An Interview with Jenny Otavina | Founder of KID CITY Parties

Jenny Otavina, the founder of KID CITY Parties, a kids party planning business, is a remarkable example of resilience and determination. Originally from Ukraine, Jenny’s entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by overcoming some of life’s toughest challenges. From surviving the devastating impacts of COVID-19 to facing the hardships of war, she managed not only to keep her business afloat but to restart it after relocating to London. Her story is one of perseverance, navigating the complexities of a new language, culture, and life as a working mom, all while balancing the demands of her venture and family.

“I’ve faced setbacks myself – failed my efforts, wasted money, and lost promising clients because of my mistakes. However, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start over. You can always find new people, set up new deals, and create fresh opportunities for success.” – Jenny Otavina

Takeaways:

• Adaptability is key: Jenny’s ability to pivot her business model during COVID-19, from hosting parties in a venue to bringing the celebrations to clients’ locations, highlights the importance of adapting quickly to changing circumstances in business.
• Building a strong brand through trust: Jenny’s success is rooted in building a brand based on trust, exceptional service, and reliability. Even through adversity, maintaining strong client relationships is crucial to business growth.
• The power of word of mouth and reputation: Jenny’s business thrived through word-of-mouth recommendations, underscoring the power of customer satisfaction and reputation in driving growth, especially in service-based industries.
• Resilience in the face of crisis: Surviving the impact of both the pandemic and the war demonstrates that businesses can thrive even in the most difficult situations by staying resilient, embracing challenges, and continuously finding new opportunities.

Jenny Otavina, the founder of KID CITY Parties

Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us in your words, about your inspiring story?

My name is Jenny, and in 2019, I founded a party planning business in Ukraine called KID CITY. I was the founder and CEO of a brand that quickly became a market leader in the children’s entertainment sector. My team and I worked tirelessly to create exceptional experiences, and within a short span, I owned and operated three commercial venues dedicated to hosting unique, premium kids’ parties. Over the years, we organized more than 1,500 events of varying sizes, cementing our reputation as a top-tier party planning service in my city.

At the time, my life seemed to be on the right track. I had a beautiful 4-bedroom house, a car, and a dedicated team of 15 passionate employees who helped bring our vision to life. Every week, I’d treat myself to a fresh manicure, enjoying the small luxuries of life that came with running a successful business. It was the life I had worked so hard to build.

However, everything changed in February 2022. When the war broke out in Ukraine, I was forced to leave my home and everything I knew. The journey to escape was harrowing – my kids and I survived a packed, overcrowded train, surrounded by people in panic and fear, with no guarantee of safety or even a clear destination. It was a journey marked by uncertainty and the crushing weight of losing our homes, our jobs, our children’s toys, our favorite mugs in the kitchen… everything that once defined our daily existence.

Eventually, my children and I made it to London, where we began the long and difficult process of rebuilding our lives. The transition was tough, but I refused to surrender. Despite the enormous challenges, I was determined to find a way to move forward. Drawing on the experience and knowledge I had gained in Ukraine, I re-launched KID CITY in London, focusing on bringing the same level of premium party planning to a new market. Over the past year, I’ve gone from hosting events in basic halls to organizing private and public celebrations at prestigious venues across the city.

Though the journey has been anything but easy, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and the resilience I’ve shown. I’m now focused on not only rebuilding my business but also building a new life and a future in the UK – one where challenges are met with determination and the belief that no obstacle is permanent.

We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.

The simple answer is: I didn’t give up.

My journey has been defined by adaptability in the face of extraordinary challenges. When COVID-19 struck, it hit my 4-month-old business hard. With events coming to a halt, I had to think fast and adapt to the new reality. That’s when I launched a completely new division while my party venues stood closed – bringing the party to my clients’ locations. This pivot not only kept my business afloat but also allowed me to grow during uncertain times.

As if one major disruption wasn’t enough, the war forced me to leave my Ukrainian business behind – a heartbreaking decision after all the effort I had invested. But I didn’t let it end there. I took everything I had learned and re-launched my business in London. It wasn’t easy starting over, but my belief in what I do and my determination to make it work drove me forward.

Through it all, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: never give up. Challenges will come, often when you least expect them, but they also bring opportunities for growth and reinvention.

How did you market your business when it was brand new?

“A single positive testimonial from a friend holds more weight than a thousand promises from a brand.” This principle has been the cornerstone of my business. I’ve built it entirely on word-of-mouth recommendations, fueled by my personal brand, values, and unwavering attitude. My clients know they can always count on me. I never say “no” to their requests, and I’m consistently there to meet their needs, no matter the challenge. This trust and the community I’d managed to create around my beliefs have been the key drivers of my success.

Starting small in November 2019, I organized just 3 parties in that month. By December, that number had quadrupled to 12. Then, in January 2020, it more than doubled again to an impressive 25 events. This exponential growth wasn’t driven by flashy marketing campaigns or big-budget ads but by the genuine relationships I cultivated and the trust my clients had in me. By February 2022, before the war started, this approach had led to the successful organization of 1,500 parties, with an operational rate of 50-60 events per month.

If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?

Knock on every door – don’t let the fear of looking silly or feeling out of place hold you back. Put yourself and your business out there at every opportunity. Showcase your work wherever you can, and don’t hesitate to speak up about what you do. You’ll be amazed at how many people are genuinely willing to listen. The key is to be bold, persistent, and confident in your vision.

Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?

Success can feel easy when you’re riding a wave of wins but don’t let it blind you. Failure is inevitable, no matter how hard you work. I’ve faced setbacks myself – failed my efforts, wasted money, and lost promising clients because of my mistakes. However, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start over. You can always find new people, set up new deals, and create fresh opportunities for success.

In Ukraine, we have a saying: “Morning is wiser than evening.” It reminds me that today’s losses aren’t the end. What matters is how you rise the next day – stronger, wiser, and more experienced. 

We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?

For me, one of the biggest obstacles has been moving to a completely new country. I had to adapt to an entirely different culture, mentality, and communication style. Language itself was a major barrier, as English is not widely spoken in Ukraine, and I had to learn to navigate both personal and professional situations in a language I wasn’t fluent in. For example, I barely understood 60% of what I was told at first – my English was like that of a 5-year-old.

How did I get through? From my perspective, there are moments in life when you simply do what you must, even when it feels overwhelming. Get up in the morning, get the kids to school. Go to work and try every day to be better than yesterday. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Push through when it feels like the days have merged into one black spot, and it will never get better. And at some point, it will inevitably dawn.

What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?

• Consistency. Whatever you do, stay focused and consistent. Success takes time to build, and businesses take time to thrive. Consistent effort, day after day, will always lead to positive results in the long run.
• Keeping a cool head. As a leader, you’ll face downsides – plans falling apart, teams breaking down, and unexpected challenges. Maintaining your composure and self-control is critical. Almost everything can be fixed. If it can’t be fixed, it can often be replaced. And if it can’t be replaced, it can be re-created.
• Reading the room. Mastering this skill is essential, whether you’re working with suppliers, clients, colleagues, or partners. Pay attention to their mood, reactions, hidden fears, and unspoken needs. The ability to understand and respond to what hasn’t been said is just as important – if not more so – than reacting to what has been spoken.

What social media platform is the best for business growth and why?

It really depends on your target audience. For me, Instagram has been invaluable because my main audience – mums – spends a lot of time there. It’s a highly visual platform, which is perfect for showcasing beautifully styled events, party setups, and behind-the-scenes content. It helps build trust and inspire potential clients by showing what you can create.

However, LinkedIn has completely transformed how I approach my business. It’s an incredible platform for building connections within the event industry. There, I’ve found countless opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals. Whether it’s suppliers, venue owners, or corporate clients, LinkedIn has helped me establish relationships that I wouldn’t have found elsewhere.

The key to growth on any platform is consistency. Regularly post content that showcases your work, highlights your expertise and tells your story. For me, this approach was a game-changer when I was settling into the event industry in London. It opened doors to new partnerships, clients, and ideas that propelled my business forward.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?

I would consider my biggest accomplishment to be managing the delicate balance of being a working mom while still meeting both my own needs and those of my children. It’s not easy, and it requires constant juggling, but I take immense pride in navigating this challenge. What truly inspires me, however, are the women who do this day in and day out. I’ve been there – breastfeeding between meetings, handling tantrums while on client calls, and crying from sheer exhaustion once the day finally ends.

To every mother out there who is working tirelessly to make it all work – know this: you are not alone, and you are true superheroes. It may often feel like an invisible battle, but your strength, resilience, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Every day, you are doing something incredible.

Which female leader do you admire, and why?

One female leader I greatly admire is Amal Clooney. As an internationally renowned human rights lawyer, she fights for justice on some of the world’s most pressing issues. What I find most inspiring about her is the combination of brilliance and grace she brings to her work. She proves that you can be both fiercely intelligent and compassionate. Also, her ability to balance her demanding career with her personal life (she is a mom of twins!), all while staying true to her values, is something I deeply admire. 

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?

Impossible is nothing. Impossible just requires more time.

Is there anything we haven’t covered that you want to say before we close out?

As I finish the document, I realize that this interview isn’t solely about business. But I firmly believe that our entrepreneurial spirit extends way beyond work. Life is full of ups and downs, changes, and challenges and it’s when your resilience, persistence, and passion for growth are needed most.

If my vision resonates with you, do not hesitate to reach out to me on Linkedin.

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