Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Culpepper.
Hi Dee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young mother of 5 children, I realized I was obsessed with creating experiences and memories, planning and executing unique, creative, parties and events.
In 2008, I decided I was going to turn my passion into a business. I created Genuine Characters & Entertainment. I trained myself and my minor children to Face paint and balloon twist from You tube tutorials. I also invested in 6 popular characters. Dora, Diego, Mickey, Minnie, Winnie The Pooh and Tiger. I physically handed out flyers to anyone I saw with a child, visited schools and Day cares, put an ad in the Yellow pages and The Plain Dealer to attract customers. I ran my business out of my home with my children (Sometimes their friends) as my first employees.
After operating for a few years, One of my daughters became familiar with Social media and started a Facebook page which attracted more potential customers.
Me and my five children were on the road every weekend, helping families create life-long memories.
In 2016, We moved into a brick and mortar commercial space in Middleburg Hts, (Parties R Us). We offered an all-Inclusive party center for families, including the planning, decorations and coordination by me, Ms. Dee.
Parties R Us suffered great challenges in 2020-2021 (Covid-19 Outbreak). We sadly closed our doors in April of 2021.
After a period of focusing on my emotional and mental health, I proceeded with a New business in 2022. ‘Birthday N The Box, we started as a mobile business delivering characters and inflatables.
In November 2023 We moved into a commercial brick and mortar in Middleburg Hts. Our new venue is transitional, providing all-inclusive events for children (Specializing in parties for children with disabilities, Birthday N The Box) and a more intimate, mature setting for adult events.(The Box).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a business owner is definitely challenging.
1. One of the biggest challenges is business capital.
I started Birthday N The Box with all of my personal resources. In our low seasons, creating enough revenue, to market and run the business is challenging. During this time, I may use my personal resources to keep afloat, until the business takes root.
2. Another challenge is bridging the gap between bias consumers. My Brand, Business values and the quality of services I thought would override initial biases.
3. My last challenge is finding the right trainable staff (Besides my children), that are high energy, friendly, punctual, good communication, strong interpersonal skills and versatile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Event Planner. I take pride in planning, coordinating and executing events for children or lively adults.
I specialize in special events that offer a unique environment, bringing families together with games, activities along with food and cake at an affordable cost. I take a special interest in children with disabilities. Some children with disabilities feel overwhelmed at public venues and parents not at ease because of safety. Our private venue offers safety, privacy and affordability.
I am most proud of not giving up after a failed business and trusting my gift.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Apply for start up loans or business capital with great interest rates.
Do not try and do everything yourself. Build a trained team who understands your business goals.
Network with people in your industry or get a business coach or mentor.
It’s best to know your WHY you started your business! Challenges will come, and it’s good to remember the reason you need to keep going.
Pricing:
- The Box $1600
- The Backyard Breeze $699
- 12 kids 2 Hour All-Inclusive $399
- 12 kids 3 Hours All-Inclusive $589
- 12 Kids 4 Hours All-Inclusuve $789
Contact Info:
- Website: Adult bookings: eventsbythebox.com and Kids bookings: birthdaynthebox.com
