.
It could have been a disaster but wasn’t. Why?
Because my business saved us. It had quietly become the place more than 5,000 little princesses and counting had had their birthday parties and didn’t seem to care much about hard economic times.
Financial stability at a crucial time The kids scaled way back on the carefree college fun which was a blessing in and of itself but glided through without a penny of debt staring at them.
The kids scaled way back on the college as a reward for graduating high school fun which was a blessing in and of itself.
Best of all, they glided through without a penny of debt staring at them.
It prevented what could have been a long drop from a high place.
I can say from the heart that the business saved us.
Who knows if that clown going through the motions and that look of disapproval sparked my imagination, but we’ll credit them all the same.
You might be looking to make a smart business decision. It was the best one we ever made. It could be right for you!
The Princess Tea Party business is fun, flexible, and lucrative. Now, with nearly 20 years of experience, I am helping other women achieve the same joy and satisfaction I have experienced by offering my “Business in a Box.” It is the exact road map I followed to start and operate a successful business made easy for those interested in the business for themselves. No prior business experience is necessary, and no franchise fees.
Lisa Zakar is a wife and mother of 3. She is the owner of Lisa Rose, a popular Princess Tea Party venue. She has a 17-year track record in the Princess Tea Party business. Lisa had a 10-year history in higher end retail with Nordstrom before launching her business. Lisa Rose is an award winning party venue with Best of Honolulu/children’s parties/Honolulu Magazine, and, Winner of Best Children’s Parties/Island Parent Magazine. Lisa has locations in Honolulu.
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