The Bright Balloon

Most of us, myself included, are using ChatGPT as a writing assistant or Google on steroids. "Proofread this, write me an Instagram caption for that, what's this rash on my kid's arm?" But we know it's capable of more, especially when it comes to managing a small business. But how? How do we tap into the greater capabilities without wasting time? How do we build systems that are organized or repea...

If you have ever sat down to set goals and immediately felt overwhelmed or like you're just rewriting the same goals you didn't quite hit last year, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Joette of Balloon Coach and we discuss how most business owners don't have a goal problem, they have a clarity problem. Too many ideas, too much pressure, and not enough structure to actually follow through. So i...

In this episode, I'm talking about the importance of doing an annual audit for your balloon business. Analyzing past events, tracking potential repeat clients and setting goals for the upcoming year… it's all included! Listen in for tips on: Using your calendar and CRM to find data. Focusing on repeatable events for future bookings. Manually tracking important details. Creating a simple rebooking...

What would you do if something you invented went viral? Like, 400 million views viral? Carolynn Hayman, the creator behind Conrad the Unicorn (America's favorite balloon costume) learned the hard way that when the internet blows up your work, everyone suddenly wants to copy it.  In this episode she shares with us Conrad's origin story and breaks down the real problem most creators never think abou...

In this episode (recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention), Jessica and Dae from The Balloon Club Co. share their journey of combining their individual balloon businesses into something new, together. They discuss the importance of trust and communication in their partnership, and the significance of setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance. They also share encourage...

With Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co. If you want to book better, not just more, this conversation with Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co. breaks down how to realign your website and visuals so the right clients find (and choose) you. It's easier than you think! We cover: A year-end review to define your 2026 "dream client" (what you loved, what you never want again) The quick-hit...

In another episode curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT, and recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, I'm chatting with Jam of Garden Place Balloons about his new brick and mortar shop, The Balloon Shop. If you've ever toyed with the idea of opening a balloon store, you'll want to hear Jam's story behind his pivot from focusing solely on custom installs to now offering smalle...

If you've ever groaned at the thought of making another reel, this is the episode for you. Curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT (and recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention) in this episode, I'm chatting with Maggie of Pop Charlotte—a balloon pro who not only runs a large, successful business but actually enjoys doing her own social media. In this conversation, we cover: Why...

In this episode curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT I'm chatting with Victoria of Balloons by Victoria, and we're getting real about what it means to build a balloon business and hire help that supports your life—not the other way around. We cover: Why Victoria chose to stay home-based (and how she makes it work) How she got out of her own head and decided to hire help Her inflator and admin roles...

What's it really like to run a family manufacturing business in the balloon industry? In this special in-person episode recorded at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, I sit down with Andrea and Aidan from HI-FLOAT—the powerhouse mother-daughter duo helping lead one of the most beloved brands in our space. We chat about: How HI-FLOAT started Why clearly defined roles are essential in a...

If you've ever wondered what actually happens at a balloon convention—or whether it's worth the investment—this episode is for you. I recorded this recap live from the Sempertex International Balloon Convention while the event was still in full swing. I share what the experience was like, how it compares to other conventions, and why I left feeling more energized than ever. I talk about: The new S...

If you've ever had a balloon installation fall (or had to refund a client because it didn't hold), this episode is for you. In this conversation with Steve and Nicole from ProTapes, we dive deep into the adhesives balloon artists rely on—and how using the wrong tape could be costing you money, time, and clients. We cover: Why ProTapes products are different from big-box tape The right tape for rig...

If your balloon business feels chaotic, it might be because you're missing one key ingredient: systems. In this episode, I sit down with balloon artist and business coach Danielle, aka Coach Danni D, to talk about how to simplify your business with smart, repeatable processes that save time, reduce stress, and create freedom. We discuss: The PACE framework for building systems that actually work W...

Are you stuck in the day-to-day chaos of running your balloon business—constantly reacting, never really moving forward? In this episode of, I sit down with business coach Andrea Liebross, who helps creative entrepreneurs stop spinning their wheels and start thinking like CEOs. Andrea shares strategies for: Shifting from a reactive to a CEO mindset Using her TRUST process to take massive action Be...

Brittany and Patrick of Main Street Balloons turned a $300 side hustle into a full-time balloon business—and they did it while navigating new parenthood and while also working in their healthcare careers. In this episode, they share their inspiring journey, how they manage their roles as a couple in business, and what it really takes to grow a profitable balloon company without burning out. You'll...

In this episode, I chat with Blenda, the powerhouse behind Balloon Construction Company that's scaled to multiple employees, multiple buildings, and massive goals — all without burning out. Blenda shares how she transitioned from inflating balloons herself to leading a full team — while keeping the creative vision and client experience intact. Whether you're just starting out or already booked eve...

What does it really take to work with celebrities, luxury brands, and global companies as a balloon professional? It's not just about the balloons. In this episode, I sit down with Sean Edwards — "The Balloon Guy" of Los Angeles — to uncover the customer service secrets and creative mindset that have helped him land jobs with Porsche, Soho House, Hollywood premieres, and more. You'll hear: The rol...

This interview with Carolina is jam-packed with not just corporate sales strategies, but also actionable tips and resources for how you can up your corporate sales game. Carolina has it mastered… so much so that she no longer takes private / social parties and only works with corporate!  I was so motivated to seek out more corporate relationships after this conversation and I think you'll feel the...

In this episode I'm chatting with Natalie of Illiano Events and she's dishing out tons of ideas and advice for us to network in a way that feels organic and natural. Networking is not something that comes natural to me so I was so happy to have her on and hear her ideas. Natalie shares the specific ways this approach has grown her business, the time commitment involved and so much more. She offers...

In our final interview recorded live at The Tuftex Experience, I'm chatting with Michelle and Sean of Lush Balloons about growth, efficiency and taking care of clients. We kick off by talking about the efficiencies they've incorporated into their business in order to reduce their number of staff and get higher profit margins… inflation and production, material organization, limiting offers and mor...

Get ready for some positive, infectious energy from this episode's guest, Patricia of StickUp Artistry and Design! I had the opportunity to sit down with her live at the Tuftex Experience and she's sharing how she believes adding some deco-twisted elements in your decor can really impress your clients and make you stand out in a crowded market. She walks us through her decision-making process for...

In this interview recorded live at the Tuftex Experience, I get to hear from Meg some of the really cool behind the scenes info about their products, the event and more. I always love how transparent Tuftex is and this interview is no different! Meg actually ran a balloon decor business of her own at one point, and you'll hear why her other background experiences make her the right fit for her rol...

If you want to hear what it's like to grow to $1M in sales, this episode is for you! I interviewed Chris of Balloon Masters at the Tuftex Experience and he's sharing so many golden nuggets about what he and his wife Marlene did to grow their business over the last several decades. I really appreciate Chris' generosity of all the knowledge he shares with our industry, and respect how humble he is i...

If you struggle with negotiating, or even the idea of negotiating, this episode is for you! Nikki of Violet Pineapple Balloons comes on the show to share some really helpful tips about negotiation, specifically for a rental space.  We'll hear about what she was looking for in a space, the listing price, what she's actually paying for it and all the things to think about as part of your negotiation...

This interview was a total treat! We'll get to hear from Jenny of Simply Jenny Designs all about her experience decorating for Hallmark movies, including how she landed the first job, what she's learned since and what it's like to be on set! She shares with us how quickly into running her business that she got her first movie set opportunity, the booking and decor details as well as how much air t...