We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hope Bass a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hope, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Ida Balloons is in honor of my late granny Ida. She was a phenomenal woman, but at the same time didn’t play any games lol. We talked everyday before she got sick 8 years ago. She brought so much love to those around her. I take pride in bringing that same love and light through my balloons services. But I also don’t play when it comes to my balloon art!

Backstory : Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a business owner, but didn’t know what I wanted to do. I used to promote teen parties almost every weekend back in the day lol. I threw a birthday party for my mom In 08/2020. It was a huge success! In 10/2020, we lost some beloved family members, and my boyfriend was in a really bad car accident. During his months of recovery, I did a lot of thinking and reflecting on life. I prayed for clarity, signs of what I’m supposed to be doing, etc. Randomly, balloon art started showing up on my timeline, and in my dreams. I’m like, okay God I hear you and trust you. At that point, I locked in and started working on my balloon business. It’s been amazing ever since.

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

My name is Hope and I am a balloon artist based in Nashville, TN. I provide luxury balloon services, marquees, mosaics, etc. for all event types, businesses, and if you just want balloon art at your location for months. As a balloon artist, my priority is to take the stress of planning/doing decorations away from my clients. When you book with Ida Balloons, just know we’re bringing the vibes! While bringing the vibes, I also take pride in providing a professional and luxury experience to my clients. I believe what sets me apart, is the love I bring to my balloon art/clients. I really love what I do, and I think it shows through my work.

I started learning and practicing my craft in 12/2020. I announced my balloon business on my birthday 3/22/21. I’m so proud of the work I’ve accomplished in my first year. My balloon services have been featured on News Channel 4, 92.Q Family Day, McGavock High School football games, and more.

I’m so excited for potential clients/existing clients to see all the new services/projects coming in 2023.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Yes! So 92.Q reached out asking me to do balloon services for their Family Day in the park. I’m doing a big balloon circle wall AND a square balloon arch. The event started at 2pm. The plan was to get there at 10am, but we didn’t arrive until 11:30am. After unloading the truck and setting up the equipment, I didn’t start until 11:55am. To put the icing on the cake, the wind was blowing soo hard that day. The wind is like kryptonite to balloons during outside projects. Mind you, Balloon Circle Walls can sometimes take 3hrs+ with a team helping you. This was also my 2nd time doing a circle balloon wall too.

I had 2 hours to create a balloon circle wall and a balloon square arch by myself. I was also creating the set up on stage. I had a whole audience watching me work. I had to get in my zone and pretend the crowd wasn’t watching. To the crowd, it looked like I was calm. In my mind, I was freaking out!! I also picked that day of all days, to try a new balloon method on the balloon circle wall. I said a long prayer, and this super speed just came over me. I got to worrrk!

I did a project that requires 5 hours of work in 2 hours. They both turned out beautiful!! I’m so proud of myself because it was stressful.

I want to thank my boyfriend for holding the arch from knocking over due to the wind/assisting me. I also want to thank my mommy for being there to calm my nerves and pass out business cards.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This year, I learned my worth when it comes to pricing my balloon services. I also learned that not everyone is meant to be your client.

The cost of high quality balloons, supplies, and equipment are expensive. Balloon artists have been facing inflation due to a balloon shortage for the last few years. There’s a lot that goes into planning, creating, and executing the balloon services. I’ve had clients that want a $500+ project with a $200 budget. For a while, I was doing $500+ work for $200 or less to fit the clients’ budget. I was soo happy to do a project, that I didn’t care about the profit. I was so focused on pleasing the clients/meeting their budget. I was losing money instead of making a good profit for my hard work.

On one project, I looked up and made $-30. Yeah, you read that right, negative $30! And the client still had an attitude. At that point, I immediately started making changes and implementing new policies. Since I’ve made those changes/increased my prices, I’ve been able to attract more clients that are willing to pay for the luxury services.

Compared to other artists, my prices are still too cheap lol. However, I’m happy with my prices (for now lol).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://idaballoons.wixsite.com/idaballoons
• Instagram: @IdaBalloons
• Facebook: Ida Balloons

Image Credits
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