Rising Stars: Meet Andrea Herrera of Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Herrera.

Hi Andrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wishing Moments started as an idea my sister and I carried for years without fully realizing it. My sister has a strong background in child development, and she always talked about creating experiences that supported the way children grow, imagine, and connect. I’ve spent my career in leadership and service, and I’ve always been drawn to creating environments where people feel cared for, supported, and seen.

Over time, we found ourselves helping friends and family with their children’s celebrations birthdays, baptisms, small gatherings and we noticed how much joy it brought us to plan something meaningful while taking the stress off the parents. Those moments grew into a vision: what if we created a company that blended creativity, childhood development, and intentional design so families could simply show up and enjoy their day?

That vision became Wishing Moments.

We started with a few rentals and small events, but our heart has always stayed the same: to create thoughtful, elevated celebrations that honor children, support parents, and leave families with memories they’ll talk about for years. Today, we’re continuing to grow our brand, build community with other vendors, and pour our love for design and family moments into every event we take on.

Wishing Moments is still young, but it’s built on years of passion, faith, and the belief that joy deserves to be celebrated.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been meaningful, but definitely not smooth. Like many small businesses, especially in the event world, we’ve faced our share of challenges. One of the biggest has been building a brand while still working full-time and balancing family responsibilities. Every decision requires intention, planning, and sacrifice, and we’ve learned to grow in small, steady steps rather than rush the process.

Another challenge has been learning the behind the scenes side of a creative business pricing, logistics, vendor relationships, sourcing quality materials, and navigating the normal learning curve that comes with doing something for the first time. There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but each challenge pushed us to refine our systems, trust our vision, and remember why we started.

We’ve also had to build our confidence. Putting your work out there, especially in a creative field, can feel vulnerable. But every family we’ve served and every event we’ve completed has reminded us that this is exactly where we’re meant to be.

The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. Every struggle has shaped Wishing Moments into a more thoughtful, intentional, and grounded brand and we’re stronger because of it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In Wishing Moments, my work lives at the intersection of creativity, child development, and meaningful celebration. I specialize in designing elevated children’s events that feel magical, thoughtful, and personal. Our style blends playful imagination with clean, intentional design. We focus on everything from balloon art and themed installations to curated rentals and immersive styling that brings a child’s vision to life.

What I’m known for is the heart behind the work. Every event is created with the child’s stage of development in mind their emotions, their attention, what helps them feel seen and celebrated. That perspective allows us to design experiences that are not only beautiful but also supportive and age appropriate. Parents often tell us that the experience feels polished, warm, and stress-free, which is exactly our goal.

I’m most proud of the way our events make families feel. Seeing a parent take a deep breath because the details are handled, or watching a child light up when they see their space transformed those moments matter to me. And as a newer business, I’m proud of how quickly we’ve built trust and connection in our community.

What sets Wishing Moments apart is our intentionality. We don’t just decorate we create experiences rooted in joy, childhood wonder, family connection, and thoughtful design. Every detail has purpose, and every event reflects the heart of the family we’re serving.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me and Wishing Moments is that I didn’t come from a traditional creative or event planning background. Most people assume I’ve always worked in design, but the truth is my professional life has been rooted in child development, service, and connecting with others. Those skills shaped the way I create experiences now with intentionality, emotional awareness, and a real focus on how families feel during their celebration.

Another thing people are surprised by is how deeply personal this work is to me. Behind every event, there’s a lot of heart, prayer, and thought about the child we’re celebrating. It’s not just décor or aesthetics it’s creating a moment that helps families slow down, feel connected, and make memories they’ll hold onto long after the party ends.

And maybe the biggest surprise is that Wishing Moments started quietly, with small acts of love for friends and family. It wasn’t planned it grew from passion, faith, and a desire to bring joy to others. Most people don’t realize how much of the brand was built in between work schedules, late nights, and weekends, fueled by the belief that creating beautiful moments can make a real impact.

Pricing:

• Luxury Balloon Installations: Starting at $38–$45 per foot
• Signature Backdrop + Styling Packages: Starting at $525
• Full-Service Event Design + Installation: Most clients invest between $850–$2,500,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wishingmoments.hbportal.co/public/inquiry/1-Inquiry_form
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishing_moments
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553342156426
• Yelp: https://share.google/ZGovSHYw4RRjCX3dD