Today we’d like to introduce you to H’ELena Pleasant.
Hi h’ELena , 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 backstory with our readers?
Dream House Sleepovers actually started with my daughter. I was planning a sleepover for her, and, like most moms, I wanted to make it really special. I loved putting all of the little details together and creating that “wow” moment for her and her friends. Somewhere in the middle of all the planning, I thought, “Wait… I could actually do this for other families!”
So, in 2018, Dream House Sleepovers was born. And I’ll be honest; it wasn’t an overnight success. It took about 8 months before I got my first booking! But I kept going, kept creating social media content, and kept believing there were families out there who would love what I had to offer.
Over the years, it has grown into much more than just setting up teepees. I’ve gotten to create everything from classic themes to completely custom sleepovers based on a child’s wildest ideas, and those are some of my favorites because they really get my creativity going.
What I love most is that I’m helping families create a memory without having to do all of the work themselves. They get to enjoy seeing their child’s face light up, and I get to be a small part of a celebration they’ll hopefully remember for years. Almost 8 years later, I still get excited when a setup comes together, and I think that’s how I know I’m still doing something I genuinely love.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. I’m a single mom of two, I work full-time, and Dream House Sleepovers is something that I’ve built alongside all of those responsibilities. There have definitely been seasons when I’ve wondered, “How am I supposed to fit one more thing into my life?”
I’ve also experienced some really uncertain seasons. At one point, I was unemployed for about six months and trying to navigate that while raising my kids and running a business was challenging in a completely different way.
Then there are normal ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Bookings aren’t always consistent. I’ve had seasons where my calendar was packed and other seasons, like right now, where things have slowed down. When you’re used to being busy, those quiet periods can make you question yourself. I’ve absolutely had moments where I’ve lost motivation or wondered if it was time to stop.
But I’ve learned that a slow season doesn’t mean the end of a story. Sometimes it’s an opportunity to rest, rethink, get creative again, and remember why I started. Every time I’ve felt like giving up, something eventually reminds me that Dream House Sleepovers still has a purpose. Building a business while building a life hasn’t always been easy, but I’m really proud that I’ve continued to show up through all the different seasons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Dream House Sleepovers specializes in creating memorable, stress-free sleepover experiences for families. I provide theme teepee sleepovers with everything set up and styled so parents can focus on enjoying a celebration instead of worrying about all the little details.
I think what I’m most known for, and probably what I enjoy the most, is bring a child’s vision to life. I love a good custom theme! Some kids come to me with ideas that aren’t on a party store shelf, and instead of saying, “I don’t have that theme,” my first thought is usually, “Okay, how can I make this happen?” Those challenges are often where I’m the most creative.
What I’m most proud of is the trust families have placed in me over the years. I’ve had families come back to me for multiple celebrations and birthdays, and that means so much to me. There’s something really special watching a child grow up through their birthday parties.
I also think what sets Dream House Sleepovers apart is that I never want a setup to feel like I simply dropped off some teepees/ I pay attention to every detail and try to create an entire experience around the guest of honor and what they love. At the end of the day, I’m not really selling teepees. I’m helping families create memories, and I think that’s the best part of what I get to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that success doesn’t always look like constant growth or a completely booked calendar. Sometimes success is simply continuing to show up.
Dream House Sleepovers started with one mom wanted to create a special memory for her daughter, and almost 8 years later, I’m still here creating those moments for other families. There have been busy seasons, slow seasons, moments that I’ve seriously questioned whether I wanted to keep going. But I’m proud that I did.
I hope my story encourages someone who has an idea but is waiting for the “perfect” time to start. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Start with what you have, learn as you go, give yourself permission to evolve, and don’t let a quiet season convince that what you’ve built doesn’t matter.
And to every family who has trusted Dream House Sleepovers with one of their special moments over the years: thank you. Every booking, referral, repeat family, like, share, and kind word has helped a little idea I had for my daughter become something much bigger than I imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamhousesleepovers.com
