Meet Mateo Carvajal | Entrepreneur and Events decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mateo Carvajal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mateo, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has been the key to my journey. I was born and raised in Colombia, and when I moved to the U.S. at 21, boarding that plane felt like jumping off a cliff without knowing what lay beneath. I didn’t know a soul in Los Angeles. That experience, to me, is much like building a business, you have to take the leap and figure out how to navigate the fall. I still feel like I’m in the process of falling, working for myself has proven to be not just a great risk, but also a daily learning experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
T’estimo Events specialize in luxury event decorations, some of our most popular services, includes 4-foot marquee letters, balloons, and Big Shiny balls.

The journey has been both professionally and personally challenging. I started this business from the ground up, learning not only the creative and hands on aspects of the work but also how to successfully run a business. Every day brings challenges, lessons, and moments of doubt. I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in building a successful business, overcoming every obstacle along the way, and, most importantly, conquering fear and self-doubt.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s a tough question for me because I’m more of a homebody. But here are a few spots I absolutely love:

For breakfast, Beachwood Café, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while catching a view of the Hollywood sign as you drive down Beachwood Drive. Afterward, head over to the Griffith Observatory.

For the best sunsets and views, the lighthouse at Palos Verdes, The rooftop in Beverly Hills and Spire 77 in Downtown LA.

If it’s summer, drinks at Perch or Freehand sound like a perfect way to unwind.

In the fall, Universal Horror Nights is a must for a thrilling experience.

I definitely think The Broad and the Getty Villa are essential visits, they offer incredible art and history.

Of course, some beach time is a must! El Matador Beach is definitely a must see.

And going a little further, a trip to Slovang and the wineries in Santa Ynez Valley is one of my favorite getaways. It’s the perfect blend of stunning scenery and great wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, nothing I have achieved would have been possible without the unwavering support of so many incredible people.

I am deeply grateful to my husband, Alberto, my parents, Liliana and Ricardo, and my family, especially Natalia, Valentina, and Valeria and to my extended family Garcia Morgado.

Sery Lopez, Kamila Polo, and Eddy Torres. Amazing individuals who have been there every step of the way, working alongside me to create some truly unforgettable events.

I am incredibly grateful to many other entrepreneurs and business owners. Jackie from Go Big Rentals, Isabel from Balloon Babes, Erin from Kabe Magnolia Events, Claudia and Ivan from That Would Be Cool and Monica from Monica Stella Creates

My heartfelt gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who have placed their trust in T’estimo Events for their special occasions. A special thank you goes out to the USC and UCLA football recruiting teams, BMO Stadium and Downtown Santa Monica. Your confidence in us and our work means the world, and I am forever grateful for your support.

Website: https://www.testimonevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/testimoevents?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits
“Transcript Script” picture: Drew Stevens