From overnight factory shifts to event photography, Eden Meconnen has done a lot to take care of her four children. And now, she has a new job title: event supply and decoration business owner.
Eden’s Party Supply Store is a family-owned business built from passion, creativity, and curiosity. Originally focused on capturing life’s special moments through professional event photography, Eden expanded her business in 2025 to a one-stop location for event photography, decoration, and supplies in Apple Valley.
Eden prides herself on offering a seamless event planning experience for clients, proudly serves both full-service clients seeking professional design and styling as well as DIY customers who want to purchase supplies for their own event styling. This allows her to provide a specially-tailored experience for each person, which Eden says makes her store stand out from competitors.
“Corporate stores will make decisions without customer input, but we make adjustments based on their demand,” says Eden. “It’s important to understand this demand. If somebody wants a custom order, like a balloon arch, then we will do that.”
Throughout the many jobs Eden has held, event planning and décor jobs have always been her passion. And after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she knew that she had to follow her heart.
“For a while I had to stop business so that I could go through chemotherapy and radiation,” says Eden, “But once I was in remission, I knew God had given me a second chance and that I had to follow my dream.”
After her battle with cancer, Eden began moving quickly to set up Eden’s Party Supply and connected with MCCD Business Advisor/Loan Officer Natalie Mouilso for support through a real estate agent. Eden knew that she needed a loan to grow her business, but that there were several pieces that needed to be in place before that would happen. After working with Natalie over several years to develop her business plan, manage finances, and review the local real estate markets, Eden opened up shop in 2025 and received a loan from MCCD to support its growth.
“Working with Natalie helped me be more professional, understand the loan process, and get our business organized,” says Eden. “I lean on her all the time for advice.”
Since closing on her loan with MCCD, Eden has expanded her inventory and made several improvements to her building, including upgrading her heating and cooling systems. She has also attracted a larger customer base by launching a website and purchasing a storefront sign, improving her exposure to the local Apple Valley community.
As more and more people come into the store for their party and event needs, Eden remains committed to connecting with customers not just as a business owner, but also as a neighbor and friend. And building these personal relationships with her customers is the best part of her job.
“It’s a neighborhood store,” she says. “Everybody comes and talks about what they’re celebrating, who’s going to be there, and I get to share their happiness with them.”
Learn more about Eden and her business at edens-party.com