As we close out this year, this decade, we feel a sense of celebratory excitement and anticipation for what is ahead! When we were selecting our December Working Mom Spotlight we knew that this particular feature would reflect the theme of celebration. As we began to narrow the selection there was no question, it had to be Lilly Jimenez of The Creative Heart Studio. Lilly is a DIY Extraordinaire, Party Content Creator, and the Inventor of Balloon Mosaic™.
She has built her business around celebrating others. It only seems fitting to shine the spotlight on a woman responsible for helping others celebrate. Join us as we turn the tables and recognize and honor Lilly and the amazing work that she is doing in her family and in her community. Did we mention she is making life easier for Moms too?
She started her business to help Moms make planning their kid’s parties easier. She launched her genius invention, Balloon Mosaic™, which began to be used in parties around the world. Recently Lilly has captured the hearts and attention of many across the nation as she was named a finalist and “a hero of crafting” on NBC’s Making It. (Catch the final episode here!) Through it all she has stayed connected to her Miami roots and focused on her family.
Without further ado, allow us to introduce you to Lilly Jimenez.
Lilly, what inspired you to begin your business in Event Planning?
I’ve always loved making. It’s innate in me and you’ll always find me sketching or crafting something with my glue gun. After graduating college with a bachelors degree in Exceptional Education, I found myself wanting something in the creative field instead. My love for kids’ parties dictated my pursuit of event planning.
Where do you draw inspiration? Where do you get ideas?
My inspiration comes from everywhere! Walking in stores, scrolling the internet, but I especially love watching kids movies to draw inspiration.
Do you have a mentor?
I don’t have a specific mentor but I’m surrounded by SO MANY amazing women whom I always take away great advice from.
What project or endeavor are you most proud of and why?
My proudest project has been the creation of BALLOON MOSAIC™. It has been something that has evolved into something international and I’m so proud of that! I’m also extremely proud of getting out of my comfort zone and being a finalist in NBC’s Making It, a crafting competition show.
That is amazing! We have seen your Balloon Mosaic™ and it is genius! How has being a mother influenced your role in business?
After becoming a mother, I push myself harder as an entrepreneur. I work harder not only to make a living for my family, but to set an example for my children of hard work and perseverance.
What are the challenges and rewards you have encountered as a working Mom?
The hardest challenge as a mother has been having the mother’s guilt in all my decisions. However, the reward of seeing my children happy and thriving, has been by far the biggest reward.
What is an obstacle you’ve overcome and how did you overcome it?
Fear of flying and not being confident in myself has always been a big obstacle for me. This past year, I took the biggest leap and after 15 years, got on a plane to fly cross-country to Los Angeles. I filmed Making It in LA, and I was away from my family for 1 month. Pushing myself to do this was the most life changing experience.
What advice would you give a Mom who is considering stepping back into the workforce or to the Mom who dreams of starting her own business?
Follow with your heart! No matter what, it will work itself out.
What resources do you recommend for women in business?
For women in business I would encourage them to listen to women driven podcasts! I’ve learned SO MUCH from podcasts. For Moms I suggest finding a tribe of women who support you.
Ok, it’s time for the lightning round. Let’s get to know you with a few fun questions…
What’s your favorite go-to spot for “Lilly Jimenez” time in Miami? Do you have a spot you like to escape to?
What words of wisdom do you live by?
“Let Go and Let God.”
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Disney World!
Name 3 things that make you smile, life’s simple joys:
Coffee, family movie nights, A good laugh!
Lilly, thank you for allowing us to spotlight you and thank you for making party planning easier for Moms!
Follow Lilly Jimenez on Instagram @thecreativeheartstudio and on Facebook. Order your own Balloon Mosaic™ on her website.
Read previous Working Moms Spotlights by clicking the links below.
September 2018 Spotlight: Melissa Medina
October 2018 Spotlight: Camila Canabal
November 2018 Spotlight: Carolyn Mara
January 2019 Spotlight: Elizabeth Simonton and Nichole Aldrich
February 2019 Spotlight: Meredith Kallaher
March 2019 Spotlight: The Mom Economy
April 2019 Spotlight: Natalia Zea
May 2019 Spotlight: Jamie Jones
June 2019 Spotlight: Alexandra Valentin
September 2019 Spotlight: Rachael Russel Saiger & Isabela Grutman
November 2019 Spotlight: Rachel Mandelman
