We recently connected with Aubrey Fournier and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aubrey , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Making balloon animals was never on my radar. I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to dramatically switch careers from being a behavior analyst with an M.Ed. to twisting balloons for children’s events. However, I am so glad that I did! As an artist, it is freeing when you take a risk and pursue your creative spark. I decided to make a career change after my, then, three-year-old daughter asked for balloon animals for her birthday party. I brushed off her request for a week, and told her she was too young. To my dismay, she persisted to fixate on her request for balloon animals and every time she saw a delivery truck come down the street she would say, “Mom, my balloons are here!” I am sure many parents can relate to a determined toddler and wanting to make them happy. So, I purchased my first set of balloons and started making her dinosaurs, swords, and flowers. She absolutely loved it! Her smile lit up the room and I couldn’t stop making balloons for her. I started to enjoy it so much too and it allowed me to have an artistic outlet that I was craving. In 2023, Brie’s Balloons was launched and I started to gain clients for balloon twisting events all over Greater Springfield, Massachusetts.

Aubrey , 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 am passionate about making each child’s birthday party or special event unique to the client. I design balloon creations specific to the theme for the party, children’s library storytime, or community event. For example, I have performed at many Balloon Twisting Storytime events at local libraries. Based on the theme (i.e., winter, conservation, Halloween, etc.), I carefully craft a lesson plan that includes story readings, games, balloon animals, and an art activity. Each child goes home with their own Brie’s Balloon made just for them, a balloon-themed art project, and an even bigger smile! For birthday parties, I collaborate with the client to discover their child’s favorite characters or animals. Then, I incorporate a variety of balloon designs that are specific to their child’s wishes. I have made various cartoon characters from movies, characters from storybooks, dragons, spaceships, etc.. This stretches my artistic skills and helps me to not become a “cookie cutter” balloon artist. I also attend balloon conventions, such as Bling Bling Jam, to challenge myself to create even more elaborate balloons. It’s easy to become stagnant with your skills and get comfortable with have a set list of balloons that are offered for each event. By attending balloon twisting classes and working collaboratively with my clients allows for me to hear what they want from the experience and to ensure their child will be getting the most magical experience Brie’s Balloons can offer!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind the creation of Brie’s Balloons is twofold. I was a working in a medical field for years and I was ready for a change. A change that would give me flexibility, while raising two young children, and an opportunity for an artistic outlet that bring me joy. I believe wholeheartedly that life is short and that we should do something that brings us peace and joy. For me, twisting fun balloon creations and seeing the joy that it brings to others is more than enough for me! I also view my decision to start a business deriving from my daughters love of balloons as a heart song to her. She always gets first pick of any balloons I am designing, she inspires me with ideas of different balloons to create, and she is my personal tester for any designs before I share them with others. As a mother and business owner, this has been a beautiful experience that has empowered me through gaining a greater sense of independence, allowed my daughter and I to bond on a deeper level, and has provided an additional source of income for my family.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is allowing myself to be authentic. I am off the hamster wheel of 9-5, and I am able to make my own hours. I don’t need to hide behind masking my creative and crazy personality to fit into a mold. I encourage anyone, who has the ability to do so, to take a risk and do what makes you happy and brings you joy. Even if it is on a small scale and very part-time. It is important to have a creative outlet that brings you a sense of calm and purpose outside of the daily grind. In this life, we are meant for more than bringing in a paycheck. We are meant to experience the beauty of life and all aspects of who we are created to be!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/briesballoons
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bries.balloons/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briesballoons.balloonartist/
• Other: TikTok:

  https://www.tiktok.com/@bries.balloons

Image Credits

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