Conversations with Jaqueline Parent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaqueline Parent.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career in hospitality, working with renowned brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott, where I developed a strong foundation in service, operations, and guest experience. After graduating, I transitioned into fashion merchandising, managing international sales, merchandising, and operations for several well-known brands, including Rails, Barstool Sports, and Hurley. My work primarily focused on markets across South America, Canada, and Europe, giving me a global perspective on brand building and customer engagement.

Throughout every chapter of my career, one constant remained: my love for entertaining and bringing people together. I have hosted events both professionally and personally for years, so when the opportunity to acquire Orange County Party Rentals arose, it felt like a natural next step. Building a business that allows me to serve my local community and the greater Orange County area—while being trusted to play a role in some of life’s most meaningful celebrations—is incredibly rewarding and brings me immense joy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has certainly not been without its challenges, but each obstacle became an opportunity to learn, grow, and better prepare myself for what came next. While I gained valuable experience in the corporate world, I ultimately realized it was not where I was meant to stay, and the transition into business ownership required significant hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. I am deeply grateful for where I am today, and I remain grounded by remembering the day I arrived in the United States as an exchange student—with no job and just $1,000—motivated by ambition, resilience, and a belief in what was possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of Orange County Party Rentals, where I provide thoughtfully curated rental solutions for private, corporate, and community events. We specialize in high-quality inventory, clean and modern aesthetics, and a seamless client experience from the first inquiry through event day. We are known for our attention to detail, reliability, and our ability to support a wide range of event styles with professionalism and care.

Since taking ownership, I have been deeply focused on continuous improvement across the business. This includes renewing existing inventory, introducing new and unique rental pieces, expanding and equipping our team, and adding event services designed to create more convenience and enhance the overall client experience. Each improvement is made with the goal of better serving our clients and supporting the evolving needs of the events we are part of.

I am most proud of building a business rooted in service, trust, and community. Being entrusted to support meaningful moments—whether a milestone celebration, corporate gathering, or community event—is something I value greatly. My background in hospitality and international brand management influences how I approach the business, combining strong operational systems with a service-driven mindset.

What sets us apart is our collaborative approach. We love partnering with event planners and venues to help curate experiences and source unique rentals that align with the vision of each event. We are not simply providing rentals; we are contributing to experiences by being a reliable, thoughtful partner focused on execution, consistency, and ease for everyone involved.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I view risk as a calculated and necessary part of growth, not something to pursue recklessly, but something to approach with intention, preparation, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have taken risks when they aligned with long-term vision and values, even when the outcome was uncertain. For me, risk is less about bold leaps and more about informed decisions backed by hard work and resilience.

One of the most significant risks I took was transitioning out of the corporate world to acquire and operate my own business. While I had experience in hospitality and international brand management, owning a business came with new responsibilities, financial exposure, and personal sacrifice. It required betting on myself, learning quickly, and being willing to make difficult decisions while building systems, a team, and a reputation from the ground up.

Earlier in my journey, moving to the United States as an exchange student with limited resources was also a defining risk. That experience shaped how I think about uncertainty—it taught me that preparation, adaptability, and persistence can turn risk into opportunity.

Today, I approach risk thoughtfully. I evaluate the impact on clients, team, and operations, and I prioritize sustainable growth over short-term wins. I believe the right risks are those that push you forward while remaining grounded in discipline, values, and a clear understanding of what you are building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.ocpartyrentals.com
• Instagram: Oc_partyrentals
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/tJ4mxEatgS

Image Credits
@Tiffanyperryphotography
@maryzapatacreative