Spirit of the Entrepreneur: Yanna’s Party on Wheels

Published 2:00 pm Sunday, January 13, 2019

VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Anton West, owner of Yanna’s Parties on Wheels, opened his business in 2016.

West started working at 13 when he worked for his step-father in an ice cream truck, but it wasn’t until his daughter was born that he began his journey to own his business.

After his daughter was born, West said he created lasting memories and a bond with her. His idea was to create business that would help others in the community create lasting memories and captures those memories in photography.

When starting the business, West decided to name the business after his daughter, Yanna.

“She pushed me to go for my dreams in that I can possibly do anything I possibly want to do if I put my mind to it,” he said about his daughter. “Everything I believe and work for lives through her. She’s my motivation.”

Yanna’s Party on Wheels started as a mobile concession rental business that sells snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos and other foods, but the business quickly expanded, West said.

He first added disc jockey equipment including Bluetooth speakers for clients to rent. He later added cartoon character costumes including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Spongebob, Dora the Explorer and characters from “Frozen.”

Most recently, West added bounce houses and slides.

“I wanted to add more quality to the business as far as being able to establish a business that I can bring a whole party to the community rather then renting one thing from me and one thing from another person,” he said. “So that when customers call or when they are shopping around, they can just call me.”

West said when he started the business, it was to help the community make lasting memories, and his goal hasn’t changed.

“It’s not always about dropping off rentals at people’s houses and collecting money,” he said. “My goal is to build a connection and bond with them while serving them.”

Having been in business for about three years, Yanna’s Party on Wheels is just getting out of the time line for new businesses to close.

“It has been a tough fight,” he said. “It’s like being the new kid on the block trying to get advertisement out about the services that you offer and getting the clientele behind yourself.”

As for advice to new business owners, West said to follow your dreams.

“Anybody can do what they put their mind to,” he said. “It’s never too late. Don’t give up. There is always a way to start over and achieve your dreams. It’s all in your mind. What you see is what you get/“

Yanna’s Party on Wheels does not have a physical address. For more information, call (229) 375-9720.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.