Community Highlights: Meet Lateisha Farmer-Kollee of Private Parties LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lateisha Farmer-Kollee.

Hi Lateisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My motivation for building Private Parties LA comes from my own life story. I spent much of my childhood in foster care and was emancipated at just 15 years old. Growing up, life was often filled with uncertainty, but one thing that always brought me joy was creating moments of celebration. Planning parties gave me something positive to focus on and reminded me that even during difficult times, people deserve moments of happiness and connection. I started by planning celebrations for friends and family using whatever budget they had. I became known for making every dollar stretch by thinking creatively, finding affordable solutions, and transforming ordinary spaces into memorable experiences. Those early experiences taught me that meaningful celebrations aren’t defined by how much money you spend — they’re created through thoughtfulness, creativity, and genuine care. Today, Private Parties LA has grown into a business that plans, manages, and coordinates luxury events and curated experiences. I’m expanding out of California, and Ms. Shirley’s Celebrity Birthday Party in Atlanta got me additional recognition.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I built this business while working a full-time job, running other ventures, and raising a family — a college-age daughter and young twin boys — so time is my scarcest resource. I’ve had to learn everything as I go: systems, marketing, pricing, and how to deliver a luxury-level experience as a small team. Doing so much of it on my own taught me discipline and resourcefulness, and it’s exactly why I built Private Parties LA the way I did — so my clients don’t have to carry that stress when it’s their turn to celebrate.

As you know, we’re big fans of Private Parties LA. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Private Parties LA is a full-service event planning and curated experience company. We plan and style birthdays (every age — not just milestones), bachelorette parties, baby showers, bridal showers, girls’ nights, divorce parties, and postpartum glow-ups across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. We’re known for our charcuterie and catering, beautiful styling, and making the whole experience effortless for the host. What sets us apart is that it’s all in one place — planning, food, and décor — with elevated add-ons available like glam, photoshoots, flower bars, dessert stations, spa experiences, and karaoke. What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that our clients get to be guests at their own parties.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with us is to book your date early — reach out through privatepartiesla.com or @privatepartiesla on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. We also love collaborating: we partner with local venues, nonprofits, and community organizations on events that give back, including girls’ mentorship celebrations and charity benefits. If you’re a venue, a brand, or a fellow small business, my inbox is open.

Pricing:

• Custom packages tailored to each event — contact us for a consultation and quote.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://privatepartiesla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/privatepartiesla
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577473920776
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lateisha-farmer-kollee-473510282