So you know we have partnered with some amazing local companies and we think you should use them too. But we know you would probably like to know who is behind these businesses.
My name is Liliana Santamaria-Kisiel. I am the founder of Perfect Parties For You by Liliana, a company specialized in personalized themed handmade décor for events from kids to weddings, as well as innovative activity and learning kits for kids. My passion for crafting started when I was a little girl and even during my school years I always looked to deliver projects and presentations that were innovative and unique. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry creating and coming up with new ideas was always a must. I felt as I was crafting on my own way when I was working in the lab, which it is also my passion. After having my little girl 9 years ago my love for crafting and kids activities grew exponentially day by day, with play dates, kids clubs, birthday parties and many friends requests to organize and decorate their events. The constant encouragement from family and friends: “you should do this for living” was always on the back on my mind, but not fully considered it as my Ph.D. had to be finished. School was over and kept working on research and organizing more and more kids parties and activities. On December 2015 I received a request for what to do with the “elf on the shelf” other than just making it appear in different places. At that moment I decided to start a pilot project for my kids activities and décor entrepreneur idea and I commercially launched my first “Elf on the shelf activity kit” with 25 activities encouraging sharing and family time and reminding kids the real meaning of Christmas while having fun with the elf. The project had a remarkable response and finally gave a start to my journey as an entrepreneur.
I was actually at a crossroad in my life. I was on mat leave with my second “surprise” baby, (as in he wasn’t at all planned). My first was only 2 and I had had a pretty rough go at being a first time mom. I had suffered undiagnosed post-partum depression. I had struggles with breastfeeding and felt like a failure. I had put him in an unsuitable daycare, I was working long shift work at a job I loved but never got to see my babe. When I had my second I completely fell head over heels for him which I was unable to experience with my first because I was actually able to stand up for myself and advocate for both of our interests. I started wondering if working outside the home would really work for me. I had heard of an amazing group of local ladies who were working for themselves, and succeeding. I had learned baking from my gramma and momma and thought, maybe I could do that. It was hard work and I thought many times of giving up but I think I have built something worth sticking to!!
My favourite part has always been and still is people’s reactions when they see their cakes/goodies. I have had many clients just burst into tears when they see my creations and my first thought is always “Oh no, they hate it!!”. Thankfully that is never the case haha!! Then I get hugs, which is awesome because I am definitely a hugger
What made you get into this?
I first tried a cake pop almost six years ago at Starbucks and I loved them! A couple months later I saw a cooking magazine that had a recipe on making Halloween cake pops so I thought I would give it a try and I was hooked! That spring I got my first order, making bride and groom pops for my brother’s wedding and I started getting more orders for family & friends. A few years ago I started my facebook page and my business grew from there.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
From a creative standpoint, I love to challenge myself to create new and exciting designs, I’m constantly on pinterest and instagram researching ideas and techniques so I can continue to grow and create amazing designs for my customers.
But more than anything, I love that I get to be a part of someone’s special day, whether its a baby shower, bachelorette, birthday or a wedding I get to create something that makes that special day even better.
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