408. A hidden struggle for balloon decorators
The Bright Balloon
This episode is a group panel discussion, and we're diving into something that I think is one of the biggest hidden struggles of running a balloon business: mental health. As a decorator, no one really prepares you for the constant juggling, the inquiries that never stop, the pressure to perform, the comparison on Instagram, the late nights before installs and that creeping feeling of burnout that can hit even when your sales are going well. So I've invited three decorators: Travis, Nicole and Crystal, to have an honest conversation about what this actually looks like in real life. We're...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineIn 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 was a streamlined booking system. It was a clear website.It was clarity for my entire team and most importantly, my customers.
They're my recipe guides hanging on the walls in my shop. They’re the photos still on my website today. Plus, they're the product thumbnails on my invoices. They're everywhere. And it's really cool to hear where this shift originally started.
I'm walking you through exactly why and how I set up a product photo shoot. And because I saw the tremendous impact of clean product photos in my business, I created a product called Sales Sets.
They are stock photos of balloon products, exactly what I'm talking about in this episode, but I've made them available to you. So if you want to skip the photo shoot process but still get the benefits I'm describing in this episode, check for the link below.
A quick note, when you hear me referencing my newborn, she's two now. I did not secretly have another baby.
And thanks once again to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex!
In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for using UGlu on foils.
Unlock three free bonus episodes!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
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!
- - - -
On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon