Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenna & Carley Kaeferle & Kerkhoven
Hi Makenna & Carley, 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?
Our story begins in the charming town of Garrettsville, Ohio, where Carley and Makenna’s friendship sparked in sixth grade. From the very start, there was a unique connection, a shared spark that would one day ignite a creative venture.
As lifelong friends, Carley and Makenna had always harbored dreams of starting a business together. However, it wasn’t until they stumbled upon the magic of creating backdrops and balloon arches that everything fell into place. The synchronicity was undeniable – both of them instantly shared the same idea, and The One-Seventy Party Co. was born.
The name ‘The One-Seventy Party Co.’ holds a special significance. It’s a nod to the roots of our friendship and the town that witnessed our journey. Garrettsville, intersected by roads 88 and 82, gives life to the name – a symbol of the roads we’ve traveled and the celebrations we create.
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?
Starting a small business is always a bit nerve racking and comes with it’s own set of challenges. Here are a few things we’ve noticed in our first year of being a small business.
Seasonal Demand: Business peaks during certain times of the year but slow down during off-seasons. Offering different balloon options and a few different services has seemed to help us.
Pricing Challenges: Customers don’t always understand the value of custom balloon designs and expect lower prices. Material costs, our time organizing, delivering and executing their event is not always taken into consideration.
Transportation & Logistics: Delivering large balloon arrangements can be challenging. We use our own vehicles since it’s not within our budget to get a van or trailer. This adds some level of stress for setups at event spaces that don’t allow you to get in early, before the event starts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our passion lies in crafting vibrant and memorable backdrops for a variety of occasions – from parties and weddings to birthdays and events. We take pride in creating fun spaces that go beyond decoration, offering people an immersive experience to capture lasting memories through photos.
Services:
Custom Balloon Installation
• We work closely with you to bring your vision to life, creating a stunning backdrop for the event, tailored to suit your theme and style.
Grab & Go Garland
• Convenience and affordability meets charm with our Grab and Go Garland service! We assemble the perfect garland strand and provide hooks with easy install instructions.
Balloon Columns
• Customizable to match your theme, our columns create stunning photo opportunities and are perfect to elevate your event decor.
Custom Acrylic Sign – Greeting Sign
• Greet your guests with a custom welcome sign or short message tailored to your event colors/theme. Plus you can add balloons!
Arch & Backdrop Rental
• Frame your celebration effortlessly!
Rent any of our arches or backdrops without balloons.
Gold Metal Arches: Square, Arched, Circle
Backdrops: Greenery, Floral, or Sequence Walls
Our commitment is providing not just balloon arches but moments that linger in hearts and photographs.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
We’ve learned that building a social media presence and attracting customers takes consistent effort. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and we appreciate our valued returning customers.
We’ve both worked in the service/hospitality industry that has helped with connections and mentors who have shared their knowledge with us.
Connecting, supporting and offering our services with other local small businesses has helped us to continue to grow our network as well. Along with attending networking events.
Pricing:
- Ranging from $65-$400+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oneseventypartyco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoneseventypartyco?igsh=MXZweXdrZTZ6ZjQ2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ftypJGsw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoneseventypart?_t=ZP-8to79AzHHbS&_r=1
