Meet Melinda Galea | Event Planner/Designer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Melinda Galea and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea behind starting Fancy Chancey began while my daughter, Chancey, was still in high school. We wanted to create a flexible side business that she could eventually take over by the time she graduated and started college, allowing her to avoid working long, unpredictable hours. Our hope was that it would be busy enough by then, and thankfully, things took off quickly. Our clientele grew, and we developed a loyal following, turning what started as a side hustle into a full-time business. Now, we work alongside each other at every event, which has been an incredible journey. The name “Fancy Chancey” comes from her name, Chancey and her nickname, fancy, and reflects the personal connection we have to the business.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Fancy Chancey is an event planning and styling business that my daughter, Chancey and I built from the ground up, and today, it’s completely family-run. You’ll always see Chancey and myself on-site, ensuring every detail is perfect, and occasionally, our team is sometimes joined by my young sons, husband, niece, and sister-in-law, each contributing to bring our events to life. What sets us apart is the personal connection we bring to every event, treating each one as if it were for our own family. As a full custom planner, we collaborate closely with our clients to design unique and memorable experiences, ensuring no two events are ever the same. Our commitment to creativity, attention to detail, and a personal touch is at the heart of everything we do, transforming visions into truly unforgettable celebrations.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly we’ve grown. What started as a small side project has turned into a thriving business, thanks to our loyal clientele and our dedication to quality. We’ve built a strong foundation of trust and relationships with our clients, and that’s something I’m truly excited about as we continue to expand.
Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like most small businesses, we faced challenges, especially in the beginning—finding a balance between growing the business and keeping up with the demands of everyday life was tough. But we overcame those challenges through perseverance, hard work, and staying focused on our goals. One key lesson I’ve learned is to be flexible and adapt when necessary. The event industry is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot and offer fresh ideas has been critical to our success.
What I want the world to know about Fancy Chancey is that it’s more than just a business—it’s a family. Our story is rooted in a mother-daughter partnership, and that dynamic, along with the support of our entire family, is reflected in everything we do. We’re passionate about creating meaningful, unforgettable experiences, and we’re excited to continue growing while staying true to our values and the personal approach that defines us.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend visited San Diego, we’d explore stunning beaches, delicious eats, and a mix of outdoor and city life.
Day 1: We’d kick off in La Jolla, kayaking sea caves and dining at George’s at the Cove.
Day 2: A full day at Coronado Beach, then tacos and parmesan guacamole at Puesto.
Day 3: Balboa Park for museums, the zoo, and downtown for rooftop dining and Gaslamp fun.
Day 4: A Torrey Pines hike and Mexican food in Old Town, followed by a relaxing evening at Sunset Cliffs, watching the waves and enjoying the views.
Day 5: Day trip to Temecula and Murrieta Hot Springs, and explore Old Town.
Day 6: SeaWorld and a chill evening at Ocean Beach.
Day 7: Paddleboarding at Mission Bay and brunch at Catamaran Resort.
Can my BFF come ASAP? This adventure awaits!
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?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter, Chancey, who is not only the inspiration behind Fancy Chancey but also my business partner. Watching her passion and creativity grow alongside the business has been incredible, and her hard work and dedication have been a huge part of our success.
Layla, at The Balloon Cart Co. has been instrumental in teaching me from her first balloon master class and serving as an amazing mentor. I also want to recognize our loyal clients. Their trust and continued support have helped us grow from a small side project into a full-time business. Lastly, a special thanks to my husband, kids, family, and friends for their unwavering encouragement, and to the mentors who guided us along the way, especially in those early days. Their belief in our vision has been the foundation of Fancy Chancey’s journey, and I’m grateful to each and every one of them for helping make this dream a reality.
Instagram: https://tr.ee/Oda0s2DlXP
Facebook: https://tr.ee/wCR-c6yH7T
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/fancy-chancey-san-diego?uid=Mq9uaAOO_2qiUfDrM93oXQ&utm_source=ishare
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.
