Small Business Spotlight: Isabel Power ’21MS
To kick off Small Business Saturday, we’re shining a light on a few small business owners from our official UCF alumni Business Directory! Meet alumna Isabel Power ’21MS, owner of Power Entertainment Productions LLC.
What inspired you to start this business?
Well, I’m really passionate about what I do – entertainment – it just makes people happy. We live in a crazy world, but with entertainment we can transport people to a magical, happy place. And in addition to the guests being happy because they get to experience a show or some atmosphere entertainment, performers are happy to have opportunities to do paid work. Performers are some of the hardest working people out there.
What also inspired me was my observation that there was a void in the industry. I knew there were clients/customers who wanted to hire high-quality, unique entertainment for their events, but they didn’t know a trusted source to go to. I wanted P.E.P. to be that source. We have dancers, actors, singers, stilt walkers, contortionists, full production shows, and more. We also have our Living (Strolling) Tables – they’re so much fun for special events. They’re on wheels so they’re completely mobile. The Tables are always a huge hit at events – it’s just not something that you see every day!
What is the best part about running your own company?
I definitely love having creative leeway! It’s such a fun process working with clients to develop and deliver their vision for entertainment. P.E.P. exists to serve our clients, and the best part of my company is exceeding client expectations.
Another great aspect of running my own company is not feeling limited by any specific job parameters. A lot of times with a job, the employee is there to do certain tasks or projects, and there isn’t a lot of wiggle room to deviate from your job responsibilities. You really have to “stay in your lane.” But with my company I love that there are no limits to what I can strive toward, and I am grateful for that potential.
What is your mission statement or goal?
To spread joy through entertainment! Also, while we provide entertainment, we recognize that our clients and their guests are the true stars! For example, if we’re bringing entertainers to a party to celebrate a kid’s birthday, or a couple’s anniversary, we are there to help celebrate the kid or couple! It’s never about us…it’s about them!
What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today?
Oh gosh, there’s so much! I was in the first cohort of students to be in the M.S. in Entrepreneurship program, and that program aligned perfectly with my path as an entrepreneur.
I was also a coach to other student entrepreneurs during my time working at UCF’s Blackstone LaunchPad at the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Getting to coach other entrepreneurs was eye-opening because you learn a lot by playing devil’s advocate. And it was great meeting other entrepreneurs through both the LaunchPad and my Master’s program. The entrepreneurial journey can be isolating, so it was awesome to network with other entrepreneurs and feel part of a community.
Another big takeaway from my time as a Knight was the reminder that we can do anything we set our minds to! I’ve always been an optimistic person, but UCF renewed my sense of possibility and opportunity. I’m so excited to see what the future holds!
Why did you sign up for the Knights Network Business Directory?
I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase one’s own business and learn about other Knights’ businesses!
How has the pandemic affected your business?
Since in-person gatherings were paused, we weren’t part of any events from March 2020 through September 2020. But there is that quote, “Never waste a crisis.” So, during that time period, I focused on projects like updating our website and organizing our costume inventory. Our first event back was in October 2020, and slowly but surely we are getting busier and busier!
Why is it important to support small business owners?
Small business owners create more options for the consumers in their community. I look at everything from the perspective of the consumer/customer (as they are the crux of all businesses). That being said, I urge consumers to focus less on the size of the business and more on finding the product or service which best suits their needs.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see us expanding. More people are moving to Florida, and live events are coming back with a vengeance! There are just so many opportunities that I want to pursue. Orlando is booming. Florida is booming. We’ll go anywhere, but most of our work is here in the beautiful Sunshine State.
Virtual stuff can be a great alternative, but people still love and crave in-person events as it brings that human-to-human connection. I look forward to P.E.P. being part of more and more events!
Find more Alumni-owned Businesses on UCF Knights Network!
UCF Knights Network is our alumni professional networking platform that promotes career and professional development, entrepreneurship, job opportunities, and mentorship. Once you’ve signed up (it takes only a minute to do if you sign up with Facebook or LinkedIn!), you can access the official UCF Alumni Business Directory via the platform.
Add your alumni-owned business for a chance to be featured in our next small business spotlight!
This service is offered at no cost to our alumni, it’s simply a perk of being a grad! So, join today to reconnect with fellow Knights, support alumni-owned businesses, and expand your professional network.
