Arty party | A conversation with Mary Jo Marquis, founder of Yay for You! Artful Events & Celebrations in New Gloucester
Photo/Courtesy Yay for You!
Mary Jo Marquis
Yay for You! Artful Events & Celebrations
274 Rowe Station Road
Founded: January 2010
Employees: 3
Startup costs: $3,000
Projected revenue, year one: $45,000
Projected revenue, year two: $65,000
Contact: 318-7693
www.yayforyou.com
What is Yay for You!?
Yay for You! is designed to help people celebrate important events in their lives. We specialize in providing the “fun” for children’s birthday parties, adult birthdays, ladies nights out, school functions, fundraising events, family reunions, grand openings, corporate events, any special occasion that calls for crafting interesting and memorable artwork.
Our three-person staff is made up of dedicated art professionals who aim to use high-quality materials to create special, one-of-a-kind masterpieces in the convenience of the event location. Customers can choose (arts and craft projects) from many “themes” or request their own unique idea. We have done everything from kooky critters to lunar lanterns to funky fish.
We are able to tailor our services to fit virtually any client from small, intimate birthday parties to large corporate multi-day events. Some of our most recognizable corporate clients include L.L.Bean, Greater Portland Landmarks, People’s Regional Opportunity Program, South Portland Historical Society and the Portland School District.
Why did you start the company?
I founded the Fiddlehead Center for the Arts in 2002, which now has two locations throughout the state. That experience paved a natural path for me to launch Yay for You! By pursuing the new business idea, I was able to take what I love to do “on the road” with the hope of reaching more people and eliminate high overhead costs.
I also saw that there was an unmet need in Maine for this type of business. Instead of a typical approach to event planning, I wanted to create something that offered a creative, customizable experience.
How do you market Yay for You!?
I market the company through a combination of print ads in publications, printed promotional material, social media marketing and by attending business trade shows. Our website is unique. I wanted potential customers to get the feel of the customizable aspect of the business. You can view themes and get ideas of what you might want to have at your next event.
How do you finance Yay for You!?
Initially, I financed the company through my own personal savings. It seemed like the most conservative method and also fit with my goal of keeping the overhead cost extremely low.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge initially was the expense of advertising and challenge of creating awareness of our services. I place a very high importance on networking with peers, colleagues and customers. I also take advantage of social media, which helped to create the momentum needed to launch the business and to keep it going.
What has been successful about your business strategy?
Collaboration with other Portland arts-based businesses and organizations is a very important part of our business model. We are currently partnering with STAGES: The Performing Arts Academy of Kids to offer summer art camps in various locations in the Portland area. This approach enables all participating parties to share overhead costs of temporary locations and to increase awareness of the importance of art in a child’s life.
Growth in the last six months has been steady, which is encouraging given the current state of the economy. I conduct the majority of events myself, and by being so involved, I am able to ensure the quality of our products.
What are your goals for Yay for You!?
My first goal is to increase awareness that our product is spontaneous and a custom fit for each client’s needs and not a “cookie cutter” package, which I hope will boost revenue. I hope that low overhead costs, competitive pricing, quality products and professional staff, coupled with the fact that this is a virtually untapped market, will make Yay for You! poised for sustainability and growth. I am also exploring the possibility of franchising the business to other areas in Maine and possibly New England.
Interview by Lara Cole
New Ventures profiles young businesses, 6-18 months old. Send your suggestions and contact information to editorial@mainebiz.biz.
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