Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiana Majors.
Hi Qiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always enjoyed serving others and being blessed with their smile of satisfaction. Amid Covid in June 2020, two friends asked for my help. One needed assistance with a graduation party and the other a birthday party. Plot twist they were starting at the same exact time! The blessing was that both friends live literally 1 minute in 2 different directions from my home. I bounced from house to house for about 2 hours before both events started to set up. That included decorating and setting up food for the guest.
After the events, I shared the experience with another friend and she said, “You know that is what you are good at. You should really do something professionally with your talent, it was then I shared with her a lady I had been following on Facebook that was based in Louisiana and her sleepover business. She told me, “Do it! You would be great at it!” I remembered the lady I followed offered a class at the top of the year but when Covid entered the world, I forgot about it. I reached out to her, and she invited me into what I call the “TeePee Sisterhood.”
The timing was actually right on time because that fall my middle daughter was entering her Senior year in high school and would soon enter college. I would also have another Senior in high school the following fall of 2021. I told myself I would use the business to help offset some of their college expenses and I would get the joy of serving others! It was a big win for everyone!!
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?
It has not been a smooth road at all, but I didn’t expect it to be. I knew it was just me with the vision and the one who would have to do all the work while working a full-time job. The hardest part at first was finding my own style. We take it very seriously in the Teepee world when it comes to copying someone else’s work. It sometimes can be a challenge to come up with themes that will not only please the client but also be original. But once I get going and the ideas come, I can’t stop! And that usually happens the week of the party! So, I find myself sourcing items quickly and mapping the event out over and over to make sure I deliver.
It also was a challenge putting myself out there. However, the blessing has been that most of my clients have been word-of-mouth referrals or they attended a party of another guest.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sweet Slumber Memories brings the sleepover fun to you! We come to your home and set up tents or teepees for you to have a slumber party! What makes this such a cool sleepover is it’s not just pillows and blankets. It’s the idea of “camping out” in your home and with the theme of your choice! So, if you’re into make-up, we can decorate your sleepover with a make-up theme. Or if you’re into video games, we can create a theme geared to that. Our first party was for a young lady who played basketball. The mom asked if we could add basketball some way. We custom-created a basketball garland, customized basketball water bottles, and pillows. We also did the same recently with a gymnastics sleepover.
The one thing that makes me the proudest is seeing the child’s face when the final reveal happens. They are so excited!!! And the parents are excited too! It’s one thing to talk about it and tell your vision to a party planner but when you see it come to life that is where the magic is!
I think what sets us apart from others is personalization. Lots of our clients will ask, “Well, what themes do you have?” and I reply, “It’s pretty much the red-carpet service. Tell me your vision and I will bring it to life for you.”
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Research and take your time. I did research while starting and I really wish I would have waited and planned things out better. You don’t have to have all the inventory. Just start small and over time you will grow. Practice your customer service skills because you are offering a service to the public. I worked in customer service at the start of my business but, there is nothing like having to be that “customer service” for your own business. If you can take some SBA, Small Business Association, classes. Some of those helped me a lot. Lastly, reach out to someone close to you and ask them to mentor you. You need someone who can relate to your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetslumbermemori.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet.slumber.memories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetSlumberMemories/
Image Credits
Sweet Slumber Memories
