Meet Miguel Loperena | Entrepreneur & Creative Director

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

Hi Miguel, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Embarking on the journey of starting my own business has been a reflection of a lifetime of cherished memories and cultural traditions. From the joyous posadas of my childhood, where my mother crafted vibrant piñatas with skill passed down through generations, to the exhilarating high school competitions where creativity soared, the seeds of entrepreneurship were sown. I vividly remember my mom teaching us how to craft the classic seven-pointed star piñatas and even 3D-shapes piñatas like carrots and grapes from clay pots (Ollas de barro). We’d wrap them with colorful tissue paper using an adhesive paste (engrudo). It was always a fun and cherished experience that my grandma Cecilia had learned from her mother, our great-grandma Concepción (Bis Concha). Sometimes, we’d all gather during the posadas and make the clay pot piñatas together with our grandma and cousins. That’s where I first learned the art of piñata making.
In high school, we had a competition to make a traditional star piñata and a 3D character. I was on the team that had to create the 3D character, and we won! We used balloons, which are easier to handle and customize than clay pots. I’ve always loved designing and drawing, and I knew how to work with the materials, from cooking the adhesive paste to handling the balloons or newspaper and adding the tissue paper. We made a colorful chimera Alebrije with a chameleon’s body, a lion’s tail, and bat’s wings.
The magic of those early experiences, steeped in family bonds and creativity, never left me.
Fast forward to a pivotal moment when a friend’s son yearned for a piñata that truly mirrored his favorite character. Inspired by his enthusiasm and armed with memories of my own childhood creations, I decided to surprise him with a personalized unique piñata.
Though it had been a while since I’d crafted one, determination fueled my efforts as I sketched, molded, and meticulously wrapped tissue paper to bring the character to life.
The result was a priceless gift – seeing the joy on his face when he saw his piñata was unforgettable. That was the first step in the many ideas that followed.
It was the genesis of what would evolve into my entrepreneurial journey.
As I delved deeper into the realm of crafting custom piñatas, each creation became a testament to the artistry and passion that defined my brand.
The name of my company, Ollin, meaning movement or evolution in Nahuatl, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this journey—a constant forward motion fueled by creativity, tradition, and the joy of bringing dreams to life.
From those humble beginnings to the vibrant tapestry of experiences that shape my business today, every step has been infused with a sense of purpose and excitement. Ollin isn’t just a business—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the boundless possibilities that come from following your passion.
As my business continues to evolve, so too does its name—a reflection of the ever-unfolding journey that lies ahead. And with each new creation, I’m reminded of the power of a simple idea to
spark joy, ignite imagination, and inspire others to embrace their own unique journey of discovery.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Venturing into the realms of artistry and entrepreneurship has been an exhilarating journey, fueled by a lifelong passion for creativity and design that traces back to my earliest memories. What sets our piñatas apart isn’t just their craftsmanship but the heartfelt dedication infused into each unique creation. Unlike mass-produced counterparts, every piñata we craft is a labor of love, meticulously handmade without molds, ensuring that each piece is as distinctive as the individual celebrating with it. From human-sized piñatas to towering creations, if you can dream it, we’ll bring it to life with our custom approach. Our journey began in humble surroundings, with a makeshift studio in a small corner of our kitchen, and our living room sometimes doubling as storage. Even the roof of our van served as a drying rack for our vibrant creations. Despite the challenges posed by limited space and resources, our passion never wavered, buoyed by the unwavering support of my family through every high and low.
Crafting piñatas isn’t merely a task—it’s an art form that breathes joy and magic into every celebration. Witnessing the end result, the sheer delight on a customer’s face as they behold our creations, fills me with immense pride. It’s akin to Geppetto watching Pinocchio come to life; we see simple materials transform into enchanting works of art, each one a testament to our commitment and pride. The magic begins with humble materials like cardboard or newspaper and blossoms into magnificent creations that bring smiles to faces.
The crafting process is intricate and time-consuming, involving designing the figure, shaping it meticulously, and adorning it with vibrant colors and intricate decorations. To promote our piñatas, we rose before dawn to secure prime spots at swap meets, packing and unpacking our setup each time. Balancing inventory for orders and display pieces at swap meets was challenging, especially since social media was in its infancy, making spreading the word harder.
Despite the obstacles, we persevered, fueled by the unwavering support of my family and the sheer joy of bringing happiness to our customers’ lives. Our first storefront, originally named “Ollin Fiesta,” marked a milestone in our journey, providing a permanent space for our creations for a decade. Relocating to Granada Hills as “Ollin Party Store” offered room for growth, expanding our offerings to include balloon decorations, party supplies, bouncy houses–everything for your event needs!
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but we’re grateful for the loyalty of our customers, who sustained us through word-of-mouth recommendations. Their unwavering support was a beacon of hope in uncertain times. Together, we weathered the storm, emerging stronger and more united than ever before.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the art we create; the most cherished moments are witnessing the reactions–the ear-to-ear grins–when presenting our custom piñatas. Whether it’s a child’s beaming smile as they gaze upon their favorite character or the heartfelt gratitude of returning customers, these are the moments that fuel our passion and drive us to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity. Returning customers expressing their love for our art validate our dedication, with some even ordering two piñatas to preserve their favorite characters.
In a world dominated by mass production, we stand for our authenticity and individuality, our story a testament to resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. As we continue to evolve and expand, our commitment to quality and creativity remains steadfast. With every piñata we craft, we aim to spread joy and smiles, reminding the world that art is more than what meets the eye—it’s a celebration of life’s vibrant tapestry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kick off our adventure with a scrumptious breakfast at Egg Tuck, sinking our teeth into their mouthwatering sandwiches to start the day on a high note. Then, I’d whisk my friend off to Santa Monica Pier for a beach day! We’d begin by strolling along the lively pier. Of course, no beach day is complete without a refreshing swim in the ocean and soaking up the sun. After working up an appetite from all the fun, we’d refuel at Bubba Gump restaurant. With our energy replenished, we’d hit The Marvin Braude Bike Trail for a leisurely ride or rollerblade session right by the shore. It’s a beautiful path that stretches for miles.
The next day, we’d embark on our next adventure: a leisurely canoe ride through the picturesque Venice Canals, gliding along the tranquil waterways. Afterward, we’d head to Flake in Venice for a delightful brunch, fueling up for the day ahead.
Then, it’s time to dive into the realm of science and art! We’d explore either the Griffith Observatory or the Getty Museum. And of course, before wrapping up our day, we absolutely must make a pit stop at In & Out for the ultimate California burger experience. It’s the perfect way to end our adventure and reminisce about the incredible memories we’ve made along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success and journey I’ve been on would not have been possible without the incredible support, love, and guidance of some very special people. I want to give a resounding shoutout to my mom and dad. From a young age, my parents instilled in my siblings and me the unshakable belief that anything is achievable with dedication and hard work. Those words became a mantra that propelled me forward, even in the face of adversity.
My mom is a naturally gifted artist with a knack for sketching and crafting that always left me in awe. From ingenious solutions to school projects to teaching me the art of making piñatas, she nurtured my imagination and encouraged me to think outside the box. She sparked a lifelong passion that would ultimately blossom into my life’s work.
Meanwhile, my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering work ethic left an indelible mark on me. Watching him manage his business, I absorbed invaluable lessons in customer service, problem-solving, and discipline. Even as a kid, I’d perch on his tall chair, doodling away with his pens and markers, soaking in his wisdom.
But beyond my incredible parents, I owe a debt of gratitude to my rich Mexican heritage that pulses through my veins. It’s not just about the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine; it’s about a mindset of ingenuity and resourcefulness. This cultural influence fuels my artistic expression and shapes how I approach my craft and conduct business. We have a knack for finding inventive solutions to challenges, whether it’s in art, cuisine, or business. We devise clever, creative solutions and repurpose everyday objects into extraordinary art forms and life hacks

Website: https://www.ollinparty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollinpartystore

Twitter: https://x.com/ollinpartystore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ollinparty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ollin-party-store-los-angeles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ollinstudiopartystore3007