We were lucky to catch up with Angela Hinkle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The idea for This Is The Flex came from a passion for bringing people together and making moments feel special. I was helping decorate a baby shower for a close friend, and after hearing several people say, “You really need to do this professionally,” I finally took it seriously. That moment lit a fire.
The very next day, I started researching how to register a business in Ohio. I didn’t come from a business background, so I had to teach myself everything—how to form an LLC, set up a booking process, and build a brand from the ground up. I created my business cards and Logo, started an Instagram page, and began offering affordable balloon installations and small event setups.
In those early months, I worked late nights watching tutorials, learning pricing strategies, studying the legalities, setting up contracts and slowly building my inventory piece by piece. I reinvested every dollar into growing the business upgrading supplies, refining my décor skills, and adding more services like soft play rentals, photo booths, and hospitality staffing.
One of the turning points for me was being named a Top Gun Event Planner by the Cuyahoga County Advisory Board in 2022. That recognition validated all the long nights and hard work, and it reminded me that I wasn’t just building a business , I was building trust in my community.
Launching This Is The Flex wasn’t about waiting until everything was perfect. It was about starting with what I had, staying consistent, learning as I went, and never being afraid to grow. Now, my company continues to evolve, with bigger goals on the horizon including owning my own event venue in the near future.

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?

My name is Angela Hinkle and I’m the Owner and lead Event Planner and designer behind This Is The Flex LLC, a full-service event planning and design company based in Cleveland, Ohio. I specialize in transforming everyday spaces into unforgettable celebrations whether it’s a baby shower, Sweet 16, wedding, community fundraiser, or kids’ party.
I got into this industry out of pure love for the craft. I’ve always been the go to person when something needed to get done especially when it came to decorating or pulling together an event on a tight budget. What started as helping friends and family soon turned into something much bigger. Once I realized there was a real need in my community for affordable, professional event services, I decided to make it official and launched This Is The Flex.
We offer a wide range of services, including luxury balloon installations, custom backdrops, yard greetings, soft play areas for toddlers, 360 photo booth rentals, party favors, table and chair rentals, and hospitality staffing like servers and Host. I also offer digital and printable designs for obituaries and memorials, as well as full repass decor and support services. My goal is to be a one stop shop for clients who want their event done right without the headache of coordinating multiple vendors.
What sets This Is The Flex apart is our ability to deliver premium-quality experiences at realistic price points. I’ve built my brand on being accessible, reliable, and intentional. I work hard to make each client feel seen, heard, and taken care of from the first consultation to the final cleanup. Whether I’m working with a family celebrating a milestone or a nonprofit organizing a fundraiser, I bring the same level of passion and professionalism every time.
One of my proudest moments was being named Top Gun Event Planner of Cuyahoga County in 2022. That recognition wasn’t just for me, it was for every client who took a chance on me, and every event I stayed up late perfecting. I’m also proud to have started collaborating with local nonprofits to support causes that matter, especially those that serve children and families in need.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about This Is The Flex, it’s that we don’t just decorate events we create memories. I built this brand with heart, hustle, and a deep belief in celebrating life’s moments, big or small. And we’re only just getting started. One of my long term goals is to own my own venue something rooted right here in the Cleveland community where both everyday celebrations and meaningful events can have a place to call home

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

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn in business was doing things without clear boundaries or written contracts. When I first started This Is The Flex, I operated off trust, especially when it came to people I knew. If someone said they needed an event, I’d get started. If they promised to pay later, I’d believe them. I thought being flexible, especially with family and friends, would show that I cared and help my business grow.
But that mindset led to a lot of unnecessary stress. I found myself constantly chasing payments, dealing with last-minute changes, and bending over backwards for people who didn’t always respect my time or my craft.
That experience forced me to shift how I operate. Now, every client family, friend, or stranger signs a contract. No exceptions. Everyone pays deposits. Everyone receives the same level of service, the same policies, and the same boundaries. I’ve learned that professionalism isn’t just for strangers; it’s how you protect your business, your peace, and your relationships.
Unlearning the idea that being kind means being available for anything was necessary. Now, I can still show up with love but it’s backed by structure, respect, and clear expectations.

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

One story that really illustrates my resilience is the fact that This Is The Flex launched during one of the most uncertain times in recent history the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While most businesses were shutting down, and the event industry was nearly at a standstill, I chose to start mine. There was absolutely no way I was letting my hard work and late nights go to waste. Some people thought I was crazy for even trying, but I saw a need and I refused to let fear stop me.
People were still looking for ways to celebrate safely. So I got creative. I started offering contactless balloon drops, small home setups, and outdoor yard displays that allowed families to still feel joy without gathering in large crowds. I learned how to adapt quickly ,how to market differently, how to work with new safety guidelines, and how to build a brand without the luxury of big crowds or in-person networking.
I was sourcing materials with supply shortages, learning how to price competitively in a struggling economy, and figuring out how to build trust with clients when everything around us felt unstable. But through consistency, creativity, and a lot of sleepless nights, This Is The Flex started gaining traction. Word of mouth spread. Bookings increased. People were grateful to have someone show up for them, even in hard times.
Starting a business during a pandemic forced me to be resourceful, fearless, and focused. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about starting when the odds are against you and refusing to give up. This Is The Flex was built in the middle of chaos, and that foundation is exactly why we’re still standing strong today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thisistheflex.com
• Instagram: @thisistheflexllc
• Facebook: This is the Flex LLC

Image Credits

Photo Credit:This is the Flex llc