Today, we’d like to introduce you to Paola Hernandez. Paola was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Hilda Centeno.
Paola, thank you so much for joining us today. We’d love for you to bring our readers up to speed – can you introduce yourself and share your story?
I’m Paola Hernandez the founder of Pretty Fun Things. After a decade of event planning, I sought a new challenge and transformed it into a space for women’s empowerment. My goal was to unite women and provide a sanctuary where they could freely express themselves. This idea was born from my own longing for a safe haven. Despite the abundance of women empowerment initiatives, I believed I had something unique to offer and decided to take a leap of faith. From a young age, I found joy in hosting gatherings for my family, understanding the power of kindness and its profound impact on people.
My journey in empowering women began during a difficult period when I needed words of encouragement. Witnessing my daughter face bullying, I realized the importance of uplifting oneself. With some uncertainty, I organized my inaugural event, unsure if anyone would show up. To my delight, attendees bought tickets, inspiring me to continue down this empowering path.
As a mother to my cherished Sophia and Max, they stand as my pillars of strength, propelling me forward in all my endeavors. Embracing my Latina heritage, I hold my Mexican roots close to my heart, cherishing the vibrant culture that has shaped the woman I am today. I firmly believe in the untapped power within every woman to chase her dreams and spark change in the world.
Please tell us more about your brand, Pretty Fun Things
At the core of Pretty Fun Things lies my unwavering commitment to creating heartfelt experiences. Every detail I conceive is meticulously crafted to be highly sought after. My aim is for every woman who attends my events to feel deeply valued, knowing that every element has been carefully chosen just for them. I take great care in naming each event, giving a glimpse of the unique concept behind it. This personal touch adds a layer of meaning that sets my women empowerment gatherings apart. Those little details? They are essential. The women who invest their hard-earned money in these experiences deserve nothing less, and I strive to always exceed their expectations. When I say I want to deliver, I mean I want to deliver smiles. Moments of pure joy, the feeling of “wow, that was truly special.” Beyond the intricacies of the events, the true magic lies in the incredible women who grace these occasions. Their presence transforms the atmosphere, making each gathering extraordinary. Their stories are inspiring, and the diversity they bring enriches every event. In my women empowerment gatherings, I make it a point to honor women in our community who may not have a large following but possess immense heart and passion to make a difference. Recognizing and celebrating these unsung heroes is a cornerstone of my mission. If you have the ability to bring a smile to someone’s face or bring them joy, why wouldn’t you? It’s this philosophy that drives me to create memorable experiences that uplift and empower women. Recently, I introduced the PFT Social Club—a members-only community where I organize diverse and exciting social outings each month. These events shine a spotlight on different businesses while offering some much needed girlfriend time. One of the things I am most proud of is the community I am cultivating. The women I am connecting with and the positive feedback I receive from those who are part of my journey are truly uplifting. My focus is on creating a positive impact within our community.
Hilda Centeno has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Hilda and your experience with them.
Where do I even begin with Hilda? She is beyond extraordinary—a beautiful soul, one of a kind. I could go on and on, but I’ll simply say that she is an incredible photographer. The first time I met her was truly magical. Her ability to connect with you, to make you feel calm, collected, and beautiful even when you may not feel so, is remarkable. Hilda has a way of truly understanding you and creating a sense of comfort that is unparalleled. Her passion for her craft radiates through every interaction, from guiding you through poses to reminding you to take a deep breath when you’re feeling uneasy. Working with her for multiple events has been an absolute delight.
Hilda has a special talent for capturing those fleeting, precious moments that hold immense significance. The women she photographs deeply resonate with her, as she embodies the essence of women empowerment. We share similar emotions for empowering women and making a difference in their life’s by providing a safe haven for them to fully express who they truly are. We have shared tears over the phone after events, reflecting on the profound impact of the moments captured. She truly knows her craft and her dedication shines through in every image she captures. Anyone fortunate enough to be photographed by Hilda is truly lucky. She is easy to work with, incredibly flexible, and a natural with children. Speaking of kids, she is a gem when it comes to photographing them, making them feel at ease and bringing out their best selves. I could continue praising her endlessly for the magic she creates behind the lens.
Website: www.prettyfunthingsco.com
Instagram: pretty.fun.things
Other: Email: Prettyfunthingsco@gmail.com
Image Credits
Centeno Portraits
