Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Mascia.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was born in Nice, France, in ‘82. My parents are from Sardinia, Italy, and Nice. When I was 4 my parents moved my siblings and me to Los Angeles, California, where we were raised. My father worked very hard growing up with an amazing work ethic and grit. He never gave up no matter what, always having a positive perspective on life. We always spoke French at home, and our mother worked hard for us never to forget our culture in L.A. My parents started going to a Hispanic church and learned the language. We were raised in a Spanish ministry where later my parents became pastors. All my siblings and I speak French, English, and Spanish. This has been super helpful for me as an adult. As an adolescent, I loved anything arts and crafts, all the way to hair and makeup. I always loved making things out of nothing. I never saw a blank canvas, but what could I create out of that blank space? My creative mind always flowed with ideas regarding projects, birthdays, and decor.
When I was 12, we moved to Orlando, Florida, where I went to Jr. high and high school. Senior year I had a small group of friends that always asked me to do their hair or makeup for school dances, birthdays, etc. At 19, I got a part-time job working in retail, and after 11 years with the company, I was a multi-store manager with a team of 11 under me that I had hired and trained. Our stores were always at the top because we all took great pride in our customer service and appearance. Merchandising was one of my favorite things because it meant setting up different walls with the newest trends. That’s where I felt I was using one of my biggest talents. After leaving corporate America, I did ministry work full-time, where I was able to help many women in hospitals—celebrating their lives and the new lives they gave birth to. In the interim, I met my husband, we were married 2 years later, and we started a family immediately.
Fast forward 12 years later, I have had the biggest joy and blessing of being a stay-at-home mom. However, I have also had the privilege of always using my creative gifts and talents to bless those around me with beautiful events, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, etc. My family here and abroad and friends have always told me to start my own company because people would love to have and hire me to do everything I was making or doing. I thought about it for a while, and this May, I finally leaped when one of my precious friends called with an opportunity for an event.
Event Planning Collective Co. was doing The DRIP BAR St. John’s grand opening. It was so fun and amazing! Seeing the smiles on the owner and the team’s faces meant so much to me and fueled my dream, talent, and desire to help people make their vision a reality or help their events come to life. It meant everything to me, and I hit the ground running. Since then, I’ve personalized several events, made several balloon arches and birthday decor, cake toppers, shirts, hats, sweaters, church camp gear, etc. I’m still a full-time stay-at-home mom, but I am now building my company as an event planner and everything else that comes in between. Growing up, I had the best example, seeing my parents work hard to give us a great life in the United States and become American citizens. My father has his own construction company, and my mother raised us at home doing all the #momlife things. They were a true example of love, sacrifice, excellent work ethic, and grit while prioritizing our family. I am so excited for the future and to continue to build my business in this fantastic city and an incredible community!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own company has come with many emotions, but it’s been word of mouth and advertising on Instagram.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I decorate for birthdays/events. I make balloon arches, personalized items for these events, water bottles, shirts, hats, etc. I also personalize shirts, sweaters, hats, etc., for custom gifts. I’m proud of using my talent to start a business and bless others. I can see something, hear what a customer wants, start thinking of unique ideas, and create a fantastic event. Loving what I do is not just a job but a gift.
What makes you happy?
Seeing people smile. Seeing that what I’ve done has blessed them and given them joy.
Pricing:
- Custom to decor/event depending on size
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Eventplanningcollective
