Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Johnson.
Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The name Prop Squad originates from my college days when I would assist my friend with her photography business. I would always help the clients with their props (balloons, frames, confetti) anything you would use in graduation photos. I never would have thought I would turn it into a business. Prop Squad Parties is a mobile spa party business based in Alabama bringing all things robes, face mask, manicures, pedicures, foot soaks and more to your location of choice!. Growing up I watched my parents build and run businesses from the ground up and it took a lot of hard work and long hours. My current everyday life is busy and constantly on the go. We teach our kids to work, grind, hustle, sleep less to get more done and no one ever teaches us the value of rest. I wanted a business that valued self care, self love and taking a mental health break that we all need from time to time. Doing spa parties is a fun time for me. I love a call up your best friends have a girls night type of vibe to sit, talk and laugh.
That is exactly how the parties run! I worked for a lady in the spa party business years ago one summer and I knew it would be a challenging but great fit for me. I constantly second guessed myself thinking what if no one supported it, or what if it fails but with the encouragement I received from some of my biggest supporters I decided to take a leap of faith January 2019. I do majority kids/preteen parties but my goal is to get more teen and adult clients in the future. I have so many more ideas and even products I want to incorporate into the business to come. The road to starting Prop Squad Parties was the beginning of a journey God was going to use to show me a lot about myself and my potential in the entrepreneur arena.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been everything but smooth lol. Looking back the easiest part was posting it which is funny because I was freaking out just putting it out there. Starting a business that provides a service is financially a large investment because you want to be competitive with others doing what you are doing in your area, I am a full time graduate student, work a regular 9 to 5 job and had a vision to start this side business that required a lot of start up materials. To get bookings people want to see a portfolio and what you have to offer. I ended up throwing a party first and selling tickets to it. I went weeks checking my event bright account and not seeing a single ticket purchased. I panicked! I questioned if I had made a bad decision. Though the party ended up being a success so many things went wrong before they went right.
Having friends that also have businesses is helpful but sometimes is hard for me because my business is so different from what they do. I can’t advertise the same way nor do I have things they can do to support, its easy to feel like I am out here by myself just trying to find my way and figure it out. Now that I am a year in and have done several events I feel confident in my brand and my future endeavors to come. This journey has not been easy and still comes with its challenges but it’s the smiles, the laughs, the photos, and conversations that keep me going with it. Sometimes I go onto the website or IG page and just scroll and say to myself “you made it happen”. I’m so grateful for everyone who has been on this ride with me and I hope to continue to have their support as I continue.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
Prop Squad is a mini spa experience that comes to your living room literally. Wherever people are having their party or get together whether it be at their home, hotel, banquet hall, the church we come there with robes, nail polish, face mask, foot soaks, creation stations, photo booth and positivity! What I am most proud of as a company is that I incorporate things that also help with the inside. We do words of affirmation at parties, I’ve been a guest at a bullying event, a confidence camp. People have invited me and my business in to help with things beyond fun. Self esteem, confidence, and loving who you are have been a huge part of the conversations at the parties. What sets me apart is my passion and desire to make sure everyone has the experience they want to remember. I don’t just go through the motions and collect a check I care that impact is made.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I am currently based in Montgomery, AL which is a great city for this business because not many other people are doing it or doing it the way that I am. Being that I am a mobile business I can travel to GA and other surrounding places. I would probably recommend someone starting a business like mine to start it in a smaller town that doesn’t have many unique options for birthday parties or girls night or whatever your occasion may be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.propsquadparties.com
- Email: propsquadparties@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propsquadparties
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propsquadparties
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