RIVERVIEW — Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Riverview, Florida, John and Cassandra Hansell officially celebrated the opening of their new party store, Partyrific.

Partyrific is located in the Summerfield Square Plaza at the intersection of Big Bend and HWY 301. Partyrific officially opened on Oct. 30, to the Riverview community, making it the first party store in the area.

Cassandra Hansell, alongside husband John, wanted to offer something to the Riverview community that was desperately needed, a party store.

“I started out wanting to make a little money on the side, so I opened up my 1st Etsy store in 2014 called UrEnvited. Etsy, an e-commerce website, which allows users to create and sell handmade and vintage goods. I started by myself with one die cutting machine,” Casandra said.

UrEnvited consisted of over 50 listings, where customers could pick the letter banner of their choosing and even have it customized to their event/party. Down the road, Cassandra added custom confetti, custom straws, and even custom cupcake and cake toppers. 

What started as eight orders a day skyrocket to over 60, with over 10,000 sales in a little under six months. “I had to buy another die cutting machine, and my husband, John, quit his truck driving job to take on the role of production manager,” Cassandra said.

The couple wants to take their passion for creating party supplies and décor to the community. So, they brought it to a brick and mortar storefront in the area, which provides a well-deserved business to Riverview.

Faith Hanaway, the Events Coordinator at The Alley at Southshore, said, “It’s great getting to support small business, especially one that is so needed in our area. So many parties get booked at our facility, and when families need last-minute party supplies, I hate telling them to drive all the way to Party City in Brandon. This is so convenient being right around the corner from our Alley.”

One of the exciting twists to Partyrific is Cassandra brings her Etsy business to the store and allows customers to purchase custom glitter banners, confetti, straws and much more. With over 15 colors to choose from and hundreds of combinations, the sky is the limit for customers.

The Ribbon Cutting Event included free snow cones, an Apple TV giveaway and lots of refreshments and treats.

Partyrific Riverview is located at 13159 US HWY 301 S. Riverview, FL 33569 and is opened seven days a week, 10 am – 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm – 5 pm on Sundays.

Overall, the opening of said business proves to be a great addition to the community and the lives of the Hansells.