Hidden Gems: Meet Julissa Rivas of Behind Doors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julissa Rivas.

Hi Julissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in 2014 with my family with so many dreams and hopes. My very first job, I worked as a babysitter with different loving families. I did it for seven years. However, it did not feel like this profession fulfilled my dreams. In 2020, I decided to follow my dreams, and I realized I wanted to follow my passion for interior, event and floral and picnic design. I wanted to become my own designer and I had this vision of being an event designer. My husband, Tito, made me realize I needed to follow my talent and my dreams. With his help, I decided to quit my job to start from zero. My entire life I dreamed of having my own brand even though in El Salvador I went to school to become a Doctor (studied five years halfway there). Behind Doors is a representation of myself, my journey and my curiosity of starting something new.

To think how I got to where I am today, it is a like a chain. I started offering clients luxury picnics while we were still isolating from others in 2021, and then I started thinking to expand my designs and go further. Additionally, another of my passions I discovered through this journey was florals… Now, I am also the floral designer of my events.
The amount of support I got from many other small businesses kept inspiring me. I am happy to call those now friends who kept referring me for multiple events. In 1 year in business, I have designed, planned and coordinated different events for brands, couples, bridal showers, weddings and proposals.

Behind Doors not only offers luxury picnics but now we plan, design and coordinate different events. As well as flower arrangements.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been smooth and at the same time, there have been some challenges. I feared along this journey and even way before that, the fact that I did not feel capable of speaking another language, English. The language barrier at first was very challenging, however, I still push myself and I am so grateful with my clients for supporting along the way of this journey.

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?
Behind Doors not only offers luxury picnics but now we plan, design and coordinate different events. As well as flower arrangements.

Behind Doors is woman/minority/Salvadoran-owned.

I am very proud of what I have accomplished through Behind Doors. My most favorite element so far is take my imagination into reality such as displaying my own florals in different events I have coordinated and planned.

What matters most to you? Why?
To what matters in my small business is to create a connection with others, within the community, within the client, taking their visualization into reality from small to big and beautiful scales; making sure everyone has a memorable experience from the beginning to end. Behind Doors is more than planning, it is an experience fulfilled with happiness and unforgettable memories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Behinddoors9