We had the good fortune of connecting with h’Elena Pleasant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi h’Elena, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Having children has undoubtedly reshaped my work-life balance over time. Prior to becoming a mother, I could allocate a substantial portion of my day to work, personal pursuits, and leisure activities, However, since welcoming my children into my life, the delicate juggling act between my career, business, and family has become more intricate. This shift has taught me the value of efficient time management, setting priorities, and the importance of quality over quantity in both my work and family life.

A healthy work life balance is essential for preventing burnouts. Overworking without a proper work life balance can lead to burnout, which can have serious consequences for both mental and physical health.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the owner of Dream House Sleepovers. We provide our clients with the opportunity to create long lasting memories with their loved ones by offering stress-free and convenient sleepover planning because we believe they can hold on to those memories for a lifetime. I started this company 5 years ago because my daughter wanted a sleepover for her birthday party, and I rarely do things the traditional way. Initially, I searched for a company in my area and when the search was unsuccessful, I bought the supplies and did it myself. Three weeks later I launched Dream House Sleepovers with only 2 bookings during the first year of business. In 2022, we finished the year with 69 bookings and currently on track for exceeding this for 2023.

I find immense pride in the journey of growth my company and I have embarked upon. Looking back on the challenges I have faced as a single mom and business owner and the milestones I have achieved, it is evident that growth isn’t just about revenue and expansion, it’s about personal and professional development also. I am proud of the way I have adapted to market shifts, honed my problem-solving skills, and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration.

I passionately want the world to know that my brand consistently delivers a truly magical experience for my clients and their guests. I have crafted every detail with care and creativity. My dedication to creating a magical moment is not just a promise, it’s the essence of what my brand is,

Along the way, being a business owner, full-time worker, and mother simultaneously has taught me invaluable lessons about balance, patience, and adaptability. Juggling the demands of running a business and nurturing a family requires meticulous scheduling and setting priorities. These roles have taught me the significance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

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?
Upstate South Carolina offers a delightful array of places to visit for a memorable weekend with my best friend. We would start our adventure by strolling through Falls Park, where we can enjoy some scenic walking paths and picturesque waterfalls. Then we would visit the Peace Center, to catch a live performance of a musical such as The Wiz. We would end the first day at Juniper enjoying the amazing views from the rooftop and eating food and drinking cocktails such as my favorite drink, The Rich Girl. The next day, we would grab brunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe where I would get the Lobster Hash Benedict, then do a candle making class at Greenville Soy Candle Co. For an afternoon sweet treat we would stop by Pop’s Cabin Creamery. We would stop by my favorite local coffee shop, Crossroads 4 Coffee and Tea for some an afternoon pick me up. For dinner, we would go to Blues Blvd Jazz to watch an amazing band, The Night Affair Band while enjoy good food and drinks. On the last day, we would head over to White Wine and Butter for brunch and head over to City Scape winery for wine tasting and a seasonal charcuterie board. We would end the weekend with a dinner at Larkin’s to celebrate friendship and creating long-lasting memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my best friend turned sister for life, Tiffany. I am truly grateful for the remarkable friendship that has endured for almost three decades. Through the highs and lows of life, Tiffany has been my unwavering support, my confidant, and my source of laughter. Tiffany’s loyalty, understanding and the way she has been there for me without hesitation makes her not only a best friend but a cherished family member. Whether it’s sharing funny videos, talking about a show or our favorite topic, food, Tiffany’s presence in my life has been a constant source of strength and comfort. Tiffany has faced every obstacle with incredible strength, determination and faith in God. I also admire Tiffany’s growth over the years. Thank you for always being there for me and believing in me when I sometimes doubt myself.

Website: https://dreamhousesleepovers.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhouse_sleepovers/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/h-elena-pleasant-a98aba37

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamhousesleepovers/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.