Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Vidal.
Hi Shayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I am a mom of four active boys and over the years, my love of throwing birthday parties for them developed into a passion for bringing the party to other kids on their special days. When I first decided to start the business, I was hesitant.
It took years to plan and prep for what I considered to be one of the biggest decisions of my life. My plate was already full so I needed to make sure that this business commitment would be the best for myself and my family. I am a full-time mom, and I also have a full-time 9-5 career, and adding an entertainment business to that rotation seemed daunting but absolutely doable.
Looking back, I don’t think I realized just what I signed up for. There is so much of my sweat and tears poured into my business and also, more than anything, my heart.
Reflecting back on where I started and where I am today, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles of all of the kids and their parents I have set up bounce houses and soft play areas for – that is why I started this business and that is what drives me to continue on this journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entertainment market in San Antonio is male-dominated.
There is maybe a handful of us women in the bounce house/soft play area business mainly because of the physical labor it requires. Bounce houses are heavy and get dirty very easily so aside from the prep of cleaning, sanitizing, and packing you also have to deliver, set up, pick back up, clean and sanitize all over again.
This all takes place during the busiest time of the year, in the Texas heat. Soft play area setups require just as much and even more prep. There are mats, plastic balls, slides, gate pieces, and many other additions that have to be cleaned, sanitized, packed, and prepped for the next setup.
And for the most part, the majority of my customers understand how important it is to take care of the rentals while in their care and they are amazing! However, I have had a few that completely disregard their contract and damage the set ups without so much as an apology.
They don’t understand the amount of time, money, and work it takes to provide them with quality setups but I don’t let the few deter me from the many who I love providing this service for.
We’ve been impressed with Vidal’s Dream Entertainment LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Vidal’s Dream Entertainment provides quality bounce house rentals, soft play area setups, inflatable movie theater setups, and much more!
We specialize in providing entertainment setups for every celebration and occasion. Birthday parties, family reunions, church functions, graduations – we have something for everyone.
We value our customers and providing excellent customer service is our priority.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I started this business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not only did it teach me that my dreams can still be pursued even in the most trying times, but it also taught me that success knows no bounds. Starting a business during that time was what many considered a crazy idea but I refused to give in to doubt and move forward with my dream.
Also, I have always been big on cleaning and sanitizing my rentals but of course, with the pandemic, I ensured that I spaced out my rentals, wore my mask per the CDC guidelines, and addressed any concerns a potential customer had.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://form.jotform.com/212710101791140
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dream_entertainmentover_texas?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamEntertainmentofTX/
