We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My view on work life balance has changed a few times since I began my career 13 years ago. I started out straight out of college with the view that I needed to pay my dues and strive in the hustle culture that was everywhere around me. I am a natural over achiever so in the matter of a few years I had overextended myself and hit burnout. I then began to take a step back and put my personal life into the mix.

Right around the time I began to feel confident in my knowledge and experience in the industry I made the decision to get married and start a family. A mix of being a senior at the company and a shift in priorities lead to another major change in how I view work life balance.

Then in 2020 when COVID shut everything down, I really took a step back, like most people, and realized how fast my life was moving and how many things I was missing out on with my family because of work.
Later on in 2020 had the opportunity to return to the company I had grown with, but choose to branch off and start a new journey with my own company.

This was a major fork in the road for me and my future, and in the right direction. I am taking all the things that made me feel guilty for missing a day of work, or coming in a bit late and changing those to positives. I love planning and designing events, but I refuse to miss out on every craft day or school parade or date night. The ability to make my own schedule is a perk I don’t think I can ever go without again.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner and principal planner at Bleu Sparrow Events, an Event/Wedding planning and design company. We plan all different types of events throughout the year ranging from Corporate Outings and Retreats, Non for Profit Galas, to Bridal Showers and Weddings.

Although my business has only been around since 2020, I have over 13 years experience in the events industry. Over those years I have worked in myriad positions learning how to plan and execute an event inside and out. About 5 years ago I took over the floral portion of the company I was at and although it was terrifying at first, I immediately fell in love. When it was time to create and brand Bleu Sparrow, I was equally terrified but I knew I had to do it and that design and floral would have to play a major part.

Years ago I would have let that scary feeling of the unknown turn me away and shut me down. Now I know that feeling is really my gut telling me that I am moving in the right direction. In the events world we constantly need to be coming up with new designs and innovative ideas.

Another major lesson I have learned along the way is that I am not for every client and every client isn’t for me. If I am fully true to who I am then I will attract those are a good fit. This doesn’t just apply to clients and business, this is a basic rule for me in life. If we follow this rule of being genuine, and putting our best selves out there I believe we will be rewarded with amazing clients and continue to build this business to its true potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am always down to try a new spot! However I am much more a day time person and in bed by 9pm, even when a friend is visiting- they accept me for who I am! Most of the day would probably be spend coasting around Liberty Public Market. I am a sucker for a food market, and loving checking out all the shops.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to a long time colleague and friend, Kate Marino.

She is one of the most supportive people I know, always putting other people before herself. We worked on most our large scale events together, and have spent so much time side by side that we don’t even need to speak to understand what the other is thinking.

She has always found a way to make my crazy ideas come to life. She encouraged me to start my own business, and spent hours and hours of free labor to help me get it off the ground. She would come watch my kids if I am in a pinch, and would give anyone the shirt off her back.

She is also an amazing EA for a kick-ass company called National Business Capital.

Website: www.BleuSparrowEvents.com

Instagram: @BleuSparrow.Events

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bleu-sparrow-events/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleusparrowevents

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bleu-sparrow-events-brookhaven

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/BleuSparrowEvents/

Image Credits
EXO Photography Pat Obrien Eyeris Photography David Benthal The Portos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.