BUSINESSWOMAN TOES THE PARTY LINE.

BUSINESS NAME: The Party Line

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 7500 Southby Drive, West Hills

PHONE: [phone]

E-MAIL: lomar66(at)aol.com

OWNER: Lori Steiner

ESTABLISHED: 2000

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 5

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: A one-stop resource for organizing parties, including theme design, decorations, speech-writing, invitations and entertainment.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? Yes

WHY DID YOU START THIS BUSINESS? People who have attended my own parties encouraged me by saying it's a perfect outlet for my creative, artistic and writing talents. I also wanted to relieve stress for my clients and allow them full enjoyment for their special day.

WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA? I was coaxed into helping friends with parties and this gave me the idea.

HOW LONG WAS IT FROM CONCEPT TO OPENING? One year

WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THAT TIME? I assembled my own book of services and ideas. I conferred with various contacts. I wrote sample speeches and designed sample escort cards, centerpieces and theme ideas.

WHAT WERE YOUR START-UP COSTS AND HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS? About $2,000 using savings.

WHO DID YOU RELY ON FOR ADVICE? Joseph Marks, who ran Balloons by Joseph and Innovative Events. He is the gold standard for top-notch centerpieces, and before he left the business, he gave me much business and artistic knowledge.

WHAT HADN'T YOU CONSIDERED BEFORE OPENING? How much the technical aspect of business management would come into play. I had to create my own forms and contracts.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED REVENUE THIS YEAR? About $10,000

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE COMPANY? To expand and free more people from the frustrations of carrying their theme throughout a party.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(color) West Hills resident Lori Steiner shakes a pompom favor she made. Her home houses her business, The Party Line.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News