From creating a 350-person fairytale ball at The Legacy Castle to bringing smiles to families dealing with childhood illnesses, Stacia Papasavas set out to bring joy to children and did just that by launching her business, My Fairytale Party. My Fairytale Party is a live character experience that brings entertainment to families, with Broadway-quality performances from the iconic Disney princesses we all love, complete with high-end costumes, wigs and all the magic. We’re inspired by Stacia’s passion to support charities like Izzy’s Infantry and SuperHearts, loved hearing about her next fairytale ball, and got the inside scoop on her favorite places around New Jersey to visit with her family like Burnt Mills Potters in Branchburg.
Creator of My Fairytale Party & NJMOMpreneur Stacia Papasavas
via Anne Katherine Photography
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Stacia: My Fairytale Party offers clients and their little guests a live fairytale character experience with entertainment. Our brought-to-you parties and events are produced with high attention to detail – from the live Broadway-quality character singing to the high-end costuming and wigs to the thoughtfully planned activities that fully entertain children.
To stay true to your vision, start small and follow your intuition.” – Stacia, NJMOMpreneur & Creator of My Fairytale Party
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of work?
Stacia: I always knew I wanted my own business so that I could have limitless creativeness. One important prerequisite to what that business would be was for it to be fun! As my daughter was turning 2, I realized what a big business birthday parties were and I felt I wanted to create something really special that would take the idea of fairytale parties to another level.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Stacia: I absolutely love the business family that I have created. Our performers are what make My Fairytale Party successful. We share a real passion for creating joy in children. We are also passionate about doing charity work and there is nothing more satisfying than being able to raise money for amazing causes or making the day of a special child.
via Anne Katherine Photography
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Stacia: Out of college I worked in the events department for Saatchi and Saatchi. I then went on to work for Johnson & Johnson as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Being a mom gives me “field” experience.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Stacia: I just successfully produced our largest public event at The Legacy Castle with 350 people. It was more than half a year of tireless work and it came together beautifully. I still think about how magical that day was and it brings me chills. The energy in the room was like nothing I’ve ever felt.
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Stacia: I have moved 18 times in my life. It still feels surreal (in a good way) when I run into people I know at Target and the grocery store. I’m like, so this is what it feels like to stay put a while!
NJMOM: What can we expect from you next year – personally and professionally?
Stacia: We are looking to travel abroad for the first time as a family. I think exploring is one of the best things in life and I want to share that passion with my children. Possibly another fairytale ball for My Fairytale Party – we would love to make it bigger and better.
via Anne Katherine Photography
NJMOM: What charitable cause are you most passionate about?
Stacia: Nothing is more heartbreaking than childhood disease. We support many charities big and small. Izzy’s Infantry which fights against pediatric cancer, Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, SuperHearts in support of congenital heart defects, Angela’s Army Princess Ball, Hackensack Hospital NICU, David’s Touch are all fantastic local charities that hold annual events we participate in. Cabaret 4 a Cure in support of the Meghan Rose Foundation for pediatric brain cancer is run by one of our very own! On a national scale we have participated in many Cystic Fibrosis Walks, March of Dimes and Make a Wish events.
NJMOM: Who is your role model? Why?
Stacia: I have many! My parents because they are humble, hard-working and generous. Michelle Obama because she keeps it real, all while being classy and strong as heck. Oprah – no explanation needed. Lady Gaga for her strength, dedication to her craft and insane creativeness. My awesome tribe of woman friends. I have admiration for each one of them for different reasons. My husband because he has the most integrity of anyone I’ve known.
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice your mom (or parent/role model) ever gave to you?
Stacia: Oprah has said so many things that have resonated with me. Here are a few…
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
The biggest adventure you can ever take is the life of your dreams.
Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” – Oprah Winfrey
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by? Why is this quote so important to you?
Stacia: I live by the philosophy of not settling. I love going for what I want, even though at times I’m full of fear. Have the fear but do it anyway! It’s so important to me to not have regrets for things I didn’t do.
via Anne Katherine Photography
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Stacia: We are in love with the Delaware River area in fall. We also love attending Christmas markets in the Winter. We love day trips to Frenchtown and Lambertville. We are big day trip people. We find a new town, take a drive and explore! My only tip is book early and sign up for emails for places you want to go (and create a separate email account just for that reason).
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Stacia: Nothing is better than experiencing the compassion of your children. When they show they care, I know I’m doing something right. We also have a lot of fun together. We take being silly seriously.
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Stacia: We love the festivals that NJ has to offer, namely Oktoberfest, Lake Mohawk Christmas Market, and the Pony Up Festival. My kids’ favorite place to dine and have amazing homemade ice cream is Gabriel’s Fountain in Martinsville. My most memorable activity with them was spinning clay and making pottery at the Burnt Mill Potters in Branchburg. Their favorite toy store is jaZams in Princeton…which reminds me, our other favorite ice cream is the Bent Spoon. I also love the consignment store Country Chic Boutique in Frenchtown for hidden gems. Ninety Acres is an absolutely stunning dining experience and I love their communal table for girls night! The Pluckemin Inn is our favorite date night spot. Duke Farms is a serene public estate great for walking and exploring.
via Anne Katherine Photography
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Stacia: We live in Bridgewater and we love it here! For vacation, we visit Spring Lake because it’s just so darn cute.
NJMOM: What advice might you have for a fellow NJMOMpreneur who is just starting out?
Stacia: To stay true to your vision, start small and follow your intuition (that’s the first voice you hear, not the logical, sarcastic one that follows).
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
Stacia: I’d like to say thank you for your support! You’ve made me cry happy tears from sending your kind words! Moms like you – who show their love and appreciation for what we do keep us going strong!
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