Life and Work with DeAndra Crismon

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAndra Crismon.

DeAndra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the event industry as a wedding planner at the age of 24. I truly enjoyed planning events but I felt like there was something missing creatively, which made me reevaluate my career choice. I then decided I wanted to design events so I started Party Shop Avenue! We started with selling modern party supplies and then it turned into full balloon service business within a year. We try to make all of our designs creative and unique to all of our clients. Party Shop Avenue has a unique reputation and our designs are whimsy and out of this world. Our goal is to make sure every event we design is a show stopper.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have had many ups and downs with my business but I wouldn’t change anything about my journey. We started in 2017 and it was slow, I didn’t have any sells or inquires and I began to second guess myself. Then I reached out to an event planner friend and asked if I could sponsor one of her large events. Once I was given the opportunity, I wanted to really WOW the client, which we did. I would say after a couple of months we begin to see inquires and sells just from getting exposure at this specific event. I would have to say 2018 was a great year for us, we did have our slow moments but I always kept my faith in my work and everything I did.

I would suggest to other women who are trying to start their own business – don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have the resources use them to your advantage and never give up. We have people all around us who say we can’t do something in the fear of failure. We have to fail in order to succeed. Just get out there and do it! Also, if you give a little you will receive it back in 10-fold, TRUST ME!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Party Shop Avenue – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a luxury balloon design company based in “The Valley” aka Los Angeles. Our designs are very unique and eye catching to all who encounter them. We specialize in balloon styling called Organic Balloon Installations, which is completely different from your balloon company next door. Our installations consist of varies sizes and free flowing shapes to make a dramatic effect. We truly take our time to make sure our designs are to the clients liking from color to shape and size. We also love working with big brands and social events to create fun chic designs that stand out from the rest. Party Shop Avenue is all about trendsetting and creating fresh new designs that last a lifetime.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I would suggest reaching out to different entrepreneurs in your field to ask them some questions about the field. Please don’t go too deep as we need to keep some secrets under our belt. I have a lot of friends in the industry and I ask them questions and vice versa. Also, in Glendale they have a program called SCORE, I’ve used them multiple times to get help and guidance. I believe you can find a mentor anywhere if you just start asking questions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.partyshopavenue.com
• Phone: 8188498372
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: partyshopavenue
• Facebook: partyshopavenue
• Twitter: partyshopavenue

Image Credit:
Voltaire & Makes Vindua
Felicia Lasala
Sam Lim Studio
Jessica Sprowitz
The Big Affair

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