Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanna Amoah.
Shanna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a small-town girl from Thomasville, Georgia, a wife of nearly 20 years and a mother of two. I have always had big dreams for my future. I often referred to the term, “champagne taste and beer money“. I moved to Atlanta over 30 years ago for what I called or thought was a “better life“. I traveled to many places, met many people including a few famous ones, worked several jobs with different socioeconomic statuses. I worked in corporate for over 20 years and held various positions; the last a Sr. Operations Manager for financial products and a Sr. Product Manager for toll and transit products. Although work was well and for the first time in years, the pay was very good! My life was lackluster without thrill and excitement. I resigned from corporate to pursue what I now call, “a more eventful life” but definitely hard work, to become a business owner. I wanted to create something fun, entertaining with some flexibility for my family. Art, entertainment, and hosting have always been a passion of mine. Ironically, after hosting my daughter’s 8th birthday, which included a Unicorn Paint Party and a Taco truck! We entertained 25 little painters! It was a hit and the beginning of my journey! We all enjoyed it a great deal and conjured the idea of starting a business that specialized in “Canvas Themed” birthday parties.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At the end of 2019, I started out doing business as a home-based business with travel. I rented from two mutual associates at two separate locations. The partnership was short lived at both locations. Although, grateful for having a place to start, within a few months, I was determined to find a location of my own. And within a short period, I had found my location. It was very close to my home! It was cozy, quaint and a bit dusty in need of some TLC. However, I saw a jewel in the rough and fell in love with it! I opened my business in February 2020. My mission is to create a fun, relaxed, and creative atmosphere for kids and adult parties for any theme.
The road to opening was tedious. There was a lot of behind the scenes red tape that had to be resolved prior to opening. Once the business issues were resolved and certificates to occupy were permitted, I could breathe and open. I opened the end of February, hosting one event that month. I held my Grand Opening on March 14th and the following day, the state of Georgia was advised to cease all business as usual due to COVID-19. We were devastated and had no clue how to proceed with a brand new business. To add misery to the company, there was a lack of support from the landlord and I had to scramble to find funding for my small business.
Thankfully, I had a quick-thinking marketing assistant who suggested we look into alternatives to doing business. We did some brainstorming and internet surfing and discovered a way for families to create lasting memories while having fun at home by selling DIY to-go paint kits!
The kits were an instant hit! People were buying them in bulk and returning for more. We were getting requests to ship kits to various states and had customers drive over an hour for kits! I am very appreciative and love all my customers for their support. Their satisfaction is my main goal; to create a canvas themed party designed for them…
Party-By-Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Party-By-Design is a Canvas Paint & Sip business that hosts various parties based on events and themes! We host birthdays, fundraisers, team building, date night, family, and girls night out events. We offer a wide variety of designs and allow the customer to choose their own design to suit their theme. We decorate based on the theme and provide small bites and groovy sounds. The customer is allowed to bring in food, birthday cake/cupcakes, and other goodies.
My passion for art, entertaining, hosting and excellent customer service sets me apart from my competitors. I am not a large fancy franchise. I am a local, small, and quaint family-owned business. I am a natural entertainer and provide the utmost customer service to all. I love art, design, and color! We “Wine a little and Laugh a lot“…
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am most fond of the day I received keys to my business! It is my first storefront and my fondest moment. When I think back on my Grand Opening with family, friends, and community enjoying “my” business, it melts my heart and lets me know, it was all worth it. I will never forget the hard work and sacrifice that was put in every detail. I am most fond of the moments my friends stepped in to help clean, shop, and support me in so many, many different ways.
For my customers, I love the smiles on the faces of every customer after completing their masterpiece. Whether a first-timer or advanced artist, the smiles are priceless. And knowing, Party-By-Design was apart of their colorful and art-filled fun moment, is fantastic…
My fondest memory of all, is very recent. The day my mother called to say how very proud of me she was. She was proud of my hard work and business savvy. She complimented me on being kind and considerate. She enjoyed every post and picture I published regarding my business…that put the icing on the cake and let me know, I am doing something right and good… She is my biggest fan!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1922 Hudson Bridge Road
- Website: www-party-by-design.com
- Phone: 6785998203
- Email: info@party-by-design.com
- Facebook: @partybydesignTM
- Instagram: @partybydesignTM
Image Credit:
Malinna Khiev
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