Get to Know Katie Semenas with Katie’s Party Lab

This interview is a part of the EEDC's Get to Know the Owner Series.

Get to Know Katie Semenas:

Katie moved to Colorado from California in 2016 and officially launched Katie’s Party Lab in October 2024. A proud mom of three girls, Autumn, Ellie, and Emma, and wife to Keith, a retired Coast Guard veteran, Katie’s days are filled with crafts, cupcakes, and chaos (the joyful kind). The idea for her business began when her daughter Autumn requested a rose gold sleepover, and Katie went all in. The joy on her daughter’s face was all it took to realize she wanted to create that same kind of magic for other families, too.

Before becoming Erie’s go-to party planner, Katie spent 15 years as a NICU nurse, celebrating tiny but mighty milestones. That background gave her a deep appreciation for the small moments in life, and she’s carried that mission into her work today: celebrating childhood, connection, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the party ends.

About the Party Lab:

Katie’s Party Lab offers curated party experiences for ages 3 through teen, and now even beyond! From sleepovers to paint parties, spa days to slime labs, every experience is fully customizable. Katie combines trending party themes with local market research and her signature "white glove" service, meaning setup, cleanup, and all the glitter in between is handled with care.

What makes Katie’s Party Lab truly unique is the level of personalization: kids can choose their own theme, add custom name tags or décor, and select from a wide range of creative add-ons that make each party completely one-of-a-kind. It’s not just a party, it’s their party, made just for them.

Katie also creates sensory-friendly, inclusive spaces for kids with medical or sensory needs, a nod to her nursing roots and her passion for making sure every child feels celebrated.

Why Erie?

Katie says Erie has been the perfect place to grow her business and her community. “Becoming a small business owner in this town helped me meet my neighbors and feel more connected. As an introvert, that’s been huge.” She’s found joy in participating in local events, building connections, and helping Erie families create beautiful memories, even in tough times. “Caring for tiny fighters in the NICU taught me that life’s smallest moments can be the most meaningful. It’s why I believe every milestone, big or small, deserves to be celebrated in a beautiful, joyful way,” she says.

Whether it’s a family milestone, a kid’s birthday, or a creative community event, Katie’s favorite part is that every single party is different, because every child and every celebration deserves something special.

Learn more or get in touch with Katie at katiespartylab.com and support a local business that’s spreading joy—one celebration at a time.

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Party Lab is a proud Member of the Erie Economic Development Council.