Owner aims to boost young girls' confidence



Michelle Azuara said she was set to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a teacher. But she said the rigors of being an educator drove her to pursue a different career path.



While working as a manager at a local physician's office, she said she was handed a business opportunity that would allow her to shape young minds. However, this setting was different from a classroom.



At the Round Rock event studio My Party Palace, which Azuara owns and operates, the pupils are princesses and divas ages 3–12.



Azuara said 90 percent of her business is birthday parties centered on princesses and fairy tales. The business also offers camps and specialty parties inspired by the movie "Frozen."



Azuara bought the studio in 2005. Soon other franchise locations as far away as North Carolina opened, each independently owned and operated, she said.



"Here it is seven years later, and it's something that it's my calling," Azuara said. "I went to school to be a teacher, but this is my path."



The eight other My Party Palaces failed to succeed. Aside from a location in College Station, which will close in December, hers is the only studio remaining, Azuara said.



Azuara credits Round Rock's resilient economy and strong sense of community for her business weathering the recession. However, she said she was not immune to the poor economy and business slipped in 2009–10.



"That's when it was getting tough," Azuara said.



She said business increased in summer 2011 when summer camp enrollment started rising. Business has been consistent ever since, she said.



The steady business allows her to focus on an initiative that is now central to the studio: self-esteem parties.



Yvonne Sanchez—a teacher at Bluebonnet Elementary School, where a large number of the student population comes from low-income families—works with Azuara in coordinating the parties once or twice a year. Sanchez said any girl in the fifth grade can qualify.



The parties are organized as Saturday field trips in which about 40 girls are bused to My Party Palace. Azuara's self-esteem parties help instill confidence in students who might be at risk of not reaching their full potential, Sanchez said.



"We don't know how one experience will turn a girl's brain on to be able to see her future somewhat differently," she said.



The girls' confidence soars after coming to the studio and having their nails and makeup done, Azuara said.



Azuara said she considers self-esteem parties a key ingredient in her recipe for success and an example of how engendering a sense of togetherness can mutually benefit a business and the community.



"They are my future," Azuara said. "Not only the little girls whose parents can afford a $250 party. Shame on me if I can't lift that one little girl and give her an opportunity."



Things to know before booking



  • It is suggested the number of party guests range between eight and 12 at maximum. Contact the My Party Palace to see if a higher number can be accommodated.

  • My Party Palace recommends scheduling parties three to six weeks in advance to reserve a preferred time and date. However, last-minute requests can be accommodated if the studio has any cancellations.

  • A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required to secure a date and time for a party.

  • The business is not mobile. Rather than coming to one's house to entertain, the business hosts parties at its own venue.

Party 411



Parties last an hour and 45 minutes and typically consist of the following:



  • Girls arrive and pick out their costumes and accessories

  • Makeup and nails

  • Princess/diva/fairy ceremony

  • Runway fashion show

  • Set up for group picture

  • Tea party/snack time

  • Karaoke or dancing and story time (depending on party package)

  • Make princess craft or diva dust craft

  • Get gift bag

  • Change into own clothes

Source: My Party Palace



208 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock, 512-964-1012, www.mypartypalace.com, Hours by appointment