We had the good fortune of connecting with Zara Grigoryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a mix of excitement, fear, and determination. The thought process behind it was rooted in a desire for independence and the challenge of creating something from scratch. I had an idea I was passionate about and felt that bringing it to life required the freedom to make decisions on my own terms, without the limitations of working for someone else.
However, the excitement came with a lot of stress and fear. The uncertainty of whether it would succeed, the responsibility of managing every aspect of the business, and the risk of failure were all daunting. I had to constantly weigh the financial and emotional risks against the potential rewards. There were many sleepless nights spent wondering if I was making the right choices, especially in the beginning when everything felt uncertain.
At the same time, it was incredibly freeing. The ability to create and bring my vision to life with each event and shape the direction of where I wanted my business to go. Work on projects that I was passionate about, and set my own schedule gave me a sense of control and fulfillment that I hadn’t experienced before. The fear and stress were balanced by the excitement of seeing something I envisioned come to life and knowing that the success or failure was in my hands.
Ultimately, it was a leap of faith, trusting in my abilities, accepting the risks, and embracing the journey of entrepreneurship. The process taught me resilience and adaptability, and while it has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding.
What should our readers know about your business?
My event planning business is all about creating memorable, personalized experiences for my clients. What sets me apart is my attention to detail and the way I tailor each event to reflect the unique vision of the host. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or an extravagant celebration, I like to focus on making every moment special, leaving personal touches throughout the event that leave a lasting impression on guests.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and vendors. The trust and rapport I’ve established allows the delivery to be seamless and that exceeded expectations. I’m also excited about the creative freedom I get to explore. Every event presents an opportunity to bring something new and imaginative to the table, which keeps things fresh and exciting.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. The early stages were filled with uncertainty, financial strain, and the challenge of building a client base from the ground up. I had to be persistent, learn from my mistakes, and constantly adapt to the needs of my clients. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that flexibility and communication are key. Things don’t always go as planned, but being able to pivot and keep clients informed ensures that we still deliver a successful event.
I want the world to know that my brand is built on passion, creativity, and a genuine desire to make people’s important moments unforgettable. My story is one of resilience, growth, and a deep love for bringing people together through beautifully crafted events. I’m here not just to plan events, but to create memories that last a lifetime.
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?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d make sure we hit all the iconic spots and get a true taste of the city’s diverse culture. Here’s what our week-long itinerary might look like:
Day 1: Disneyland!
We’d kick things off with a full day at Disneyland in Anaheim. From going on all the fun rides to tasting all the incredible snacks Disney as to offer. After exploring both Disneyland and California Adventure, we’ll enjoy the nighttime fireworks. We can enjoy a late dinner at one of the restaurants at downtown Disney.
Day 2: Santa Monica & Venice Beach
We’d spend the day soaking up the sun at Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the rides, arcade, and a stroll along the beach. For lunch we’ll grab some pizza and hit the beach to enjoy our meal. In the afternoon, we’d explore Venice Beach, walk along the boardwalk, and check out the street performers. For dinner, we’d head to Gjelina in Venice for a stylish, farm-to-table meal, then catch the sunset by the water.
Day 3: Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
We’d start the day with a Hollywood tour, taking in sights like the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, and some celebrity homes. Then it’s off to Rodeo Drive for some window shopping (or real shopping, depending on how adventurous we’re feeling!). For lunch, we’d stop at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills for Italian cuisine. In the evening, we’d grab drinks at The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, an iconic spot for sure.
Day 4: The Getty Center & Griffith Observatory
We’d spend the morning exploring The Getty Center, enjoying the art, architecture, and stunning views of the city. Afterward, we’d have a picnic in their beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, we’d head over to Griffith Observatory, maybe hike up to the Hollywood sign, and take in the stars at the planetarium. For dinner, grab some take out.
Day 5: The Grove & Farmers Market
We’d have a more relaxed day, starting with breakfast at The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove. We’d spend the day wandering through the market’s stalls, sampling different foods, and then do some shopping at The Grove, a beautiful outdoor shopping center with an open-air trolley and fountain shows. For dinner, we’d head to E.P. & L.P., a trendy rooftop restaurant in West Hollywood for great views and fusion cuisine.
Day 6. Relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Begin the day with a luxurious body massage at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Follow it up with a facial for glowing skin, and then detox in the eucalyptus steam room. Finish the spa experience with a mani-pedi. To wrap up spa day we’ll head to Catch LA for a delicious dinner and enjoying rooftop views of the city, before calling it a night.
Day 7: Malibu Getaway
For the final day, we’d drive up the coast to Malibu for some beach time and relaxation. We’d visit Malibu Farm on the pier for a delicious, organic brunch, then spend the afternoon at Zuma Beach. After lounging by the water, we’d take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and stop for dinner at Nobu Malibu, known for its sushi and oceanfront views.
By the end of the week we’d have had a well rounded overview of LA. Also have driven way too much!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most definitely my family. My husband, my son, my parents and sisters. Their support and love has been the key factor in my ability to keep on going.
Instagram: https://Zgala.la
Other: zgalaevents@gmail.com
(818) 433-1546