San Antonio’s Southside is home to a very special community of creators, hard workers, and people that inspire–many of which own small businesses in and around the Southside. The Southside Makers and Shakers blog series showcases these unique businesses and their owners. Each addition to the series offers new insight into the community and the gente that make the Southside so unique.

Interview with Brianna Hernandez of Puro Parties

Tell us about yourself and your business

My name is Brianna Hernandez and I was born and raised here on San Antonio’s Southside. My event-planning business is called Puro Parties, and we work with a team of over a dozen vendors to bring a client’s visions to life. We also offer specialized event rentals like marquee letters, flower walls and more. I truly believe that the details for each event are what make us so special and really help us connect with our clients. I had no clue where or how to start a business, so I started slowly through social media promotion which led to great word-of-mouth referrals.Since starting, I have established my reputation, built my inventory, grown relationships with the best vendors that I could possibly ask to work with, obtained my LLC and learned so much about the industry. God has truly blessed me with everything that I have gone through to get where I am today and to build the relationships I have. Grateful is an absolute understatement for how I feel.

What makes San Antonio special to you and your business?

Growing up here has instilled hard work, dedication and respect within me, which I truly feel has helped me be the business owner I am today. So many of my vendors are Latina business owners who have hustled just like I have. I treat each client like they are part of my family and each event as if it was for me and my family. 

What is your favorite part of your business?

That I get to connect with fellow San Antonians like myself, and that I get to continue to support them by not only giving them my personal business but business from my clients when they hire me as their event planner. There are many amazing artisans and vendors in the area; from charcuterie boards (AbBee’s Charcuteries), flowers (Flowers by Margaret), balloons (Ashlee’s Creation), custom shirts, chip bags and all party favors (Sam’s Creations), custom crafts (Mrs. B’s special T’s and crafts), and so much more. These vendors and I have cultivated business and personal relationships that will last a lifetime.

What does your typical day look like?

I still work a typical 8 to 5 job. Every day after work I come home, chat, and design with vendors Monday through Thursday evenings. On Friday night, my weekend starts. Saturdays and Sundays are event days, so I am picking up items from vendors throughout the day and setting up my client’s events.

How can customers find you?

TikTok: Puro Parties
Facebook: @Puro.Partiess
Instagram: @PuroParties

We know that the Southside is full of makers and shakers. Do you have a small business or creator on the Southside that inspires you? If so, nominate that person (or yourself), to be a part of VIDA’s community series! Submit your nomination on the Contact Us page.

For more updates on VIDA community progress, make sure to follow along on social media at @LiveVIDASA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.