Meet Olga Falevich | me

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

Hi Olga, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t plan to start a business. It just kind of happened—after planning Darwin’s first birthday, I felt something shift. I saw how much joy came from creating a moment. From watching the kids laugh, seeing the parents relax and enjoy themselves. I loved it. And I thought… what if I could do this for others, too?

Growing up, I didn’t have many celebrations. Maybe just a small gift and a simple dinner at home with my parents and some relatives. And now, when I plan each event—thinking through every little detail that will make kids happy—I feel like a little girl again, smiling with them. It fills something in me.

I also got tired—tired of the corporate world, tired of working so hard to build someone else’s dream while mine was just sitting in the back of my mind. I wanted to be in charge of my own time, my own success, my own future. I wanted to create something I could be proud of when I’m older—something that feels like me.

And let’s be real—the world feels heavy sometimes. The news, social media, all of it. It’s easy to forget the good stuff. I wanted to create something that reminds people to celebrate the little things. A moment. A smile. A birthday. I choose to see the world through joy and celebration—because that’s what keeps me going.

This Is Bananas is not just a business. It’s something I believe in with my whole heart. A way to create joy and share it—with families, with kids, and with anyone who needs a reason to smile. And honestly, I’m just getting started.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about creating happy, fun moments for families and kids. What makes us different is how much love and care I put into every detail. I don’t just plan parties — I create experiences that make kids smile and parents feel stress-free knowing everything is taken care of.

What I’m really proud of is the community we’ve built and the joy we get to share. When parents come back and say their kids had the best time, it lights me up and keeps me going.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started with a dream and lots of passion, but I had to learn everything as I went — managing bookings, building a team, juggling family life. There were moments I doubted myself, but I kept pushing by staying focused on my dream, asking for help when I needed it, and learning from every mistake.

One big thing I learned is to delegate and invest in people who really know their stuff. Trying to do everything myself just didn’t work. Trusting my team made all the difference.

What I want people to know is this business is way more than just parties for me — it’s about spreading joy, kindness, and connection. Every balloon I blow up, every smile I see, reminds me why I do what I do. It’s about celebrating love and togetherness, and that’s the story I’m proud to share.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to the Valley
Morning: Kick off with coffee and breakfast at Alfred Coffee in Studio City.

Afternoon: Chill walk at The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys or Lake Balboa Park.

Evening: Dinner at Mendocino Farms in Sherman Oaks.

Sunset: Drive up Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook to catch sweeping valley and city views.

Day 2: Hollywood Icon Day
Morning: Coffee at Dinosaur Coffee in Toluca Lake.

Late Morning: Hike to the Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive Trail or Brush Canyon Trail — not too crowded and with great views.

Brunch: Head to The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood for a colorful, satisfying brunch.

Afternoon: Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, or shop along Melrose Avenue.

Evening: Dinner at Granville in Studio City for fresh California cuisine.

Day 3: Santa Monica + Sunset Vibes
Morning: Drive to Santa Monica, grab breakfast and coffee at Urth Caffé.

Day: Stroll the Santa Monica Pier, rent bikes and cruise along The Strand to Manhattan Beach or up to Will Rogers Beach.

Lunch: Fresh seafood at The Albright or beachside tacos at Blue Plate Taco.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach or shop at Third Street Promenade.

Evening: Watch sunset from Palisades Park, then head back to the Valley.

Dinner (optional stop): Katsu-Ya in Studio City for sushi.

Day 4: Dance + Chill
Morning: Coffee at Coffee Fix in Studio City.

Midday: Casual exploration around Magnolia Park — vintage shops, local boutiques.

Afternoon: Dance class in North Hollywood — try salsa, bachata, or hip hop at Movement Lifestyle or Swing & Salsa Studio.

Dinner: Pizza and cocktails at The Woodman or Public School 818 in Studio City.

Evening: Optional — hit a live show or comedy club nearby (HaHa Comedy Club or El Portal Theatre).

Day 5: Magical Malibu
Morning: Grab coffee to-go at La Colombe in Studio City and drive to Malibu.

Late Morning: Hike Solstice Canyon Trail or visit the Getty Villa for art and ocean views.

Lunch: Dine on the pier at Malibu Farm (fresh, gorgeous views).

Afternoon: Chill at El Matador Beach — dramatic cliffs and beautiful water.

Sunset: Stay for golden hour — bring snacks and a blanket.

Evening: Optional dinner at Nobu Malibu (if you want to splurge) or casual seafood at Neptune’s Net. Head back to the Valley.

Day 6: Day Trip to Santa Barbara
Morning: Leave early from the Valley (coffee + pastries at Republic of Pie in North Hollywood).

Mid-morning: Arrive in Santa Barbara — start with a walk along Stearns Wharf or Butterfly Beach.

Brunch: Dine at Shoreline Café (you can literally eat on the sand).

Afternoon: Visit the Funk Zone — wine tasting, boutique shops, and local art.

Optional: Tour Old Mission Santa Barbara or just enjoy the beach.

Sunset: Watch it from Santa Barbara Courthouse Tower or the beach.

Evening: Head back to the Valley — light dinner on the way or late bites at The Front Yard if you’re not too tired.

Day 7: Wind Down & Wrap Up
Morning: Brunch at The Front Yard in North Hollywood — beautiful outdoor setting, perfect final meal.

Afternoon: Local stroll around Studio City Farmers Market (if it’s Sunday) or relax at home.

Evening: Optional farewell dinner or takeout night in — reflect on the trip, maybe a little photo slideshow moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For my shoutout, I have to give it to my husband. He works a full five days every week but still shows up to help me every single weekend. He’s believed in my dream from day one and keeps believing even when we don’t have any bookings. Honestly, without his support and faith in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tibparties?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556538780587

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/this-is-bananas-los-angeles-2