Big Interview: Georgina Phiri, kids party organiser
Her passion for children led her to open up a business of organizing themed parties for them. The world of technology has opened children to a whole new world of experiences and varieties with preferences in terms of children’s choices to the kind of activity in line with their favourite cartoon characters. Georgina Phiri seized that opportunity to give children what they want. TISAUKIRENJI TEMBO spoke with her. Read on below:
May I know you?
I am Georgina Phiri, a wife to Chapusa Phiri and a mother to a three-year-old beautiful daughter whom I call my ‘my precious pearl’, Katya May. I was born to Tayemu and Veronica Masikini of Chiwembe Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapeni in Blantyre. Mu husband is a lawyer at the Registrar General’s department.
What sort of upbringing did you have?
I come from a loving and God fearing family. My parents made sure we enjoyed quality life. They were strict on education and produced four graduates from reputable colleges. They taught us to set high targets in our lives and work hard to achieve them. My mother has always been a hard worker and this has influenced me to excel and work hard and be independent financially.
Tell me about your education background and work experience.
After obtaining my Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) at Our Lady of Wisdom Secondary School, I started my first job as a bank teller at First Merchant Bank (FMB) where I worked for a year. Thereafter, I enrolled with Damelin School of Banking in South Africa where I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Banking Management in 2004. I then went to England on a working holiday just for the exposure.
How did you start the business of creating themed party setups for children?
I started running a nursery school and events management after I came back from England because of my passion for children and because I saw that there was a need on the market for quality child care and beautiful birthday set ups. My events management journey started with planning weddings, but because of my passion for children I decided to focus on planning birthday parties for children.
What sort of themes do you make?
We make all sorts of themes. Holiday parties such as Christmas and Easter parties, tea parties, spa (Pamper) parties and birthday parties. All what these events need is one to be creative and have the organisational skills to pull everything together so that everyone has fun. You should also know what children like today so that you can plan parties around the cartoon characters or ‘hit’ movie of the hour.
How long have you been in the business?
I have been running the business since October 2010.
Who are your clients?
My clients are parents and children who just want to have fun.
When is your busiest time?
Weekends are our primary working hours, including public Holidays.
How long does it take you to come up with a themed setup?
It just takes some thinking and the right materials and, voila, there goes our beautiful breathtaking party set ups.
Can you make a theme of a customer’s choice or you have themes they can choose from?
I can make a theme of a customer’s choice or they can choose from a list of the available themes we have. I prefer a theme of the customer’s choice because it brings in something different.
How many customers do you get in a month?
We host a minimum of 20 parties in a month .
How much does the themed setup cost?
It all depends on the package they have chosen. The cheapest is K35 000 for 10 children. We have a facebook page Kays Garden Lilongwe for more information.
Where do you get your materials?
We get our materials from Malawi, South Africa and England
Anything else you do as Kays Garden?
We hire out playing equipment. Apart from Kays Garden, we have Care Bears Kids Club House in Blantyre and Baby Bundles in Lilongwe.
What are your most memorable moments?
The day I became a mother to my little pearl. My daughter,Katya, means the world to me. I am blessed to have her and my wedding day.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. Family time is very important to me.
What is your favourite dish?
My favourite dish is rice with mcheni fish.
Any last words?
Business should not be copied, but should be in a trade where one has passion. Malawians should start thinking big and unless we do that, we will never develop. It takes the same number of hours to think through a small business idea and a great idea; and thinking is the genesis of what you become in life. 
