Today we’d like to introduce you to Saundra Woods.
Saundra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
One evening I while visiting my cousin’s home, I noticed beautiful purple and silver balloons all over the floor in a back room of his house. Intrigued, I just started walking towards the balloons. My cousin’s wife was in the back room with the balloons. I asked what she was doing and she told me that she was preparing decor for a wedding for someone at her church for the next day. I volunteered to help her for free — it was love at first sight.
She welcomed my help. Once working with her, my creativity just seemed to flow. I was a natural at it — like I’d been doing it for years. When given a task to do for her, I’d take it and run with it. Not much instruction needed once I was shown the technique. Before long, I was implementing some of my own ideas and designs.
We later had differences in business structures, so we parted and went our separate ways.
In February, 2006, All Blown Up was born in the kitchen of my home with a rented helium tank, a hand pump and 3 bags of balloons. Afterwards, I started to search the Internet looking to take any and all classes and seminars I could find regarding balloon decorating. I have traveled near and far for balloon classes and conferences. I’ve also met many balloon friends (colleagues) and have traded ideas and concepts.
Today, All Blown Up is still home-based, but has grown into an 800 square foot space in the basement of my home; has 3 part-time employees, owns our own tank, owns state-of-the art-equipment, increased its inventory and purchased a beautiful delivery truck. This is where the magic happens!
I love working with balloons and I have developed a great clientele. My passion for balloons, word of mouth, social media and my desire to help others fulfill their decor needs has helped develop All Blown Up into a successful, blossoming business that I truly love.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road.
When I first started to work alone, I had complaints from clients regarding the time it took to complete a setup. However, I refused to let that stop me. I was nervous, but that went away as I learned more about the business. As my business grew, I was able to purchase balloon equipment and supplies to help make work more efficient and effective.
I sought more classes and experts to learn more tips and tricks in the balloon industry which allowed me to work more efficiently. Over time, I picked up the pace. Later I sought help which also helped me pick up the pace.
It also took some time to get steady and repeat clients. Through coaching, networking and word of mouth, All Blown Up started to grow, slowly, but surely.
Please tell us about All Blown Up Balloon Creations.
All Blown Up is a unique balloon decorating company providing high quality, cost effective, classic balloon décor designs with a modern flair.
We specialize in turning “ordinary” balloon decor into “EXTRAORDINARY” balloon decor by using mixed media such as flowers, Tulle, specialty ribbon and lights when appropriate.
With 10 years of experience in the trade of the Special Event and Balloon Industry, and as a Certified Balloon Artist® (CBA), my attention to details, my commitment to client satisfaction and professional service have contributed to the growth of All Blown Up since its opening in 2006.
We are committed to sound and honorable business practices, continuing education and training, and the belief that balloons create atmosphere and communicate emotion in a uniquely effective way.
All Blown Up’s decorating services include balloon arrangements, centerpieces, arches, columns, garlands, sculptures, balloon drops, balloon releases, exploding balloons and balloon walls, Gifts in a Balloon, balloon floral arrangements and more for a variety of occasions like Weddings, Corporate Events, Birthdays, Banquets, School Events, Bar/Bat mitzvahs, Showers, New Baby, Holidays and more.
I believe what sets us apart from others is our great customer service and we always exceed our clients’ expectations.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey has been great and it gets better as it continues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AllBlownUpBalloons.com
- Phone:Bus: 708*402-8907/Cell: 708*805*9235
- Email: Info@allblownupballoons.com
- Instagram: allblownupballooncreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllBlownUpBalloonCreations
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