Today we’d like to introduce you to H’elena Pleasant
h’Elena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started in 2018 with a little magic, some fairy lights, and a whole lot of pillows. Like many parents, I wanted to throw my daughter a sleepover she’d never forget – something beyond the usual sleeping bags and popcorn. After finding ideas on Pinterest, I searched high and low for a similar business in my area – but came up empty. That’s when the wheels start turning. I dove into research, figuring out how to pull it all together. I went all out with her “rockstar” theme: with adorable tents, twinkle lights, cozy bedding, and cute little touches that made it feel like a dream come true.
What I didn’t expect? The reaction! The kids were in awe, the parents were impressed, and before I knew it, I was getting messages like, “Can you this for my child’s birthday?” That’s the the lightbulb went off – if I could create an unforgetable experience for my daughter, why not do it for others?
Fast forward, and here I am, running Dream House Sleepovers that brings the same magical experiences to families in Greenville, SC and surrounding towns. What started as one special night for my little girl has turned into a full-blown business, proving that sometimes, the best ideas from simply wanting to make our kids smile.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth? Not even close! Starting a business is tough, but doing it as a single of two while juggling a full-time job ( and later, unemployment for half of 2021) made it even harder. Time management felt like an impossible puzzle – between school drop-offs, bedtime routines, and figuring out how to actually grow a business, I often wondered if I’d taken on too much.
Then came the biggest gut punch: I launched my business, feeling excited and ready to go…and crickets. No immediate bookings. Flood of inquiries but no one was actually booking. Just me, refreshing my inbox and wondering if I made a huge mistake. It was discouraging, to say the least. But instead of giving up, I kept pushing – fine tuning my marketing, networking, and reminding myself why I started in the first place.
Looking back, those struggles shaped me. They forced me to be creative, to keep learning, and to trust that if I kept showing up, the right people would find me. And eventually, they did.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create unforgettable sleepover experiences that bring joy, excitement, and a little magic to any celebration. My business specializes in luxury sleepover setups, transforming ordinary spaces into cozy, picture-perfect retreats with themed tents, twinkling lights, plush bedding and thoughtful details that make each event unique.
I’m known for my attention to detail, my ability to create a “wow” factor, and my commitment for making every child feel special. What sets me apart is the personalized tough – I don’t just set up tents; I craft experiences that kids (and even adults) will remember for years to come. Whether it’s a birthday, a bestie sleepover, or a family night in, I make sure every setup feels magical.
What I’m most proud of? Seeing the pure joy on the kids’ faces whey they walk into their sleepover. Knowing that I’ve helped create a core memory for them – and made things easier for busy parents – makes all the hard work worth it.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely. The COVID-19 crisis taught me two major lessons: to truly cherish my family and the moments we share, and to always have a backup plan for income.
During lockdown, life slowed down, and I realized how important it was to be present with my kids – to create memories, not just manage routines. We had more time for movie nights, games, and just being together, and that shift in perspective stuck with me.
At the same time, the uncertainty of the pandemic showed me how crucial it is to have multiple streams of income. Experiencing job less firsthand in 2021 made me see just how quickly things can change. That’s when I really committed to growing my business – not just as a passion project, but as a way to create financial security for my family.
Now, I approach life and business differently. I prioritize what truly matters, and I make sure I’m always thinking ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dream_house_sleepovers
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhouse_sleepovers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamhousesleepovers/
