Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Rojano.
Hi Nancy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Geez where do I even start! I was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. I am a first generation Mexican-American. My family is from Puebla, Mexico. My earliest memories are of my family being migrant workers, we lived in a migrant camp and would go to Mexico every year for the winter. To this day they are the hardest working people I have ever met in my life. They are not afraid of hard work, not a single lazy or scared bone in their body. They have always been ready to risk it all for their shot of making it. I inherited that from them.
One year my Mom and Dad stopped going to Mexico for the winter. I was in third grade so I do not remember details, but I knew that they had started their own business, a Mexican grocery store, called Santa Fe Supermarket. I did not know it then but that store was my first taste of entrepreneurship and it would shape the way I see the world.
My parents always helped everyone they could. Especially people that had just gotten to the states from Mexico. They both had CEO mindsets and knew that they could not build an empire on their own. They are what you would call “jack of all trades”. The supermarket did a little bit of everything: meat market, produce, grocery, bakery, restaurant, money transfers, cashed checks, jewelry store, accessories. My parents would train people and those people would manage the business. It was a beautiful system I always admired. They taught me to always treat employees with kindness and respect, I will always admire that about them and today that is one of my business core values.
As I build my business I follow in their footsteps. I consider myself multi-passionate or a “jack of all trades”, just like them. For 3 years I have been trying to find what space I fall into. I’ve done photography, rentals, crafting, cooking, videography, you name it, I’ve done it. Then I realized that I will never live for just one thing. I am a creative, stylist, designer and I have a knack for seeing the gifts others were blessed with.
When I was a kid I was obsessed with stickers, scrapbooking paper and any office supplies I could get my hands on (like literally even the stapler). What did I want to be when I grew up? A professional Scrapbooker, duh. If I could have gotten paid to rank markers and pens from 0 -10 that’s what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. Today, I’m obsessed with more than scrapbooking supplies. I love backdrops, props, balloons, florals, ribbons, all different colored table linens, patterns and decor and everything else I can use to design and style any space.
It’s mind-blowing how all of this connects back to what I do today. I wanted to be a professional scrapbooker and now I create vision boards and Mock ups as part of my day to day.
I have always wanted to help people and even though I have an eye for everything, I love communicating those ideas to other professionals that help me bring my ideas to life.I have many passions but what brings me the most fulfillment is helping fellow creatives see their magic, embrace it and begin their own journey pursuing their dreams of starting their own business doing what they love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur’s journey is easy, and mine is no exception. Realizing that I am not able to accomplish my ambitious goals on my own and therefore seeking help has been my biggest struggle and my greatest breakthrough.
Working in the event industry forces you to get extremely resourceful. A huge challenge has been planning and coordinating events in Michigan while I am in Houston. I have had to reach out to family and friends for help with events. Many of my past students now have successful balloon decor businesses and they are who I now hire to do balloon installations. The part of my business I am most proud of is hiring my past students and working with them on amazing projects.
In the beginning perfectionism was a huge problem. I had constant anxiety about events because I would think about every worst case scenario. Trusting new vendors also added to my anxiety. I have learned to trust the process and most importantly my team. My biggest struggle has been putting my faith in other people, trusting new businesses, and giving them the opportunity to showcase their work. This was a struggle for me because I am a recovering perfectionist and like to be in total control.
Although SugarPlum Event Co is based in Houston, Texas, I have made it a point to establish roots in my home state of Michigan. It is where all my friends and family are and it is important for me to serve and help as many people as I can in my home state.
As you know, we’re big fans of SugarPlum Event Co. . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
SugarPlum Event Co. offers Event Planning, Event Styling services, and business coaching. We specialize in Over-the-Top Balloon Installations and online balloon classes.
What sets us apart is that we value working with the underdogs in the event industry, the up and coming talent. Nancy seeks out new talent through her business and balloon coaching classes both in Michigan and in Texas, motivates them to start their own business and then SugarPlum Event Co. becomes their first client.
This model helps new creatives gain traction and gives clients creative, never before seen event designs. We are excited about working with new, passionate businesses that bring fresh and new ideas.
SugarPlum Event Co. LOVES balloons and all things style and design. But, our passion is helping others start and grow their own business. In turn that helps us and our clients create magical, never before events!
For us the goal is collaboration; helping each other win one event at a time.
We service West Michigan and the Greater Houston area.
For Balloon Classes and Business Coaching we offer in person and virtual classes.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
West Michigan and Houston, Texas are like night and day. Holland, Michigan is a relatively small town, everyone knows everyone type deal. When I started teaching balloons, few businesses were specializing in balloon decor and nobody was doing it at a high level but the trend quickly caught on. Houston on the other hand, it seems like everyone is doing event decor and balloon decor. What I love about living in a big city is that there is room for everyone. As long as you are true to yourself, you will find your people. There is always room for everyone.
Pricing:
- $30 per foot of garland (starting price)
- $300 Virtual Ballon Class
- $500 In Person Masterclass
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@sugarplumeventco.com
- Website: sugarplumeventco.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sugarplumeventco
- Facebook: Facebook.com/sugarplumeventco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugarplum-event-houston
Image Credits
Sok Studios LLC
