10 Years of Funkissd: From a Bedroom Printer to 40,000 Celebrations

Ten years ago, I was a psychology student craving something I couldn't quite name.

I was studying alongside my now-husband, and I remember telling him that there was a part of me that felt unexplored, something creative that I hadn't made room for yet. So I did what any restless student would do: I drafted up a concept for a children's event company. On weekends, while we finished our degrees, we would dress up as characters (think Elsa and Olaf) and bring the magic to kids' birthday parties.

I felt such a sense of excitement creating it. But it turns out I'm not a great singer or performer, and I didn't love that part. What I did love was everything around it: coming up with the party theme and designing it from beginning to end for our clients.

A magician, an Etsy shop, and crickets

So I sat down and started sketching themes. My very first product was for a magician party, and I listed it on Etsy. For the first month? Crickets.

Then one morning, I woke up to a ping on my phone. It was my very first order, from a customer named Eva. (I'll never forget her name.) You would have thought I'd won the lottery from how excited I was... and then the panic settled in, because I realized I had no idea how to actually fulfill and ship an order.

40,000 orders later

Now, ten years and over 40,000 orders later (and lots of partnering with some really cool moms along the way), let's just say I'm a pro at the order thing.

And I definitely didn't do it alone. Whenever orders would pile up, my husband Frankie and my sister would jump in and help me fulfill them, so that you could get your order on time. I couldn't have done it without them.

As I write this, I'm sitting in my office with the Funkissd logo hanging above me. It's basically set up like a well-oiled little factory: cameras and technology I never thought I'd get the hang of, shipping supplies stocked for the next year, and a closet with over 30 cake stands and photoshoot props.

I started with a home printer and paper in my bedroom at my parents' house. Now I'm here, in my own office, as a full-time kids' party supply designer. I honestly couldn't have planned this if I'd tried, and some days I'm still in disbelief at how far we've come.

Celebrate every moment

Over a decade, Funkissd has evolved in so many ways. But at the end of the day, it's a beautiful reminder, to myself and to this community, to celebrate every moment. I'm so honoured to create work that brings people together and inspires whimsical parties.

I love my job, and I thank every one of you for coming along on this journey with me.

To those of you who've been here since day one: it's wild to think that your kids are about to head off to high school, all grown up! And to those of you just joining us: welcome. I can't wait to be a part of your little ones' childhood memories.

And if you'd like to follow along for the next ten years, join the Funkissd Fun Club, our newsletter, for early access to sales, first looks at new party themes, and a birthday treat just for you.

Here's to the next decade of celebrations. 🎈

With love,
Jules