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Life & Work with Jose Velez and Carlos Zamudio of San Antonio Texas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Velez and Carlos Zamudio.

Hi Jose and Carlos , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the world of event design began long before I ever imagined it would become my career. As a child, I loved creating experiences. I would plan little “parties” in my bedroom with my sister, and we would argue over how to spend our small allowance — I insisted: “If the room isn’t decorated, it’s not a party!” Even then, I understood the power of environment and how the right details could transform a moment.

Art has always been at the core of everything I do. In addition to event design, I am also a professional makeup artist. I spent 16 years in the cosmetic industry, working as an international artist and account executive for brands including Trish McEvoy, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, and Benefit Cosmetics. Today, I continue to take on select wedding parties, offering both makeup and hair services through @makeupbyzamudio.

What began as decorating small celebrations for friends and family soon became a full-blown passion. I was drawn to balloon art — a perfect fusion of creativity, precision, and visual impact. In the early days, learning through trial and error, late nights, and countless online tutorials. I invested in quality materials and gradually built a loyal client base through word of mouth and social media.

Together with my husband, Carlos Velez, we have grown this passion into a thriving business. Carlos, the co-owner of Mr. Cool Party Events, has been instrumental in building our brand — from designing and managing our website to handling the logistics that keep our projects running seamlessly. His vision and expertise behind the scenes allow me to focus on the creative side, and together we bring a true partnership to every event.

Over time, our work began to capture the attention of major companies, and we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Amazon, Nordstrom, Estée Lauder, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries — opportunities that have allowed us to continually push creative boundaries and expand our vision.

One of the most rewarding chapters in my journey has been stepping into the role of educator. I recently led my first workshop in partnership with Elitex Balloons, teaching students how to design graduation balloon bouquets and freestanding garlands. Sharing knowledge and empowering others in their craft has been a true highlight of my career.

Today, Carlos and I continue to grow Mr. Cool Party Events and @makeupbyzamudio with heart, vision, and creativity — always striving to bring art, beauty, and unforgettable experiences to every project. And this is only the beginning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every bump along the way taught me something valuable. One of my biggest struggles early on was figuring out who my ideal clients were and how to price my work. I didn’t want to undersell myself, but I also needed to build my reputation and gain experience. Finding that balance took time, and honestly, it’s something I still fine-tune as I grow.

Another challenge was learning everything on my own. It was a lot of trial and error — watching tutorials, practicing nonstop, and sometimes just figuring things out as I went. There were moments when I took on jobs I wasn’t fully prepared for, but I never let that stop me. I made sure to deliver what the client asked for, even if it meant long nights and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Looking back, those tough moments shaped me into the creative and business owner I am today. They pushed me to keep learning, keep evolving, and never stop believing in what’s possible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Mr. Cool Party Events, we specialize in creating custom balloon décor and immersive event experiences that leave lasting impressions. From organic garlands and statement installations to full event setups, we bring creativity, precision, and personality to every project. Whether it’s a corporate event, grand opening, baby shower, or milestone celebration, we work closely with each client to bring their vision to life.

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about every event — not just how it looks, but how it makes people feel. We approach each project with heart, flexibility, and a “yes, we can” attitude, even when the task seems challenging. As self-taught artists and business owners, we’re proud of the journey we’ve taken together.

One of our biggest moments so far was working with the City of San Antonio, where we transformed a large gymnastics space into a beautiful summer-themed celebration. For this project, we were fortunate to have help from our balloon family, who came together to assist with inflating and assembling the hundreds of balloons required to bring the space to life. It was an opportunity that pushed our creativity and showcased what we can do on a grand scale — and a reminder of the power of community in this industry.

At the end of the day, our goal is for people to walk into a room and feel the celebration — to know that every detail was thoughtfully and lovingly designed. That’s the Mr. Cool difference.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about how many events i book or how big the client names are — it’s about impact, growth, and staying true to my passion. I define success as being able to do what i love every day, while making people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired through my work.

It’s also about progress — looking back and seeing how far we’ve come, from learning on my own to teaching my first class, and knowing that I’ve grown not just as an artist, but as a business owner and leader. Success means creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others who are coming up in this industry too.

If my work brings joy, builds confidence in others, and allows me to give back while supporting my family — that, to me, is true success

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