Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Napper.
Hi Jamie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Gardena, CA. After graduating from CSU Dominguez Hills with my Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential, I taught at the high school level for about two years. During that time, I felt like I was doing a great job with my students but ultimately felt unfulfilled in terms of my work/life balance. After leaving teaching, I worked a regular 9-5 office job with the hopes that having something seemingly less demanding would allow me to have time to do the things I wanted to do like travel and cosplay (yes, I’m a proud nerd that dresses up and goes to conventions). I slowly began to realize that while the industry was different, the stress and demand still existed. I didn’t want to stay in that environment but, at the time, couldn’t figure out what else I wanted to do. So I just stayed there for five years–then the pandemic hit.
As bad as that time was, it really allowed me the time and space to reflect on what I needed in terms of balance and joy. I’ve always been a creative person and started researching industries that would allow me to express that creativity. I landed on event planning and was almost set to dive right in. But then, balloon garlands started showing up in my social media feed. At first, I wasn’t interested in doing them at all but decided I would learn as a backup plan. I tried making my first balloon garland and fell in love with it. From then on I kept practicing and educating myself on the industry until Ms. Moment Maker was officially “born” in November 2021. Since then, I have been working hard to build my business while still working my regular job. Come this Summer (2022), I’ll officially be leaving my 9-5 and working full-time to make amazing moments for people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a bumpy road! But nothing worth having ever comes easy, right? Business started off extremely slow. I had to learn how to navigate in this industry and learn to have a CEO mindset. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but for the most part, things have been great. Going from working for someone else to being self-employed is both exhilarating and terrifying. I’ve learned how important it is to network and make connections with your fellow vendors. There are so many amazing artists in this industry, but there’s room for everyone to grow and succeed. I think the key to success is not to stand in your own way. Things won’t always run smoothly, but you can learn and grow from every opportunity. I’m so grateful for this journey and I’m truly looking forward to everything that will come with it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ms. Moment Maker?
The name of my business is Ms. Moment Maker. I’m a balloon stylist that specializes in balloon garlands and backdrops for all events. Through Ms. Moment Maker, my ultimate goal is to provide clients with stellar service to help create amazing moments and experiences for them and their guests. I pride myself on my ability to take an idea and transform it into something that is far better than what my clients imagined it would be. I always go above and beyond the task that I’m given. With so much going on in the world, I want to be able to provide people with a little bit of happiness. Something to make their day a little better. I named my business “Ms. Moment Maker” because that’s what I do. I make amazing moments that people can enjoy and look back on.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that there are so many talented and inspiring people and businesses here. There’s so much creativity and beauty within our local small businesses and I feel that our citizens do their best to support and highlight us as much as possible. I don’t like that having a proper work/life balance isn’t something that’s promoted by a lot of jobs/corporations here. Yes, everyone has their responsibilities that they have to take care of (that’s just a part of adulting), but it really is unfortunate that just the idea of taking time off or to yourself is frowned upon by people in managerial or higher positions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msmomentmaker.com/
- Instagram: msmomentmaker
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ms-moment-maker-gardena
Image Credits
Headshot Photo Credit: Jae Moments
