We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alana Huffman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alana , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
I think one of the biggest challenges with probability in the balloon industry is people not being able to look past the fact that our medium for our art is balloons. So I feel like a lot of the time we are faced with people wanting grand balloon designs and not realizing all the aspects and elements that go into creating them and are taken aback by the pricing. If someone wants a 16ft balloon Garland that they’ve seen on insta. They’re not thinking about the balloon quality, the longevity, the amount of balloons it may take to get a particular width, the supplies to hang or attach the balloons. And the costs for materials add up quickly plus the time it takes!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Alana, owner of Lana’s Loons, and I am a new balloon stylist in Houston, Tx. I have a background in arts and I’ve always been a multifaceted and multi passionate creative. I got into balloon styling because I needed balloons and a backdrop for an event, so I made it happen for myself and I basically never stopped. So now I am a balloon lady who loves seeing peoples visions for their events come alive. I make organic balloon garlands, balloon bouquets, fringe backdrops and much more for pretty much anywhere I can get a balloon to stay. I’m extremely proud of my growth as a fairly new artist and my hunger to constantly learn what’s new or better ways to do something. I want the people who choose to work with me to feel confident in the fact that I make it happen. If you show me something you want or describe it, I can bring that to life and my hope is that I continue to do so!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source for new clients is always taking the time to mention it, and KEEPING MARKETING MATERIALS omg! I started getting really good at mentioning my business but I felt like my interactions were coming to a full halt because I didn’t have materials on hand. So build up your marketing, get your websites and always make sure your business has a safe place because instagram may not be here forever.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Honestly, and it seems taboo but offering my balloon services for free as practice. Especially when I’m trying something new, because it allows me the space to fail without being under the pressure of a paying customer. The last thing you want to do is to not be able to complete a job to the best of your abilities because you don’t have the skill or materials. The more you’ve practiced the faster you can be and more clients you can have in a day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNB1XtHgAe90sLVb_4VgBWWGfSV3LKp8epetdXJA7-uEgkzg/viewform?usp=send_form
- Instagram: @lanasloons