We were lucky to catch up with Becky Strawder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Becky, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

When I decided I wanted to make balloon decor a business I figured the best thing to do was to just DO IT. After the initial steps of deciding on a name and opening an LLC, It’s Poppin’ Balloon Decor & More, I started finding clients. First, I created a post on my personal Facebook page letting all my friends and family know about this new business endeavor I was starting and offering a discounted rate for my first handful of orders. Next I posted in a few mom groups I was in as well offering the same discount. Then, I turned to YouTube and watched as many instructional videos as I could find while finding other balloon stylists on Instagram who were doing what I wanted to do and giving them a follow. When I’d get an inquiry, unless it was something really big that I just did not have the confidence yet to do, I didn’t say no. Whatever it was I figured I could figure it out. And I was right! With each new client and order my technique and designs just got better and better. I quickly learned the best materials and distributors to work with and the importance of doing a lot of prep work to reduce my on-site time. I also didn’t hesitate to reach out to other business owners for help along the way. I found a basic contract form for my industry on Etsy and tweaked it to better fit my needs and asked fellow small business owners for recommendations on point of sale softwares before settling on one I felt worked best for me. The first year was a whirlwind. I had months with little to no business followed by months with bookings every weekend, sometimes as many as 4 bookings in one weekend. I quickly learned the downtime was the time to work on the behind the scenes things like web design, marketing tools and materials and finding my target market.

Becky, 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 was a stay-at-mom for years, finding little ways here and there to make a little extra money. I’ve always had a more entrepreneurial mindset and was always looking for a way to do something for myself while also making a little extra income. A friend of my husband’s was an event decorator and had been telling my husband that I should look into the industry. I actually had looked into being an event planner in my early 20s and that just never happened so I was definitely intrigued with the idea. I finally took the time to connect with her and remember in our conversation she said, “you know what you should do? Balloons.” That was honestly not something that had ever crossed my mind. In fact, my family laughs about it now because as a kid, I was actually terrified of balloons. Lol! She offered to show me the basics and when I created that first look with her, an all gold garland across a gold hoop, I was hooked! To see how something as simple as a balloon can be turned into something so elegant was just so amazing to me! And then to see that I actually had an eye for design. I mean this was more than just party balloons tied together, this was an ART and not only was I good at it, I LOVED it! I remember her telling me right then, “you have to make this a business!” I had a business name by the end of the week and a few weeks later an official LLC, It’s Poppin’ Balloon Decor & More, and the rest is history. What I love most is getting to create. I get to take an idea and make it come to life. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done a set up and turned around to realize my work is the main, if not the only decor for the event. Knowing that my backdrops and balloons are the focal point for monumental occasions like baby showers, bridal showers, graduations, grand openings, you name it, is so humbling. It has definitely given me a sense of responsibility in ensuring that what I create exceeds the clients expectations. I think that’s what sets me apart, my desire and care in creating works of art that leave my clients thrilled. Thats my goal!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

So, did I mention I launched this business pregnant with my 3rd baby? Lol! Talk about challenging! To be honest I didn’t think the business would take off at the rate that it did. My biggest fear was losing momentum when I took time off to have the baby. I continued to advertise, constantly posting about my work and doing the weekly self promotion posts in all the groups I was in on Facebook. About 6 months into my business I decided to offer a grab n’ go (pick up) option along with my set up options. This allowed me to extend my work further along in my pregnancy and also gave a more affordable option, expanding my clientele reach. Towards the end of my pregnancy I began offering only grab n’ go options. It’s so important to be flexible with your business model and be willing to pivot as needed. Baby came later than I anticipated and I actually ended up having a grab n’ go the day after I got home from the hospital. I do not recommend cutting things that close in your business. Lol! But I did it! The following week I had 2 sets ups, thankfully they were fairly basic and my awesome husband jumped in to help get the jobs done. Having a strong support system has been amazing in getting this business going.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what has helped me the most with building my reputation is ensuring a sense of trust in my expertise. I always offer a 30 minute free consultation for larger set ups, I offer design suggestions and alternatives to fit their budget. If a certain design or color isn’t going to work in the space you have to work with, black balloons in direct sunlight for instance, I’ll suggest alternatives. Reality is I’m creating an experience and offering a service not just making a sale. My goal isn’t to land a deal. My goal is to work with you to create the best look for your event within the budget you have set. Now obviously there will be times where budget and the desired look don’t match but I always try to offer alternatives, not to make a sale but to help create a memorable experience for you and your guests. But I think that’s also what helps build my reputation, being honest and upfront with costs and setting realistic expectations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itspoppindecor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_poppin_balloondecor?igsh=ejhvMDlsZWFrOTNo&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087950072674&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: [email protected]