407. How product photos brought unexpected clarity
The Bright Balloon
In this episode, we are discussing the power of a product photo shoot. I went into a photo shoot with the goal of getting good photos… I had no idea how much it was going to revamp my entire business! It’s a replay from the bonus channel, On The Bright Side, where I have 300+ more solo episodes. And it's so fun listening back because when I recorded this a year and a half ago, I hoped it would make a difference in my business. But now I can confidently say it completely revived my booking system and then some. What came from this photo shoot was so much more than pretty photos. It...
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406. DIY marquees and friendors
The Bright Balloon
In this episode, we are talking about a marquee secret that might make you rethink everything. I'm talking with Jenna from Festive & Flair, and when she told me she made her own marquees, I fully assumed we were headed into DIY disposable territory. And then I went to her website and I zoomed way in and thought, there is no way she made these. I have to have her on the podcast. Her marquees are lightweight, clean, reusable, professional-looking marquee letters made out of foam. Yes, foam… but not what you're thinking. And she is breaking down exactly how she does it, how much it costs...
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404. Building a balloon empire
The Bright Balloon
If you've ever wondered what it looks like to build a balloon empire, this episode will show you. I'm sitting down with “the Carolina sisters”, Haley and Alley of Carolina Balloons and Confetti, a second generation balloon powerhouse who quietly crossed seven figures in revenue with a team that is basically their family. But first, thank you to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex, who selected Haley and Ali as their guest of the month. Tuftex Balloons is the only manufacturer making latex balloons in the USA. They’re committed to providing premium products and building a...
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403. Mastering modern, digital etiquette
The Bright Balloon
If you've ever wondered if your online presence is doing more harm than good, this episode is for you. It turns out that etiquette isn't just about fancy forks and putting books on your head. It is your secret weapon to making every first impression count… both on and off screen. In this episode, etiquette coach Jules Hirst spills the tea on modern manners that actually work in today's digital world. We connected because we are both 17hats Ambassadors! From crafting the perfect email to mastering small talk and strategic networking, Jules shares simple hacks that elevate your...
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401. Premium pickups
The Bright Balloon
For this episode I sat down with Loretta from Perfectly Popped Balloons in England, live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, and we dove into the world of deliverables…or in her case, pickups. As in, the grab-and-go, take-home balloon pieces that can add consistent revenue to your business. Whether you’re brand new or years in, this conversation will give you practical ideas and fresh inspiration if you want to strengthen the smaller, handheld side of your offerings instead of focusing only on large installs that usually dominate the conversation. In the UGlu Hotline, hear a...
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400. Limit your menu and skip the studio booking
The Bright Balloon
In this replay of a bonus episode from On The Bright Side, I’m breaking down why limiting your options might be the most powerful move you can make in your balloon business. I walk through how simplifying your color inventory and menu of offerings can make it easier for clients to book, faster for your team to execute and significantly more profitable over time. This approach has helped me reduce stress, streamline training, cut waste and build a business that can grow (or shrink) without chaos. Since I originally recorded this, I've released Sales Sets, which are ready-to-use product images...
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398. Profitable organic decor and building trust
The Bright Balloon
This episode was recorded live from the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, where once again, I sat down with Elisabeth of Pop of Color (Arizona). This is her third time on the podcast, but our first time recording face-to-face! We chat about organic balloons, how this style has earned its place in the industry and what it really looks like to run a profitable home-based balloon business without chasing every trend or install. We cover: pricing based on your market (not competition) setting real profit goals how she structures her prep and install days the client process...
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397. Million dollar panel
The Bright Balloon
Get ready for tons of inspiring lessons in this episode! It’s a panel discussion with four million dollar balloon business owners, all who came on the podcast out of the goodness of their hearts & I’m so grateful. We talk about: What impacted their growth the most What positions they suggest hiring first Some big mistakes they’ve made along the way Owning / leasing their various spaces Loans, assets and investments Staying motivated Their biggest pieces of advice Thank you so much to our guest panelists: Erin, Blenda, Brian and Chris. I would also like to thank this...
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395. Advocating for Balloons: The CRC's Mission
The Bright Balloon
Imagine if tomorrow your city decided to close your business, and before you could even start a conversation, it was too late. It was already written into the law. Right now, our industry is being talked about without us in the room. Decisions about balloons are being made by people who don't understand how professional balloon artists actually work, the care we take, the standards we follow, or the businesses and families that depend on this industry. The Coalition for Responsible Celebrations is trying to make sure that we have a place in that room and that we stay informed about...
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394. Using AI in your balloon business
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 repeatable? Well, we ask an expert. Cue Emily from Utah Balloon Creations. Emily has been on the podcast before where she shared spreadsheets, pricing calculators and tech tips that blew my...
info_outlineImagine if tomorrow your city decided to close your business, and before you could even start a conversation, it was too late. It was already written into the law.
Right now, our industry is being talked about without us in the room. Decisions about balloons are being made by people who don't understand how professional balloon artists actually work, the care we take, the standards we follow, or the businesses and families that depend on this industry.
The Coalition for Responsible Celebrations is trying to make sure that we have a place in that room and that we stay informed about the discussions taking place without us.
This month's presenting sponsor is Balloon Coach, and one of the many ways Joette supports our industry is by advocating for the CRC so that none of our businesses are impacted by hasty legislation.
This interview took place in person at the 2025 International Balloon Convention, where Joette attended to advocate for the CRC. I hope you’ll consider becoming a member so you can be part of these conversations, too.
In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener’s tip for finishing up her stuffed balloons.
Unlock three free bonus episodes!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Presenting sponsor: Balloon Coach Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit
Other sponsors & resources:
Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)
Courtney Lynette Creative Co. (mention the podcast for $100 off!)
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!
CoalitionForResponsibleCelebration.org
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