Hidden Gems: Meet Araceli of OC Venues By Cheli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Araceli.

Hi Araceli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After my husband, Oscar Castillo, passed away following a two-year battle with cancer, I found myself searching for ways to occupy my time in a more meaningful and productive way. It was an incredibly difficult period in my life, and I needed something that would help me move forward while still processing everything I had been through. At the time, I had been a school teacher at The Discovery Prep School, a role I truly loved and one that gave me so many meaningful connections and opportunities, but I also felt that I was ready for a change in pace. I started organizing small events for family and close friends, just as a way to stay busy and bring people together. What began as something simple and personal slowly turned into something I became deeply passionate about. As I continued to plan more events, I realized how much I enjoyed the process, the creativity, the problem-solving, and seeing everything come together. With time, my events became more polished, and word of mouth naturally began to spread. More people started reaching out, and I began to see the real potential for this to grow into something more. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been my family. This is truly a family-run business, and I owe so much of what I’ve built to their support, hard work, and belief in me. They’ve been by my side every step of the way, helping during events and pushing me forward even when things felt uncertain. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate over 150 events across Orange County, and I’m incredibly grateful for how far this journey has come and where it’s headed next.

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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges early on was learning how to manage large-scale events, especially those with 200+ guests. There are so many moving parts, such as timelines, vendors, setup, coordination, and in the beginning, it could feel overwhelming trying to keep everything running smoothly. On top of that, I didn’t come from a business background, so there was a steep learning curve when it came to things like pricing, client communication, and overall organization. A lot of what I know now came from hands-on experience, trial and error, and learning as I went. There were definitely moments where I doubted myself and questioned if I was truly ready for this. But those challenges ended up shaping me in the best way. Each event taught me something new and helped me grow more confident in my abilities. Over time, I became more organized, more efficient, and more comfortable taking on larger events. Looking back, I’m grateful for those early struggles because they pushed me to improve and helped me build the foundation for the business I have today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At OC Venues By Cheli, we focus on creating personalized, detail-driven events that feel seamless and memorable. We work on everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, and our goal is always to take the stress off our clients so they can truly enjoy their special moments. From the early planning stages to the final execution, we handle every detail and aspect of an event with care. What makes our business truly special is that it’s built on family. This isn’t just my work, it’s something my family has been a part of from the very beginning. They’ve supported me, worked alongside me at events, and helped bring each vision to life. Because of that, every event we take on is approached with a level of care, dedication, and teamwork that goes beyond just business; it’s personal to us. We specialize in creating events that feel intentional and unique to each client. I take the time to understand what they want and make sure every detail reflects that. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and the genuine care we put into every event. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Much of our growth has come from word of mouth, which means everything to me. When people recommend us, it shows they felt the care and effort we put in. More than anything, I want people to know that when they work with OC Venues by Cheli, they’re not just hiring a planner; they’re working with a family that truly cares about making their event special.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to anyone just starting out is to build and lean on a strong support system. For me, that was my family. This business wouldn’t be what it is today without their encouragement, hard work, and willingness to step in and help when I needed it most. Having people who believe in you, especially during the uncertain moments, makes all the difference. I would also encourage people to start small and not feel like everything has to be perfect right away. Some of my first events were for family and close friends, and those experiences were so important in helping me learn, build confidence, and grow over time. Every event, no matter how small, teaches you something valuable. Something I wish I knew earlier is that it’s okay to learn as you go. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Growth comes from experience, and mistakes are part of the process. If you stay consistent, keep improving, and surround yourself with the right people, things will come together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocvenuesbycheli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/OC-Venues-by-Cheli-61574010647782/
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/oc-venues-by-cheli-orange