We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Rojano and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nancy, why did you pursue a creative career?
My earliest memories of pure joy were in a scrapbooking store next to my parents’ grocery store in Holland, Michigan. While they worked, I’d be lost in a world of stickers, paper, and scissors, imagining endless possibilities for creating scrapbook pages. Who knew back then that my love for all things artsy would lead me here? As I got older, my passion for creating beautiful spaces and experiences only grew stronger. I was that teenager who couldn’t wait to create the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape or go all out with Easter parties, spending hours on the tiniest details—like hand-cutting paper and finding the perfect glue for custom party favors.
I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, just like my family, but figuring out how to turn my love for aesthetics into a career was a journey. In 2019, while working as a corporate travel agent, I started playing with balloons as a creative outlet. Then, 2020 hit, and when I got laid off, I had no choice but to dive headfirst into my business. There were definitely growing pains, a lot of trial and error, and a few faceplants along the way, but every single day, I wake up grateful that I get to live my childhood dream. Being creative and artistic isn’t just my job—it’s my joy!
And let me tell you, once I figured out that I could actually make a successful business out of my creativity, there was no turning back! That’s when I knew I had to share this amazing possibility with other creatives who have stories like mine. If I can do it, so can they! Now, it’s my mission to help others find that same fulfillment, showing them that their passion for art and beauty can lead to something incredible. Plus, I get to spread joy and color wherever I go—what could be better than that?
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My earliest memories of pure joy were in a scrapbooking store next to my parents’ grocery store. While they worked, I’d be lost in a world of stickers, paper, and scissors, imagining endless possibilities for creating scrapbook pages. Who knew back then that my love for all things artsy would lead me here? As I got older, my passion for creating beautiful spaces and experiences only grew stronger. I was that teenager who couldn’t wait to create the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape or go all out with Easter parties, spending hours on the tiniest details—like hand-cutting paper and finding the perfect glue for custom party favors.
I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, just like my family, but figuring out how to turn my love for aesthetics into a career was a journey. In 2019, while working as a corporate travel agent, I started playing with balloons as a creative outlet. Then, 2020 hit, and when I got laid off, I had no choice but to dive headfirst into my business. There were definitely growing pains, a lot of trial and error, and a few faceplants along the way, but every single day, I wake up grateful that I get to live my childhood dream. Being creative and artistic isn’t just my job—it’s my joy!
And let me tell you, once I figured out that I could actually make a successful business out of my creativity, there was no turning back! That’s when I knew I had to share this amazing possibility with other creatives who have stories like mine. If I can do it, so can they! Now, it’s my mission to help others find that same fulfillment, showing them that their passion for art and beauty can lead to something incredible. Plus, I get to spread joy and color wherever I go—what could be better than that?
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is a foodie’s dream, so get ready to eat—A LOT! We’ll dive into crawfish, hot pot, BBQ, Indian, Peking duck, rolled ice cream, and Korean corn dogs. As someone from a small town in Michigan, I love showing off Houston’s unique and diverse food scene.
Day 1: You land; we go to Saint Arnold’s Brewery for a beer and apps before heading to an Astros game—hot dogs, tequila shots, and all the game day vibes! Nothing says “Welcome to Houston” like an Astros game.
Day 2: Assuming the game ends early-ish, we wake up early and head to Galveston—start with shopping before it gets too crowded, grab a drink and take photos at The Galvez, visit The Lucine’s rooftop bar, and end with dinner on the Fantasea Yacht in Kemah on the way back home.
Day 3: Explore the East End. Start with a yoga class followed by hot stone massages, then do some local boutiquey shopping at Ironworks Houston. In the evening, we’ll go bar hopping on Main Street and in The Heights.
Day 4: Explore the Museum District, take a peaceful walk through McGovern Centennial Gardens, and enjoy dinner at Pappas Steakhouse.
Day 5: Bike through Memorial Park, then drive to Phoenicia to grab a bite and have a picnic at Discovery Green. Freshen up and head to Pete’s Piano Bar in the evening.
Day 6: Start with Lattes and pistachio croissants from Common Bond, then head to the Galleria to go shopping. Have a late lunch in Bellaire, either Pecking Duck or dumplings. After a food coma nap, get ready and go to a pool party at Cle to cool off and keep the party going.
Day 7: Finish strong with a pretty brunch at Bloom and Bee at The Post Oak before heading home.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive and creative community right here in Houston. The Association of Wedding Planners Houston (AWP) has truly been a cornerstone of my growth. They haven’t just supported me; they’ve inspired me to aim higher. And speaking of inspiration, I must give a special shoutout to my dear friend and colleague, Maria Barrale, owner of Barr Event Co. I first discovered Maria’s work on Instagram and was immediately captivated by everything she did—from her stunning reels to her beautifully curated feed and website. After weeks of admiring her work, I reached out via email to introduce myself and offer support in any way she needed. She replied, we had a video call, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Maria is not just a powerhouse of creativity and dedication; she’s a mentor and a cherished friend. Working alongside her, I’ve witnessed the magic that happens when diverse and talented vendors unite to design unforgettable events. I can’t imagine being a business owner without her and my network of other planners and designers. It’s a blessing to share my wins and challenges with people who truly understand what I’m going through. While there are many others I could thank—honestly, everyone and everything has led me here—AWP and Maria are the ones who stand out.
Website: https://nancyfromhouston.com
Instagram: @sugarplumeventco @btswithnancy @nancyfromhouston
Facebook: @sugarplumeventco
Yelp: @sugarplumeventco
Image Credits
The Social Club
Jenny Lilly Photography
The Pearl Photo
H and D Photography