Meet Maria Dueñas | Event Planner

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

Hi Maria, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking can be a scary concept for many people, especially when it comes to making big decisions that significantly impact one’s life. As someone who has gone through this journey, I have learned to embrace risks and see them as opportunities.

Throughout my life, I have always been a risk-taker to some extent. However, my risks were more on the conservative side before starting my own business. One of my biggest risks was quitting my 9-5 job and starting my business from scratch with only $300.00. I had no idea what I was getting into, and it was a challenging decision to make. Going from a place of comfort with a stable income to not knowing where my next paycheck would come from was a significant risk.

Fast forward nine years later, and I have learned to embrace the journey and look at risk as opportunities, whether I benefit from it or not. I have come to realize that taking risks can lead to growth and success. It has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, learn from my mistakes, and take advantage of opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise.

One of the essential lessons I have learned is that taking risks requires a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on the negative consequences of a decision, it’s crucial to look at the potential benefits. This shift in mindset can help you see opportunities that you may have otherwise overlooked.

Another critical factor in taking risks is being prepared. Before making any significant decisions, it’s essential to do your research, gather information, and create a plan. Having a solid plan and being prepared can help mitigate the risks associated with a decision.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an event planner and designer, I have learned that the key to success is passion, dedication, and a firm commitment to excellence. At our company, we take pride in being a one-stop-shop, providing our clients with unparalleled customer service and an attention to detail that is second to none.

We believe that every event is an opportunity to make a positive impact on our clients’ lives, and we are passionate about creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Our ability to turn our clients’ vision into reality is what sets us apart, and we are always exploring new trends and technologies to stay ahead of the curve and push the boundaries of what is possible in event planning.

What I love most about being an event planner is the opportunity to design every little detail, creating unique experiences that reflect our clients’ individual style and personality. And after 9 years, we have yet to repeat a single design, showcasing our creativity and commitment to making each event special and one-of-a-kind.

But what truly sets us apart is our resilience and ability to overcome any challenge. We have faced our share of obstacles, but we never give up. We are here to stay, and we will always find a way to make it happen.

So if you’re looking for an event planning and design company that is dedicated to exceeding your expectations, look no further. We are here to help you create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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?
Day 1: Start the day with a classic LA breakfast at The Griddle Cafe. This popular spot is known for their huge pancakes and omelets, and is a great way to fuel up for a busy day. From there, head to the Griffith Observatory for some stunning views of the city. Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby Griffith Park and maybe even hike up to the Hollywood sign. In the evening, grab dinner at the trendy Crossroads Kitchen, a vegetarian restaurant with a great atmosphere.

Day 2: Spend the morning at Venice Beach, soaking up the sun and checking out the street performers and vendors. For lunch, head to Gjelina, a popular restaurant in Venice with delicious wood-fired pizzas and small plates. In the afternoon, take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, where you can hike in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains or hit the beach. For dinner, try Nobu Malibu, a celebrity hotspot with amazing sushi and ocean views.

Day 3: Start the day with a hike in Runyon Canyon, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Afterward, grab brunch at Sqirl, a beloved cafe in Silver Lake known for their creative dishes and homemade jams. Spend the afternoon exploring the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which has a huge collection of art from around the world. In the evening, head to The Comedy Store for some laughs and drinks.

Day 4: Check out the Getty Center, a stunning museum with beautiful gardens and architecture. Afterward, grab lunch at In-N-Out Burger, a classic LA spot with delicious burgers and fries. Spend the afternoon in Santa Monica, walking along the pier and checking out the shops and restaurants on 3rd Street Promenade. For dinner, try Animal, a trendy restaurant in the Fairfax district with a focus on meat dishes.

Day 5: Head to Universal Studios for a day of theme park fun, with rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. Grab lunch at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has its own themed food and drinks. In the evening, check out a show at the iconic Troubadour music venue, which has hosted everyone from Elton John to Guns N’ Roses.

Day 6: Spend the day exploring Downtown LA, starting with a visit to the Broad Museum to see contemporary art. From there, head to Grand Central Market for lunch, which has a huge variety of food stalls and vendors. Spend the afternoon checking out some of the city’s historic architecture, like the Bradbury Building and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. For dinner, try Bestia, a popular Italian restaurant in the Arts District.

Day 7: Wrap up the trip with a day at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. Spend the day riding the classic attractions and checking out the new additions, like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For dinner, head to the Anaheim Packing District, a food hall with a variety of vendors and live music.

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?
There are so many people who have played a vital role in my journey and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the strength to overcome every obstacle and for connecting me with amazing individuals who have supported me throughout my journey.

I am also incredibly grateful for my husband, who has been my biggest supporter from the beginning. He has helped me in countless ways, from building props to taking professional photos when I couldn’t afford to hire anyone. I am so fortunate to have him by my side.

My family has also been an integral part of my success. When I first started Deelish Events, they practically worked for free, and I will always be grateful for their unwavering support. My sister in particular has been a constant presence in both my business and personal life. I don’t know what I would do without her.

I also want to thank my boys, who are my daily motivation. Their love and support keep me going, even on the toughest days.

Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing clients. Their loyalty, referrals, and continued support have allowed me to turn my a dream of mine into reality. I am so grateful to have them in my life.

Last but not least, I want to thank all of my mentors who have helped me along the way. I continue to learn from them on a daily basis, and I am so grateful for their guidance and support.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

Website: Deelishevents.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/Deelishevents

Image Credits
Fadil Berisha