We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Owens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the most exciting trends in balloon artistry right now is the transformation of balloons from party accessories to elegant, must-have decor for wedding day celebrations. While balloons were once reserved for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and engagement celebrations, they’ve now made their way into the main event: the wedding day itself. Across the globe, couples are discovering that balloons can be both chic and sophisticated, adding a breathtaking touch to their special day.
With anything new there also comes reservations. I vividly remember when a couple approached me to create a 40-foot balloon installation for their wedding, envisioning a grand display that would wow their guests. They had set aside a budget of under $100, which is impossibly low for such an elaborate setup. While balloons can have an incredible impact, they do require a proper budget, just like any other eye catching focal point in event decor that requires countless materials and hours of labor.
We’ve been really fortunate to find clients who are more than willing to accommodate Pitch Posh into their budget. When clients used to comment that our balloons seem pricey, a friend in the balloon industry taught me to ask, “Compared to what?.” We strive to create that unforgettable wow factor, ensuring every one of our set ups is as memorable as it is beautiful. If you’re investing in stunning floral arrangements or elaborate lighting, it makes sense to allocate a similar budget for balloon installations that are also show-stopping part of your event. After all, balloons aren’t cheap—and you are trusting an artist to create an elegant and professional grade design.
The challenge we faced in the beginning was helping clients understand the value of high-quality balloon decor. Bringing a concept like this to a place like Johnstown, Pennsylvania was not easy! We have often been asked for the Johnstown price that must be the Pittsburgh price. It’s not just about inflating balloons; it’s about designing and crafting an installation that enhances the entire aesthetic of your celebration.
However, the opportunities are vast. Balloons, especially when done right, can elevate a space and provide the perfect backdrop for photos.
Wedding specific trends in the balloon industry include: Monochromatic color schemes and metallics are particularly trending this year, adding a sophisticated, modern touch that complements any wedding theme.
Incorporating balloons into your wedding isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to make your celebration truly unique and memorable.
Plus, photo backdrops featuring elegant balloon designs are a fun way to encourage guests to snap their own picture-perfect photos – for those dying to post a picture the night of your wedding. As the balloon industry continues to evolve, I’m excited to see more couples embracing these stylish and impactful decorations. After all, your wedding day deserves decor that’s just as unforgettable as the love you’re celebrating.
When I first started in the balloon industry my mom always told me that her wedding was decorated in balloons & even I could not imagine that at the time.
Now, there is no celebration in can imagine without them!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Sarah Owens, the founder of Pitch Posh. My journey into the events industry began during quarantine in 2020, a time that gave me the space to explore my creativity and rethink my future. Living in a small one-bedroom apartment, I found myself longing for a change of scenery—and a career that truly excited me. Originally, I considered getting my real estate license, but an even bigger idea took hold: I wanted to bring the concept of glamping to my hometown, Johnstown, PA, offering a unique escape for people looking to transform their own backyards into magical getaways.
The idea for Pitch Posh was born from my own desire for a service that didn’t yet exist in our area. I envisioned creating a backyard oasis where people could take a staycation with their loved ones, far from the monotony of home. From the moment the idea took root, it felt larger than life—like it was something I was meant to bring into existence. I started purchasing the necessary items, storing them for over a year until I was ready to debut this unique concept to my community.
Pitch Posh began with backyard glamping, but it quickly grew to include everything from intimate backyard showers and weddings to memorable proposals and other celebrations. Our first booking was a beautiful glamping tent proposal on a hillside farm, where a couple got engaged under a full moon and starry sky. It was challenging yet rewarding—carrying hundreds of pounds of furniture and equipment up a hill by myself to ensure everything was perfect. From that first event, I knew we were onto something special.
As Pitch Posh evolved, I discovered a love for balloon styling quite by accident. Unable to find anyone locally to provide balloon displays for our events, I decided to learn the craft myself. I started small, creating balloon kits for kids’ parties, but soon realized I wasn’t satisfied with the look of pre-made garland kits. I dove into the world of professional balloon styling, drawing inspiration from artists like Tiffany of Confetti Castle and working with high-quality materials like Tuftex Balloons. Now, balloon styling is one of our signature offerings, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to every event.
At Pitch Posh, we specialize in event styling with a focus on creating unforgettable moments through our medium: balloons. Whether it’s a fully styled baby shower or a grand birthday party balloon arch, we strive to turn every client’s vision into reality. What sets us apart is our commitment to setting trends, not following them. We approach each project with passion and heart, ensuring that every detail is something we’re proud of.
I’m most proud of never letting anyone’s doubts hold me back. They say to do what would make 7-year-old you overwhelmed with joy, and I truly know every day that I’m listening to that younger voice inside of me and making her so proud. Building this business from the ground up, without funding, help, or sometimes even support, has been a journey driven by passion and determination. Beyond that, I’m proud to represent issues that are important to me through my craft—like when I provided a Pride balloon display for our local art gallery during Pride Month. It’s these moments that remind me why I do what I do. Despite the challenges, we’ve remained leaders in our local industry by offering something unique—focusing on events often overlooked by the décor industry in our area, like kids’ parties, engagement celebrations, and long-lasting business displays. It’s an honor to be trusted by our clients to be part of their most important moments, from engagements to weddings, baby showers, and beyond.
At Pitch Posh, we’re dedicated to making every step of our clients’ lives special. We’ve had the privilege of following our clients through their life journeys—like Lauren, who started with an engagement party in one of our glamping tents, had a sleepover with her bridesmaids before her wedding, and now celebrates milestones like her son Graham’s first birthday with our balloon displays. We look forward to continuing to create unforgettable memories for our clients, one celebration at a time.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Certainly! Here’s a more professional version that addresses how you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty:
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At Pitch Posh, we maintain strong client relationships and foster brand loyalty through a combination of social media engagement and community involvement. We run holiday-themed delivery specials, where our team dresses up as elves or Easter bunnies to deliver balloon bundles directly to clients’ doors. This approach not only brings festive cheer but also creates magical experiences for children and families.
Additionally, we leverage social media to connect with clients by offering exclusive specials and promotions. This strategy encourages people to follow us and engage with our content. We also collaborate with local businesses, such as coffee shops, to create visually appealing pop-up events that benefit both our brand and the community. For example, we recently set up a balloon backdrop for the first day of school in partnership with a local coffee shop, which helped us connect with new clients and strengthen existing relationships.
By creating memorable, photogenic experiences and engaging actively with our community, we effectively build brand loyalty and maintain a strong connection with our clients.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Certainly! Here’s a revised version of your story that incorporates the details you provided:
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My journey with Pitch Posh began in Western Pennsylvania as a backyard glamping business. Given the region’s limited weather window for outdoor events, I quickly pivoted to offer indoor luxury sleepover parties to keep the business active year-round. This adaptation allowed us to maintain momentum and serve clients beyond the few months of favorable weather.
As the business evolved, our balloon styling services gained significant traction, leading to a surge in requests throughout the year. The demand became so overwhelming that I was receiving inquiries seven days a week, which was challenging to manage alongside my full-time job in real estate. Despite the growing success, I was often forced to turn down opportunities due to my limited availability.
Recognizing the potential and my passion for the business, I decided to invest almost all of my earnings back into Pitch Posh. I realized that if I truly wanted to make this work, I needed to fully commit. So, I took a leap of faith and left my secure real estate position to pursue Pitch Posh full-time.
This transition came with its share of challenges and discomfort, but it was a necessary step towards building the future I envisioned. While the financial security and luxuries of vacations or personal indulgences have been sacrificed, my focus remains on investing in essential tools for the business, such as a cargo van. I am confident that these sacrifices will eventually pay off, allowing me to live the life of my dreams and continue growing Pitch Posh into a thriving business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pitchposhpa.com
- Instagram: @pitchposhpa
- Facebook: @pitchposhpa
- Other: TikTok: @pitchposhpa
@sarahsmiley
Image Credits
A few images are by @photographswithriss