Today we’d like to introduce you to Senora Toliferro.
Hi Senora, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my business, Amuse, back in 2016. Honestly, it all began pretty simply — I was helping decorate my goddaughter’s birthday party. The theme was Ariel ‘Under the Sea,’ and my best friend/sister gave me her budget and a few ideas. I went online, created a shopping cart that stayed within her budget, and when everything arrived, I transformed her house using construction paper, tissue streamers, and balloons. I even freehanded fish and made two self standing balloon columns.
When the guests arrived, everyone loved how it looked. By the end of the night, someone asked me to do the balloons at their baby shower, and once I posted that event online, it just took off from there the bookings started to come. What started as a small favor turned into something much bigger. I went from doing balloons only to treat tables and full décor productions. Eventually, I discovered custom work — backdrops, designs, party favors and graphics — and I completely fell in love with it.
As my skills grew, so did my business. I took classes, practiced nonstop, and really studied the craft. Over time, I my name grew, I began working for celebrities. Overtime I also started getting a wave of custom graphic orders as well which led me to launch my second business, Wet Paint Graphix. Both of those businesses are like my babies. Now, I create full event experiences — showers, birthdays, dessert displays, and more. It’s been a journey built on creativity, faith, and constant growth, and it still hasn’t slowed down.
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?
Absolutely not. My journey hasn’t been smooth — I’ve faced major setbacks and had to rebuild more than once. In 2019, I lost my mom, a loss that shook me deeply. Then, in 2022, I was kidnapped from one of my own events, an experience that changed everything. I lost my supplies, my space, and even my motivation, having to shut my business down twice and rebuild it piece by piece.
Through all of that, I learned resilience, patience, and the power of never giving up. Then, in 2024, I welcomed my daughter, and she transformed my life in the most positive way. She became my inspiration to push harder, rebuild stronger, and continue believing in my vision. Every challenge, every setback, has shaped me into the woman and mother I am today — and I’m proud of the journey I’ve walked
As you know, we’re big fans of Amuse Events. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Founded in 2016, Amuse Events is a boutique event planning and balloon design company specializing in creating elevated, memorable celebrations with style and intention. From intimate gatherings to beautifully curated milestone events, we bring visions to life through custom balloon installations, themed event styling, and a carefully selected inventory of event rentals that help set the scene effortlessly.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to deliver cohesive, aesthetically driven experiences from concept to execution. Through our sister brand, WetPaint Graphix, we offer bespoke graphic design services that allow us to extend event storytelling into custom backdrops, signage, digital invitations, and branded details — creating a fully immersive and visually consistent experience for our clients and their guests.
Since our start, i’ve taken pride in transforming ideas into moments that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable — without losing sight of accessibility and client comfort. Whether it’s a chic baby shower, a luxury birthday experience, or a branded social event, I focus on delivering high-impact designs with intention, creativity, and heart.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is simple: research, research, research!!! I started my business with zero dollars, and what got me going was taking the time to find every free learning resource I could. I took notes, practiced, and even created mock setups at home to see what worked and what didn’t. I staged photo shoots with a low-budget Android, learning angles, lighting, and photo editing — because in events, angles are everything. A simple filter or black-and-white edit can transform a photo from ordinary to luxury-level.
When I started getting bookings, I leaned on my network, asking questions and even reviewing sample contracts from friends, which helped me create safe, professional agreements for my clients. I’ve always been serious about my businesses — both Amuse Events and WetPaint Graphix — and that mindset has pushed me to seek out every opportunity to learn. Even now, if I see a free class or resource, I jump on it. I study trends, see what’s ahead, and bring those ideas to my clients, sometimes even starting viral trends myself.
Ultimately, success comes down to dedication and continuous learning. The best advice I can give is to never stop studying, experimenting, and improving — because how seriously you take your business will determine how far it goes.
Pricing:
- Balloon Columns- 1 for $80 or 2 for $155
- 16 ft organic balloon Garland (standard size)-$195 Jumbo Balloon Garland – $295 comes with optional themed props.
- Dessert table (setup only)- $800 ( includes: linen rental for table and curtains, custom backdrop, themed decor, organic balloon garland, 3-6 pc cake stands, trays, candy Jars, rental, & 6 ft table rental..)
- Dessert table (full setup)- Starting at $1000 (This Focal point setup can range anywhere between your traditional dessert table setup, to a grand extravagant setup with staging and everything based on your budget) this would include 3 dz treats of choice, organic ballon garland, themed props and decor, choice of traditional table setup with linen and curtains, pedestals, or deluxe staging.)
- Full event setup- $$$ Based on clients budget and vision.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amuse_events
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmuseEvents16
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amuse-events-decatur
