Danielle Lopez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Danielle, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
No two days are exactly the same, but every morning starts the same way. I check emails and respond to any social media messages or inquiries. From there, I take a look at social media and either post for the day or spend some time planning and scheduling content for the upcoming week.
If I have clients waiting on mockups, I’ll work on those next and send out designs for their review. I also prep for upcoming events, which might include counting out balloons, cutting vinyl, ordering supplies, or anything else I can do ahead of time to stay organized.
If we have an event coming up the next day or two, I’ll start inflating balloons and assembling designs so we’re ready to go. On weekends, we typically have multiple events, so we pick up the trailer from storage, load everything in, and head to each venue for setup. Once events are over, we go back to each location to break everything down.
Even though the routine is similar, no two days are ever truly alike. Every event has its own theme or setup challenge, which keeps things exciting. I love the problem-solving aspect and figuring out how to make each design look perfect.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Danielle Lopez, the founder of POParazzi Parties, a balloon artistry and event styling business based in South Florida. After a long career in the corporate tech world and a personal journey through breast cancer, I decided to shift gears and pour my energy into something that brings joy to others — creating unforgettable celebrations.
POParazzi Parties was born from a love of making people feel special and a passion for the little details that turn an ordinary event into a lasting memory. We specialize in custom balloon décor, themed installations, and event styling for everything from birthdays and baby showers to grand openings and corporate events.
What makes us unique is the heart behind everything we do. I believe in celebrating life, not just the big milestones but all the moments in between. Every event we design is personal, and I take pride in being hands-on from the initial concept to the final setup.
Right now, I’m working on expanding partnerships with local schools and organizations. I’m especially passionate about giving back through breast cancer awareness by donating balloon displays to women’s health clinics during October.
At the core of POParazzi Parties is creativity, connection, and community. That’s what makes it so special.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work, both through her actions and the example she set. In high school, she managed a large dental practice and gave me a job working after school and on weekends. I learned so much just by being around her and watching how she led her team.
She never asked anyone to do something she wouldn’t be willing to do herself. If the office was short staffed, she jumped in without hesitation, whether it meant answering phones, sterilizing equipment, or cleaning up at the end of the day. No task was ever beneath her, and because of that, her team truly respected her.
They were always willing to go the extra mile for her because they knew she would do the same for them. That kind of leadership made a lasting impression on me. I carried those values into my career in corporate America and rose through the ranks by applying that same servant-leadership mindset.
Now, as a small business owner with a growing team, I continue to lead by example, just like my mom did. Her influence is still at the heart of how I work and how I treat others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
For most of my life, I was the high achiever. I was at the top of my class in school, excelled at every job I had, and rose quickly through the ranks in the tech industry. I genuinely loved the work I did, and while people often told me I should start my own business, I never really believed I could. As a working mom, I didn’t have the time, energy, or headspace to even entertain the idea.
That all started to change when the tech industry took a turn. After an IPO and acquisition at my last long-term employer, I left thinking I would land my next opportunity quickly. But I was wrong. It took seven months, hundreds of applications, and over 50 interviews to finally get a job. It was incredibly humbling and, at times, deeply discouraging.
Just three months into that new role, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My employer was initially supportive, but after being out for two major surgeries, they began downsizing my team. They asked me to take a 70% pay cut, which I accepted because I needed the health insurance to finish my treatment. But once they found out I had one more surgery ahead, they pulled that offer and laid me off entirely.
After finishing treatment, I once again began the exhausting job search. Despite my experience, I was overlooked time and time again. One company even flew me out for a leadership role after 12 interviews, only to completely ghost me afterward. That moment hit hard, and so did the realization that I was finally healthy again but still feeling stuck.
That’s when everything shifted. I decided I was done waiting for someone else to give me a chance. I stopped trying to get back into corporate America and instead started building something of my own. That choice to start my business came from a place of resilience, healing, and a desire to take control of my life again. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that what matters most to me is spending time with the people I love. I’m all about creating memories with family and friends and making the most out of every moment. Whether it’s a birthday, a milestone, or just a random Tuesday, I believe in celebrating any chance we get. Life is too short not to. Surrounding myself with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections is what fills my cup, and I think my friends would say that shows in everything I do.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I always give everything my best because I want to be proud of what I put out into the world, whether or not anyone praises it. There’s a sign in my office that says, “Don’t Stop Until You’re Proud,” and that really sums up how I approach my work. If something doesn’t feel right, I keep going until it does. I believe in going above and beyond simply because it’s the right thing to do and because I take pride in everything I create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poparazziparties.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poparazzi.parties
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellenlopez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POParazziParti/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/poparazzi-parties-wellington
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PoparazziParties
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poparazzip/
