Birmingham AL, business — Danielle Hines, owner of Party Boutique Kids. Photo via Danielle Hines

Have you got a child’s birthday coming up? Or maybe just want to celebrate a family achievement? Danielle Hines tells us how her business, Party Boutique Kids, can bring the party to you! Grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy this week’s edition of Small Business Monday!

My business is Party Boutique Kids. I’ve been operating for about four years. We are in the middle of a rebranding campaign and will be launching our new parties this spring. I have two interns from UAB’s small business inclusion program. I also employ several part-time employees and contractors.

We offer themed birthday parties, concession rentals and kid special events. The themed parties are really one of a kind. I have a formula and it’s taken some time to learn how to create a stress free party for a parent while also hosting children. When I first started, kids’s party options were limited, so I launched the “Sparty,” (Spa Party). We rotate the girls from station to station for mini manicures and mini-pedicures, and facials. I’ve even had adults ask me if I could do one for grown-ups! After that, I started getting requests for boy parties and rental items.

What I’m most proud of with my business is that we believe every child deserves a party. And for that I am proud that we get to make parents the star in their children’s eyes while also bringing joy for the child.

Birmingham AL — photo via Danielle Hines

I want people to know that we are a business who values positive experiences and the clients we serve. The best thing about being a small business owner is assisting and mentoring other small business owners. I love sharing my experiences, so they can learn from my mistakes. You have to make your mistakes count.

The hardest thing about being a business owner is that there is a lot of work to be done getting started. I’m a lawyer and I was overwhelmed, so I can imagine the difficulty for someone who doesn’t have that expertise or other business experience. It’s hard, but you have to have good people around you to support you.

My inspiration for starting this business is that I mentored little girls who didn’t have the opportunities I had for birthdays growing up. Also, my mom owned childcare centers when I was growing up and I often entertained the kids. When I started my business, I was so stuck on doing it right, that I went through two business programs to launch Party Boutique Kids! I went to Co-Starters, a business incubator with a supportive team around you to collaborate and get education about all of the necessary steps of starting a business. I also went through Operation Hope, which is a 12-week, free program that provides business resources and helps with your business plan.

I came in second place last year in REV’s “The Big Pitch” competition. I received five thousand dollars to purchase an R V we are converting to a mobile party unit. That will allow us to attend festivals, places like Railroad Park and community events. We want to take the stress out of planning for the party. This will allow us to offer a party outside of someone’s home We can just pull up at a park, etc. We are also working on a brick and mortar location.

Avondale and Crestwood are both gems. I am beyond excited about its growth, new leadership and forward thinking. I hope Birmingham becomes a city of promise and hope to those who have a dream of being business owners. There is so much potential that has yet to be tapped, so many ideas that need cultivating. I hope Birmingham becomes a city that embraces small businesses and their growth.