We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Marquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with CHRISTINA below.
CHRISTINA, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve been immersed in the arts and surrounded by creative individuals my entire life. I began dancing at the age of 3 and continue to teach dance education today, alongside running my own business. My creative journey began with leading my high school drill team, studying dance in college, and ultimately earning a master’s degree in education. Over the past 14 years as an educator, I’ve had the privilege of serving the Dallas community by establishing dance programs in schools across South Dallas, Forney, and Carrollton.
Outside of teaching, my passion for crafting unforgettable moments takes center stage. With a keen eye for creativity and detail, I love transforming ordinary family gatherings into extraordinary celebrations. My mother is the inspiration behind my love for party planning and decor. She taught me the importance of the smallest details, placement, and the pursuit of “perfection.” By continually learning new trends and techniques and taking master classes from industry professionals, I stay inspired and motivated to enhance my creative skills. Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, every event I plan at Events that Pop! is infused with a personal touch, ensuring each one is truly special.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
-In 2020, I began experimenting with something I had always loved: creating balloon garlands. It started as a fun activity for my children’s birthday parties and family gatherings. Pouring my creativity and skill into each garland I began finding an immense joy in transforming simple balloons into colorful, festive displays. My designs grew more elaborate and admired by friends and family and I began to see a glimmer of possibility. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could be the path to my next adventure.
In February 2023, I crafted a beautiful balloon garland for a family member’s celebration. The response was overwhelming. People started asking about my services and how pricing worked. It was at that moment I felt a clear sign from God that this was my new path. He seemed to be guiding me toward starting a flexible business that would allow me to prioritize my family while engaging in something creative and joyful.
Determined to follow this new path, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business, “Events that Pop!”, specializing in custom balloon designs and backdrop decor for personal and corporate events. Embracing this opportunity has been a rewarding leap of faith, and I’m grateful for where it’s led me. Lastly, my success would not be possible without the unwavering support of my husband, Paul. His encouragement and backing mean the world to me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If you’re considering starting your own business, there are three essential qualities you need to achieve success: faith, determination, and mastery of your craft!
Faith is an essential quality when starting a business because it provides the confidence and resilience needed to overcome challenges and uncertainties. Putting my faith in God and trusting his place is better than my own has been comforting to me on this journey. Believing in your vision, even during tough times, helps you stay focused and motivated. Faith also allows entrepreneurs to take risks, trust the process, and remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to success, even when results aren’t immediate. It fosters perseverance and helps build the mental strength to navigate setbacks, ultimately driving growth and long-term success.
Determination is crucial when starting a business because it drives entrepreneurs to push through obstacles and stay committed to their goals, even in the face of setbacks. It fuels the persistence needed to overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain focus on long-term success. Determination helps entrepreneurs keep moving forward, ensuring they stay on track despite difficulties, and ultimately enables them to turn their vision into a reality.
Being a master of your craft is crucial when starting a business because it builds credibility, ensures high-quality products or services, and fosters customer trust. Expertise in your field allows you to stand out from competitors, solve problems effectively, and make informed decisions that drive success. Mastery also enables you to innovate and adapt, ensuring your business remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of your customers.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
The best client is someone who trusts me with the freedom to be creative and bring their event to life. When a client gives me the space to explore ideas and make decisions, it allows me to design a truly unique and memorable experience that exceeds expectations. Their trust in my vision and expertise enables the event to shine with creativity and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eventsthatpopdfw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventsthatpop.dfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Events-that-Pop/61557542110170/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/events-that-pop-plano-2?uid=XesKLePuZd13by6HkKorpQ&utm_source=ishare
Image Credits
Cari Dee Photography
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