Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sean Edwards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sean, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was when I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue my passion for balloon art full-time. At the time, I had already been doing balloon twisting and smaller-scale performances at local restaurants and events in my hometown. I had built up a good reputation, and things were comfortable. But deep down, I knew I wanted more—I wanted to push the limits of what I could create and take my work to a bigger stage.

The move to Los Angeles was a huge leap of faith. I didn’t have any established connections in the city, and it was a completely new market. I had to start from scratch, which was both exciting and terrifying. The idea of leaving behind a steady stream of work for the unknown was daunting, but I knew that L.A. was the place where I could really grow as an artist and business owner.

When I first arrived, I took a risk by opening a small kiosk at a local mall. I had no idea if it would work or if there would be any demand for what I was offering. But I knew I had to give it a shot. I spent countless hours at that kiosk, twisting balloons, handing out business cards, and striking up conversations with anyone who passed by. It was tough at first, but little by little, I started building a client base.

Then, things took a surprising turn. I got the chance to work on larger balloon installations, and my reputation started spreading. Word-of-mouth referrals led to bigger projects, and before I knew it, I was being contacted by major brands and event planners. The risk I had taken by moving to Los Angeles and starting over began to pay off in ways I hadn’t even imagined.

One of the biggest rewards from this leap was landing high-profile clients like Instagram, Disney, and Nike—companies I never thought I’d have the chance to collaborate with. Those opportunities helped solidify my place in the industry and opened doors to even more exciting projects.

The risk of moving to L.A. wasn’t just about relocating; it was about betting on myself and my vision for what balloon art could be. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone and into a world of new possibilities. It wasn’t easy, and there were definitely moments of doubt along the way, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Taking that risk taught me that growth often requires embracing uncertainty. It showed me that in order to achieve something extraordinary, you have to be willing to take bold steps—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. That leap of faith shaped the trajectory of my career and helped turn my dream into a reality.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Absolutely! Here’s a bit of my story and insight into my journey, what my business is all about, and what I strive to bring to the table for my clients.

My name is Sean Edwards, Founder of The Balloon Guy in Los Angeles, and I’ve been fascinated by creativity and art from a very young age. I grew up immersed in the world of performance and visual arts. At just 13, I attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, followed by studies at the California Institute of the Arts. My exposure to theater, dance, music, and visual art deeply shaped my creative vision and laid the foundation for what I do today.

My journey into the balloon industry started when I was 12, when my parents gifted me a balloon kit. What began as a fun hobby quickly turned into a passion. I started performing for kids in my neighborhood, and soon, I was entertaining at local restaurants. Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles, where I took a major risk by starting my own balloon business from scratch.

Today, I run a full-service balloon decor and entertainment company, specializing in everything from small balloon creations to large-scale installations for events. What sets us apart is our focus on the artistry behind balloon decor. Every balloon arrangement we create is designed with precision, creativity, and storytelling in mind. We treat each project as a unique canvas, where we use balloons to transform spaces, elevate events, and bring people together.

Our services range from intricate balloon designs for intimate parties to breathtaking installations for corporate events, weddings, and brand activations. I’ve had the privilege of working with major brands like Instagram, Disney, Nike, and Facebook, as well as incredible nonprofits and even A-list celebrities. Whether it’s a biodegradable balloon garland for a birthday party or a soaring, multi-story balloon display for a high-profile event, the goal is always to leave a lasting impression.

One of the problems we solve for our clients is taking their vision and turning it into reality. Often, clients come to us with an idea or a theme, and it’s our job to bring that to life in a way that is not only visually stunning but also functional for the event. We handle all the details, from design to installation, so our clients can focus on enjoying their event without worrying about the logistics.

What truly sets us apart is our deep commitment to both creativity and customer service. I come from a background rooted in the arts, and I bring that artistic sensitivity into everything we create. We’re not just a balloon company; we’re artists who use balloons as a medium to transform environments. Whether it’s creating a whimsical world for a child’s birthday party or designing a sophisticated balloon sculpture for a corporate event, our work is always crafted with care, creativity, and attention to detail.

I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the joy our work brings to people. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the look on someone’s face when they walk into a room and see the transformation we’ve created. We take great pride in delivering not just balloon decor, but an unforgettable experience that elevates every event.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that our work is about more than just balloons. It’s about creating memorable, impactful moments that bring people together. Our team of talented artists is dedicated to making every event special, no matter the size or scale. We’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of balloon art and continuing to deliver creative, innovative designs that inspire wonder and joy.

Ultimately, my business is rooted in the love of art, storytelling, and creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. Whether you’re looking for a balloon artist for a small gathering or a large-scale installation for a major event, we’re here to make your vision come to life in ways that exceed your expectations.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started my balloon business, I didn’t have any major investors or a large sum of money to get things going. In fact, I started with just enough money for some balloons and a couple hundred dollars, which I used to open a small kiosk at a local mall in Los Angeles. It wasn’t a grand start by any means, but it was enough to get my foot in the door and begin building something that I believed in.

At the time, the kiosk was a risk, but it was also the best way for me to get in front of people and showcase my skills. I spent hours twisting balloons, handing out business cards, and engaging with anyone who stopped by. It was a humble beginning, but that small kiosk became the foundation for what is now a full-service balloon decorating business.

I think what made it work was that I believed in the potential of what I was doing. I didn’t have a big budget, but I had passion, determination, and a deep love for the artistry behind balloon decor. Little by little, as I built up my client base, I reinvested what I earned into the business—buying more materials, improving my setup, and expanding the range of services I could offer. It was all about building slowly but steadily, one customer and one event at a time.

Looking back, starting with such limited resources taught me the value of resilience and creativity. I learned how to make the most of what I had, and that mindset has stayed with me throughout my journey. Today, I’m proud of how far we’ve come from that little kiosk and the way we’ve grown the business into something truly special.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele at The Balloon Guy has always been a combination of building strong relationships, providing exceptional service, and word-of-mouth referrals. From the beginning, I understood the importance of delivering more than just balloon decor—I focused on creating a memorable, personalized experience for every client. This approach naturally led to satisfied clients who were excited to spread the word about their experiences, and that has been one of the most powerful drivers of growth.

In the early days, I invested a lot of time in face-to-face interactions. Every opportunity to interact with a potential client was a chance to build a relationship, whether I was creating balloon animals for a child or discussing ideas with a business owner for a larger event. I quickly realized that it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about creating trust and making people feel understood. Clients appreciate when you go above and beyond to bring their vision to life, and when they feel that connection, they’re more likely to recommend you to others.

Another key strategy has been leveraging social media, particularly Instagram. Since balloon decor is so visual, showcasing our work online has been a great way to attract new clients. I share photos of installations, behind-the-scenes moments, and the creative process to give people a real sense of what we do. It’s also a platform where clients can tag us and share their experiences, which helps expand our reach.

Working with high-profile clients and major brands has also had a ripple effect. Each time we complete a project for a well-known client or company, it not only adds to our portfolio but also generates buzz. People trust brands and individuals they admire, and when they see those clients working with us, it adds a layer of credibility that attracts new business.

Ultimately, the most effective strategy has been a blend of delivering exceptional service, cultivating relationships, and making the most of our visibility online and through word-of-mouth. These elements together have helped us steadily grow our clientele and establish ourselves as a trusted leader in the balloon decor industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theballoonguyla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonguyla
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/balloonguyla
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-balloon-guy/
• Twitter: https://x.com/balloonguyla
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balloonguyla
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-balloon-guy-los-angeles-2
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/balloonguyla/

Image Credits

All work is by The Balloon Guy.