In honor of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to spotlight Shadavia Green, the trailblazing owner of SugarPop Parties! Shadavia, affectionately known as Shay, has transformed her passion for event planning into a thriving business that specializes in personalized treats, yard messages, balloon design, and more.
Shay's journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her natural talent for planning and hosting memorable gatherings for friends and family. "It began with a very simple Mickey Mouse themed party that included a balloon structure. It was such a simple balloon design but it made the party POP! That balloon structure opened the door to many other requests and the rest is history."
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Shay has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, especially during the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. "One of the most pivotal moments was during the COVID-19 pandemic. We realized that while people couldn’t gather in traditional ways, the desire to celebrate their special occasions was still present. So, we pivoted and introduced yard messages as a new service. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in business."
Shay draws inspiration from the strong women who have influenced her life, particularly her mother and grandmother. "My mother and my grandmother both inspired me. As a young child, I observed my mother excel in every sales job she held, consistently rising to the top... Her commitment to hard work left a mark on me. She taught me that success is earned through persistence and determination."
"My grandparents were also the first entrepreneurs I encountered. They ran a food business, specializing in southern-style barbecue. While my grandfather was the master chef behind the scenes, it was my grandmother that held everything together. She was the brains of the business. My grandmother’s ability to manage it all left a lasting impression. She was such an amazing woman."
As a woman entrepreneur, Shay believes in the power of collaboration and mutual support within the business community. "As a balloon artist in a female-dominated industry, I wholeheartedly embrace collaboration and mutual support. It takes many people to pull off an event. We develop relationships along the way. We support, refer and encourage each other."
Despite the challenges of juggling her business with her roles as a wife, mother, and managing sickle cell disease, Shay remains steadfast in her commitment to growth and learning. "Between working full time, running my business, keeping up with my teenager’s ever-changing schedule, and entertaining the demands of a younger child, there’s never a dull moment. But I have done my best to implement systems that help."
Shay's ultimate goal is to inspire others to celebrate life's moments and to leave a lasting impact on the business world. "I just want people to understand that it is important to celebrate. Whether it is you or someone else, everyone deserves to be celebrated."
Connect with Shay and SugarPop Parties on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , and their website www.sugarpopparties.com, and join us in celebrating her remarkable journey this Women’s History Month!
