Introduce yourself (include your name, your business/what your do for living)

Hello! My name is Mirian Zambrana and I am the owner of Z.elebrations – a boutique event design and coordination company that specializes in turning all of life’s moments big or small into a party.

What’s your background?

I am not originally from Chicago. I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Delaware (yes people actually live there!) and moved to Illinois in 2006 to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I received my Master’s Degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies with the end goal of attending law school and securing employment with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. However, my creative spirit and entrepreneurial heart lead me to glitter and gold spray paint and I could not be happier!

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How did you start your business?

My business came out of my 2 great loves—my parents and my dog Howie. Growing up my parents always hosted great parties and it was always a treat to watch the prep happen. Naturally, I became a seasoned hostess. As soon as I could plan and host my own parties I did so—by throwing my dog (Howie) birthday parties! I quickly realized that this was not just something I liked to do for fun but it was a real passion- something that I wanted to do full-time. You know the saying

“Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life”?

That was my personal mission statement when creating Z.elebrations.

What inspired you as a creative woman?

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I have always been a dreamer and a doer. I was an only child for almost 10 years (then I got a little sister!) so I had a lot of alone time for imagination games and creating big plans. As a little girl I would tell my mom that I would be moving away. Sometimes it was Los Angeles other times it was Paris. What I understood even as a little girl was that the world was my oyster and I have carried that mentality through adulthood. I do all things with love and never quit my daydream.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made on your job or on your business, and how did you get through it?

Self-doubt. It can be difficult to trust and believe in your abilities as a creative and entrepreneur. When I am feeling insecure I talk it out. I reach out to my peers, friends, and family—more importantly I talk it out with myself. I remind myself that that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t always need a plan – sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and let yourself shine.

If you won a lottery today, will you still continue to build your business?

Absolutely! We’d go worldwide!

Walk us through your day as …

I dream of the day that I can {z}elebrate full time. I currently work a 9-5 separately from Z.elebrations so my time is split between both jobs.

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I start {z}elebrating my day with a glass of water and Jillian Michaels (I love to work out in the morning!). I check email, social media and take a peek at my planner to see what I have going on for the day. Typically, I work on Z.elebrations after 5pm – and the work varies from day to day.

Sometimes you’ll find me covered in confetti setting up a styled shoot other times you’ll find me with a client at local coffee shop.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?

Finding the courage to trust and accept the Universe’s plan for me as an entrepreneur.

Where or what do you think you will be/do in the next 5 years?

I see myself working exclusively with Z.elebrations in a super cute studio where I can host clients, teach workshops, create lots of blog content, throw fabulous parties, and possibly start selling trendy party supplies.

Share a quote/advice that you’d like to tell the 25 year-old you!

Life begins where your comfort zone ends so do all the things that make you afraid. Whatever they are make sure they make you HAPPY because in the end you only regret the chances you didn’t take.