390. Annual audit & rebooking strategies
The Bright Balloon
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 workflow. Setting realistic sales goals based on past performance. In the UGlu Hotline, hear why I make cards for my installation kits. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting...
info_outline
388. Protecting your creativity
The Bright Balloon
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 about: protecting your intellectual property. How do you protect your creativity? Should you trademark? Carolynn shares all the details of her experience… what she wishes she knew sooner,...
info_outline
386. The power of partnership in business
The Bright Balloon
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 encouragement for getting past the fears of entrepreneurship. Key takeaways include: How trust is essential when going into business with someone. Why communication is key in partnerships. What things...
info_outline
384. Your dream clients, and a simple website audit to attract them
The Bright Balloon
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 homepage audit: images, fonts, color palette, consistency Mobile-first essentials and broken-button checks Smarter contact forms Messaging cleanup so you don’t try to “serve...
info_outline
382. From side hustle to storefront: why Jam opened a balloon shop
The Bright Balloon
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 smaller ticket items as well: the wins, the worries, and the money math. We cover: Why he shifted to helium, grab-and-go garlands, and personalized jumbos How Party City closures and customer...
info_outline
380. How to make social media fun (and still get booked)
The Bright Balloon
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 Maggie still runs her own social accounts despite having a full team How behind-the-scenes videos help her connect with clients The mindset that keeps her out of burnout and comparison ...
info_outline
378. Business and life hacks for solopreneurs
The Bright Balloon
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 Sticking to the policies that she’s set for her business Why she still rents U-Haul vans instead of buying a business vehicle The life-changing personal life hacks that she loves ...
info_outline
376. Defining roles in a family business
The Bright Balloon
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 family-run business What it's like onboarding second and third-generation family members Advice for anyone considering launching a product-based business Making decisions based on...
info_outline
374. Live from The International Balloon Convention
The Bright Balloon
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 Sempertex color launch and matching decor Why I loved the preset class schedules What made the instructor lineup so unique Vendor highlights (including latex dog toys!) The MBP...
info_outline
372. Why Cheap Tape Could Be Costing You Clients
The Bright Balloon
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 rigging, balloon adhesion, and framework How ProTapes has found a home in the balloon industry The many other industries they make product for You’ll walk away with a better understanding...
info_outlineIf 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 rigging, balloon adhesion, and framework
- How ProTapes has found a home in the balloon industry
- The many other industries they make product for
You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to use the right tools to build stronger, more professional installs—every single time.
In the UGlu Hotline, hear how I use a leaf blower in my business!
Unlock three free bonus episodes!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)
Other sponsors & resources:
Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)
UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)
DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline!
Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit
- - - -
On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon)
50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list