We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexa Slaymaker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexa below.

Alexa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I started doing balloons in 2021. That’s right, a skill I learned during the pandemic and turned into a full fletched business! When I started, I had no idea about the journey this industry would take me on. As one could imagine, Nashville is a hot spot for creative businesses, and there is no shortage of balloon businesses in the area. One amazing thing that I think the balloon industry gets right that differs from the cultural norm is the overwhelming mentality of community over competition. I have met more friends in my same trade than I know what to do with. The desire to help each other grow and support each other is incredible. For example, one balloon artist might need a balloon color that is out of stock with a wholesaler or won’t arrive in time if shipped, another balloon artist has it and provides it. Maybe someone needs advice on a certain style, we activate the group chat and somebody has a tip or trick to help. I think it is great to realize that there is room for everyone, and community over competition is the way to go!

Alexa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I like to shock people by saying, “a bad breakup!” when they ask how I got started. It’s true. I had called off an engagement and gone home to stay with my parents for a few months. While I was there it’s needless to say that I had plenty of time on my hands. One night while in the grips of scrolling way too late at night, I stumbled upon a balloon course. I thought, “hey this looks fun and like something to keep me busy” so I purchased it. I spent the next few weeks learning and practicing and making balloon garland after balloon garland. One day I made an Instagram page and posted 6 pictures of my first garlands and Bash Pop Co was born. These pictures are still up to this day! I like to keep them up as a reminder of where I started and how much I’ve grown. I had no clue where this was going to go, what I wanted it to be, and little did I know how much this business would take off, help support me in my next chapter, and introduce me to some amazing life long friends!

Originally my goal was to start a full fledged bachelorette decorating company. My plan was to start off offering just balloons and grow from there. Throughout the year my calendar filled up with just doing balloons and I was too busy to add anything else. I stick to offering solely balloon decor as I have found a passion for the art. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, “I don’t know how you have the patience for doing it, I tried one time and swore I’d never do it again.” I suppose one persons torture is another persons heaven!

I love being able to create Pinterest perfect party decor for clients, and save them the stress of attempting balloons! One of my favorite parts about this business is seeing photos from the celebration and knowing I got to help them celebrate that special moment and create lasting memories!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

The great thing about starting a balloon business is that it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to start! I would purchase balloons and supplies once the next event was booked and built an inventory from there. When I would get paid for a job, I would invest that into buying a new backdrop or tool or website subscription. One big thing I learned was just to start and do it messy. When I started I had six pictures on an Instagram page that no one followed. I took everything one day at a time from there. I leaned on my dad, an accomplished businessman, for business advice, kept practicing balloons every day and eventually I had a website, successful, social media, inventory, a bookd calendar, and an official LLC with general liability insurance.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth and Instagram have been my biggest sources of getting bookings! I have played around with running various ads on social media and local magazines, but have found word of mouth and Instagram to be the most successful! Another huge thing I learned was that you do not need millions of followers to have a successful business. In reality, as a solo entrepreneur I can’t take on every job. I just needed a few followers to book and start growing from there. Today I have about 3,000 instagram followers and am plenty booked!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bashpop.co
• Instagram: @bashpopco
• Facebook: bashpopco

Image Credits
Cover photo of me – VBG Photography Image of me assembling balloons next to car – Gloria D Garton Photography