Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Tafoya.
Hi Teresa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember — not just in business, but in life. My journey began with a deep calling to serve others, which led me to minister to incarcerated women at our local jail, offering faith-based encouragement and hope. That experience shaped my belief that true success isn’t just about building businesses — it’s about serving people. Today I own and operate two thriving companies that might not fit the “typical” mold for a single woman. Funtastic Inflatables, my large-scale inflatable and party rental business, serves everyone from families celebrating backyard birthdays to cities hosting massive community events. I negotiate contracts, oversee operations, and lead my team in delivering unforgettable experiences that bring people together. My second company, The Fizzy Mitten is a mobile drink service specializing in non-alcoholic, custom crafted dirty sodas serving intimate private events, to large county fairs and farmers markets. We provide a unique and engaging beverage experience that truly elevates any occasion.
Beyond business, I founded Community Enrichment Corporation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to creating real, measurable change in underserved communities. Our mission is to uplift families, revitalize neighborhoods, and empower youth through targeted programs in mental health, education, food access, cleanup efforts, and personal development.
We believe every person deserves the chance to thrive regardless of background or circumstances, which is why we focus on action. We’ve sponsored inner-city children in sports and education programs they otherwise couldn’t afford, organized large-scale cleanup and beautification projects that restored pride to neighborhoods, and created youth team-building events that give young people a safe place to belong and grow. We’ve seen firsthand how access to a mentor, a meal, or even a community event can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
Our approach is simple but powerful: meet people where they are, serve with dignity, and provide tools that help them heal, grow, and succeed. Community Enrichment creates lasting change — one life, one block, one breakthrough at a time. Along the way, I’ve been blessed with unique opportunities, like being crowned Mrs. Michigan 2011 and representing our state at Mrs. America, where I placed in the Top 10. I am also a model and brand ambassador for SHEFIT, a woman-owned sports bra company changing the way women experience activewear. But of all the titles I’ve held — entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, state title holder, model — my most meaningful and cherished role is being “Mom” to my two boys, Sawyer and Maverik. They are my daily reminder that everything I build, every risk I take, and every barrier I break is part of a bigger story — one where I teach them that adversity is inevitable, but their reaction is their choice and choosing resilience will always carry them farther than surrender.
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?
I built my businesses in a season of heartbreak, failure, and starting over from nothing.”
After a devastating divorce, I was left with only my faith — and two little boys counting on me. I shielded them from the reality of how hard it was to keep food on the table, determined to give them memories instead of worry.
Just as I began to find my footing, the economy took a downturn. Budgets were slashed, and families spent less on “extras” like parties and celebrations. Owning a business in a luxury-based industry meant enduring long stretches when the phone barely rang. Staffing was another hurdle — and being petite in size, I couldn’t easily step in to move inflatables that weighed hundreds of pounds when last-minute call-ins happened.
Those years forged my grit. I prayed relentlessly. I failed often. But every setback became a stepping stone. I learned that strength isn’t built in comfort — it’s forged in the moments you refuse to quit, even when the road ahead feels impossible.
Regardless of every challenge, I needed my boys to see that their mom would fail, fight, and overcome — again and again. I wanted to be a living example of what perseverance looks like, and teach them that adversity might shape us, but it will never define us.
As you know, we’re big fans of Funtastic Inflatables. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Funtastic Inflatables is an inflatable and party rental company. We are a full-scale event experience provider that’s been a trusted name in Michigan for over 20 years. What began as a way to bring fun to families has grown into one of the region’s most recognized providers for both private celebrations and large-scale public events.
During the summer months, you’ll find our team providing epic entertainment at public gatherings, corporate events, schools, churches and everything in between. In the winter months we keep the fun going transforming gyms, banquet halls, and recreation centers into lively event spaces.
What truly sets us apart is that we go beyond inflatables to provide unique live entertainment. From balloon twisters and face painters to caricature artists, magicians, and more, we bring in talent that turns a party into an unforgettable event. This ability to combine interactive attractions with engaging entertainment makes us a one-stop partner for families, communities, and companies who want their events to stand out.
At its heart, this business has always been about more than equipment. To me, Funtastic Inflatables is about creating the experience and vision of the client—bringing people together, creating memories, and uplifting the community. Every event we do is a chance to help people celebrate the moments that matter most.
Funtastic has always grown alongside the needs of our clients, constantly finding new ways to elevate their events. As we listened, one need became clear in the industry- a fun, family-friendly, non-alcoholic beverage service. That vision inspired us to launch The Fizzy Mitten Co.
The Fizzy Mitten is a mobile beverage experience that combines creativity, nostalgia, and family-centered fun appropriate for all ages. We transformed a vintage horse trailer into a one-of-a-kind mobile drink service, offering handcrafted, non-alcoholic “dirty sodas” made with unique flavor combinations, creams, and playful garnishes.
What makes The Fizzy Mitten truly special is its Michigan inspired menu. Every drink is tied to a fun fact, landmark, or piece of state history, creating a local connection with every sip. It’s a way to celebrate Michigan culture in a cup, and our guests love that local touch.
The Fizzy Mitten is built to fit seamlessly into any type of gathering from private parties to public events. We aim to bring people together over delicious custom drinks, Michigan history, and wholesome family fun.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The next decade will reward businesses that focus on experiences, personalization, and purpose-driven service — and both my industries are at the center of that shift.
In the event and party rental industry, I see a continued move toward immersive, “Instagrammable” experiences that combine entertainment, décor, and unique services all in one. People are no longer just booking inflatables or drink services — they’re curating moments that will live online and in memory. This means companies that innovate with themes, customization, and high-quality presentation will lead the market.
For non-alcoholic beverage catering, I expect explosive growth. The “sober-curious” movement is expanding far beyond those in recovery — it’s becoming a lifestyle choice for wellness-focused, family-friendly, and corporate events. Over the next 5–10 years, I see mobile, on-demand, customizable drink experiences replacing traditional bar setups at many gatherings. The Fizzy Mitten is uniquely positioned to meet that demand with a creative, Michigan-inspired twist.
Through my nonprofit, Community Enrichment Corporation, we plan to collaborate with like-minded organizations to strengthen and expand our impact — making vital resources like education, mental health support, and community programs more accessible to those who need them most.
Long-term, success in all of my ventures will come from lean operations, strategic partnerships, and the ability to adapt quickly to consumer expectations — which is exactly where I focus my energy. I’m not just planning to keep up with the trends; I’m planning to set them.
I am truly grateful for every success and failure thus far. At the end of the day my greatest work isn’t measured in companies built or challenges overcome. It’s not in more contracts or accounts. The greatest legacy I could leave is that I lived a life of being the Mom I needed to me to raise these boys to be the men God called them to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mifunevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funtastic_inflatables_ and https://www.instagram.com/teresa_l_tafoya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FuntasticInflatablesOnline
- Other: https://share.google/8XGK4lzCZynTx15WS
Image Credits
Hailie Tebo
