The Bright Balloon

Latest Episodes:

310. Inquire & Uplift | Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting, she is answering tons of questions that listeners wrote in with! We're talking about mistakes, retail, growth, organization and a whole lot more! We end with some rapid-fire questions and rapid-fire answers. Here are some of the highlights:

What she'd do differently
Pricing transparency & calculations
Inventory management
Handling the business, instructing & her home life
The best investment she's made in the business
How to get large jobs
Where she's teaching next

And in the UGlu Hotline, we've got a tip for balloon stuffing!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma

smallbusinesslegacy.com

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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308. Elevating the Industry, Together | Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting & Jenny of Three Sparrows Balloons Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In another curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / Be Wise Consulting, we are talking about teamwork and friendship! Let's face it, sometimes we can get lonely, frustrated and feel isolated in this industry, so these two guests came on to share how they've created a support system in one another and how their different personalities prove that opposites really do attract.

We'll hear where they met and how their friendship developed, then Bri shares how Jenny was the first person she went to for advice when she got her initial opportunity to teach. We chat about teaching a lot, in fact, and how well they teach together despite their strong relationships with different manufacturers.

Then, before we hear about the list of events these brilliant women are teaching at, Bri, Jenny and I also talk about what types of jobs need extra support from your balloon friends and what those dynamics should and should not include.

Lastly, don't miss the hint they drop at the end about a very special project that they're working on together to benefit our industry!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a nice tip for removing UGlu dashes from your backdrops.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma | smallbusinesslegacy.com

Other episodes with Bri

Other episodes with Jenny

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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306. The Preferred Path | Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting & Jamie of Cape Cod Celebrations Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this first curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / Be Wise Consulting, we hear from her and her friend Jamie about creating mutually beneficial relationships with other vendors in the event industry. It's an episode full of tips like:

How to initiate a connection
What kind of traits stand out to event planners
Industry research & immersing yourself in your community
Requesting tours of local venues
Getting other vendors to sell your services
Preferred vendor lists & which ones you actually want to be on

There is SO much to digest from this conversation and I know there's something for you to take away from it no matter where you are in your business or what kind of region you live in. You'll hear Bri and Jamie each give their perspectives on what they would look for in each other's roles, their preferred payment processes and a couple of clear action items you can implement right away.

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear about another very cool way to be involved in your community!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

304. What's up at Anagram! | Molly, Kristen and Jill of Anagram Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

I love any time a manufacturer comes on the show to share some insight into what they have planned to help our industry! This episode was recorded live at Fulcrum 2025, and we hear about the new products, new people and new things happening with Anagram!

My ears definitely perked up when they mentioned the number of new foil designs and new formats they have coming for us this year… but we'll also get to hear more about their launch into latex. Learn about what "better together" means for them; how many latex colors are on the way; how they perform with helium, Hi-Float and Hi-Shine; and the size range.

Then we wrap up by talking about the kinds of opportunities balloon decorators have with the closing of Party City.

Anagram is investing in everything from innovation, to engineering, to industry education and their confidence in their quality is well deserved.

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for getting yourself some video content for social media.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Anagram

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

302. Business credit | Sheila of The Balloon Squad Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

I knew nothing about business credit before this interview, so if you're in the same boat - listen in on how you can essentially grow your business using other people's money! Sheila and I also talk about retail, multiple locations, growth, advertising classic decor and so much more.

I've met Sheila at Balloon Boss Summit but haven't been able to attend any of her sessions so I was thrilled to finally have her on the podcast. Hear about how she was inspired to start her business, how quickly it expanded and some of the things that she and The Balloon Squad are exploring now after so much growth.

Then she practically knocks my socks off when she shares how her balloon subscription program works!

We wrap up by talking about the business credit and you'll hear why she considers it "good debt", the cute story that introduced her to the idea, how utilizing business credit is a part of her everyday life and what it's allowed her to introduce at her Columbia, SC, headquarters… The Business Bestie Retreat!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for building community over competition.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

theballoonsquad.com | businesssuccesssquad.com | Business Success Squad Community

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

300. Freelance balloons | Jules of Party Perks Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

If you've ever wanted to hire a freelance balloon artist, or be hired as a freelance balloon artist, this episode is for you! I get all the details about how Jules travels and country and helps other balloon businesses while managing her own balloon business, too.

We cover everything you need to know about this new perspective of balloon decorating, including details about the kinds of tasks she's helped with, accommodations, travel, food and how to actually get known as a freelancer.

It was so fun to hear about yet another way to make balloons (and your balloon business) work for you and your life!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for having your QR code readily available.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@partyperksstl

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

298. Do my first episodes still hold up? Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

When I reflect on all the exciting things happening with the podcast, not only am I incredibly grateful, but it's also really fun to look back at how it all started. So in this episode, I'm re-listening to my first handful of episodes and asking myself, "Do they still hold up?!" I thought before listening that I had a pretty good idea of what I said in these early episodes, but I actually kind of surprised myself sometimes!

Listen in as I share the details on what has stood the test of time… and what I have a new way of thinking about. Here's a preview:

Stood the test of time:

3 important things for your Instagram
Email signature
Directing people to a contact form on your website
Getting a Google Business Profile
Instagram caption ideas & social media schedulers
Automation ideas & endorsement for 17hats CRM
Profit First cash flow system

I have a new way of thinking about:

Some of the resources I created and mentioned in the early episodes
Business email accounts
Importance of styled shoots
Watermarking photos

I also share my episode plan for the year, in case you're curious!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for transporting framework in a personal vehicle.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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Get bonus episodes

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

296. Trends in the United Kingdom | Angharad of Angharad's Party Art Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In our final curated interview from TUFTEX, I made a new friend in Angharad (AKA Annie) of Angharad's Party Art in the UK. I loved hearing about the similarities and differences we experience across the world!

She tells us how when she started her business, she faced a very familiar issue that we do in the states - childcare. She continues to adapt her business based on her family needs today, too, and I really appreciated her openness on this topic.

After that, we hear about her unique style, plus new types of events and trends she's seeing… and what's coming back into style! Then of course we chat about her time at the TUFTEX Experience in 2024, and how she'll be a part of it again this year.

What a fun conversation this was, and I'm so happy to have made a new friend.

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for marketing while participating in a parade.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

Angharad's Party Art

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

294. Main street boutique | Dolly & Eddie of Delloons Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Dolly & Eddie of Delloons again! Since our last conversation with them, they've had another baby and moved into a boutique retail space… so needless to say, there's a lot to catch up on and I appreciated their honesty and openness. And don't miss a bit of behind the scenes info from them about the TUFTEX Experience!

We talk about why they decided to move into the boutique, how it happened so quickly and what financial impacts they considered in the process. I always have a ton of questions about retail, so I also ask about taking payments, walk-in traffic and what exactly they plan to sell there. They gave us the scoop on those things, but also insurance, utilities and profit margins.

Then we dive into what it's like to be a part of the TUFTEX Color Crew, and hear more about how they'll be involved in the TUFTEX Experience this year. It was another fun conversation with these two!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a really cool resource for getting started with implementing Profit First methods.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

@delloons

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

Get bonus episodes

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

292. Large installs and lots of events | Tiffany of Confetti Castle Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Tiffany of Confetti Castle about the thrill and challenges of being tasked with large installations for large events. We talk about getting the jobs, staffing them, troubleshooting, logistics and more. She also tells us about how she's planning the decor for the TUFTEX Experience and how YOU can be a part of it!

More key points of our conversation included building relationships, building your mindset so that you don't get overwhelmed by big jobs and what kinds of actual items can be sold to make up a $10,000 job, for example.

Speaking of pricing, I also ask Tiffany about her proposal process. Hear how she takes the offensive in terms of decor choices, plus some great tips for managing logistics and properly staffing events when there are multiple going on at the same time.

We closed up the conversation by talking about the TUFTEX Experience, and I got even more excited to go than I already was! Hear what kinds of very cool things happen there, her hint at this year's theme, which instructors she can't wait to hear from and her biggest tips for maximizing your experience!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear about a way to decrease the risk of damage to your marquees.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

Related episode: 267. Starting a mastermind

theconfetticastle.com | @confetticastle

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514