Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Cayllahua De Wilder.
Hi Karla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into event styling actually started long before I had a business. I grew up seeing my friends and family working and hustling to make things happen. I have always been crafty and I have always loved doing decor and events. Even while I was in the corporate world, I was the one planning the company events and decorating for our big milestones. I worked as an Admin for two years and then as an HR Representative for another two years. On the weekends, I was doing the same for my own kids and family. I just loved the process of learning something new, whether it was figuring out how to bake a cake or how to make a room look amazing for a party. I love the challenge of saying “I can do this” and the satisfaction of seeing work made with my own hands.
The real shift happened when I decided to leave my job to homeschool my daughters. It was very challenging to leave my corporate career just as I was making a name for myself in HR. I had a choice to find a remote part time job or give this a try for myself. One night while my husband and I were talking, I told him, “If I’m going to do this, I’m not doing it as a side hustle. We are making this official.” That is when LL’amour was born.
At the beginning, I was hesitant and a bit scared. I worried about what would happen if I did not get any bookings, I did not have a portfolio, I did not know a lot of people, and I did not know in which direction to start. But I knew deep inside that I could create and I would find a way no matter how difficult or challenging something could be. My brand is the definition of the llama that represents resilience and strength. That is the heart of my brand. LL’amour is the “Labor of Love” or the true love we put into our work. We put so much heart into our events because I take so much pride in what I do. My name is on the line. We make it work regardless of the journey. We just keep going. It is imprinted in my Peruvian DNA. You do not stop, you keep going.
2023 was my first official year. I was lucky to have two close friends trust me to do displays at two great venues in the Lehigh Valley. That was the foot in the door I needed. It was a year of hard work, learning how to run a business, building my own props, and raising my kids all at the same time. Building this alongside my family was a challenge, but their support made it worth every minute.
Since then, the business has evolved. I have moved away from smaller setups like picnics to focus on high-impact styling. Even with the challenge of moving our home last year, we came out with a more polished and elegant style. There are definitely days when the work behind the scenes feels heavy, but I shake it off. I have put too much heart into this brand to stop now. If my 13-year-old self that came from Peru could see that I had built this business and followed the dream of having something of my own, she probably would not believe it. My goal is simple: to create spaces where people feel like they are part of a story. I look for the memories that last a lifetime.
Alright, 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?
Absolutely it has not been easy. The struggles are trying to learn how to run a business, from the financial part to the admin part and being the person on-site. I have to juggle all of these hats at once like a jack of all trades. You have to know your limits and you need to learn to balance your life while focusing on the outcome you want.
The scariest struggle was when we moved from the Lehigh Valley to East Stroudsburg. Now I am an hour away and I had to explore a new market while still trying to keep my connections in the Lehigh Valley. I really had to adjust to that change while raising my teens at the same time. Last year our bookings decreased and it was not as busy as our previous years, which was a challenge to handle. This year is finally picking up, but the struggle is always there. You have to find your own leads and be able to manage the growth of the business while keeping that balance in your life. You just have to keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ll’amour Events and Decor LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
LL’amour Events & Decor is a bespoke event styling company based in East Stroudsburg and serving the Lehigh Valley. We specialize in creating event decor for both corporate clients and private celebrations. We are known for our luxe, organic, and modern vintage style, especially our signature organic balloon garlands and detailed floral designs. We do not just decorate a room. We transform it into a space that tells a story and is ready for the world to see on social media.
What sets us apart is the heart we put into every setup. We are a one stop shop with unique services like flower bars, personalized stations, and organic balloon decor. Everything we do has our signature touch and is never cookie cutter. We are also known for our interactive experiences where guests can engage with our designs in a personal way. This creates a special connection between the guests and the event.
Brand wise, I am most proud of how much we have grown over the past three years. We love being innovative and unique, and we have even inspired other artists in the industry. We offer a bit of everything so there is always something for everyone. Our services are tailored specifically to you because we believe every client deserves a top notch experience. I want our readers to know that when they work with us, they are getting a dedicated partner who cares about every single detail. We create the kind of moments that last a lifetime.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My best advice would be to research a lot. Many people do not do enough research and they end up making many mistakes along the way. You should have a small guide of what you want to offer so you do not go crazy buying everything right away. Just find your essence and what makes your brand yours. That is what people are going to love you for. It is scary, but if you go with the flow and let your business grow at its own pace, things will work out.
I wish I had known that it was okay to start small. You do not need crazy investments right away. You can start with just one or two services and go from there. Do not get overwhelmed and do not feel like you have to say yes to everything. Sourcing items from others is okay, renting is okay, and asking for help is okay. Having a community around you is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. Everyone starts somewhere, and you just have to trust the journey.
Pricing:
- 800+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.llamourevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llamourevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LlamourEvents/
