Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Briana Spears. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Briana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
One of the most memorable things I’ve done to show customer appreciation was for a repeat client who had consistently trusted me to bring her event visions to life. She mentioned offhand that she loved a specific custom element I had used for another event, so I decided to surprise her by incorporating it into her setup at no additional charge.
The event was her daughter’s first birthday party, a milestone that was clearly special to her. I added personalized vinyl details to the balloon backdrop, including her daughter’s name and a subtle nod to their theme. When she arrived to see the setup, she was visibly emotional and told me it felt like I had truly captured her love for her daughter and made the moment even more meaningful.
This gesture stood out because it wasn’t just about adding something “extra.” It was about listening, paying attention to what mattered to the client, and making her feel seen and valued. The reaction showed me how much it meant to her and reinforced how small, thoughtful touches can create unforgettable experiences.
Briana, 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?
Hi! My name is Bri, and I’m the owner and creative heart behind Desert Darlin’ Balloons, based in the beautiful desert of Phoenix, Arizona. I’m a proud mom, nurse, and Arizona native who loves bringing people together through celebration and creativity. My journey into the balloon decor industry began as a passion project, born from a love of making birthdays, showers, and other milestones magical for family and friends. What started as a small hobby has now blossomed into a thriving business, and I couldn’t be more grateful!
At Desert Darlin’ Balloons, we specialize in crafting unique and unforgettable balloon installations for all types of events—baby showers, weddings, corporate gatherings, birthdays, and beyond. From dramatic arches to delicate garlands, every design is tailored to fit each client’s vision and event theme. We also offer grab-and-go garlands for those who want a DIY touch while still enjoying professional-quality decor.
Our goal is to solve a common event-planning problem: creating a stunning, Instagram-worthy atmosphere without adding stress to the host’s plate. Whether it’s elevating a blank wall into a photo-ready backdrop or turning an outdoor patio into a vibrant, party-perfect space, we make the process seamless and fun.
What sets us apart is our personal touch, attention to detail, and love for collaboration. I take pride in listening to my clients’ ideas, no matter how big or small, and bringing them to life with a little desert darlin’ magic. Being deeply connected to the Phoenix community, I also enjoy working with local vendors and incorporating desert-inspired aesthetics into my designs when it fits the vibe.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and how they trust me to make their special moments unforgettable. Seeing their smiles and hearing how much they loved the final result is what fuels my passion for this craft.
If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that Desert Darlin’ Balloons is about more than balloons—it’s about creating joy, memories, and a celebration experience that feels as unique as you are. I’m so honored to be a part of people’s happiest moments, and I can’t wait to bring more creative visions to life!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my life happened when I transitioned from being a full-time nurse to starting Desert Darlin’ Balloons. As a mom and nurse, I was used to juggling long hours and caring for others, but I found myself craving a creative outlet that would allow me to spend more time with my family while still making an impact.
What started as a small hobby—making balloon garlands for my daughters’ birthday parties—quickly grew into something I never imagined. Early on, I realized I needed to pivot my mindset from “this is just for fun” to “this can be a real business.” The pandemic also played a role, as people sought new ways to celebrate safely at home, and balloons became a simple yet impactful way to bring joy to those moments.
That shift required me to dive into learning the ins and outs of running a business, from branding and marketing to pricing and scaling. It was a leap of faith, but looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Yes, Desert Darlin’ Balloons started as a side hustle and has grown into my main business! It all began when I created a balloon arch for my daughter’s birthday party. Friends and family loved it and began asking me to make balloon displays for their events. At first, I thought it was just a fun way to channel my creativity, but as more requests came in, I realized there was potential to turn this into something more.
One of the first major milestones was building a brand around my work. I leaned into my Arizona roots and love of desert-inspired aesthetics, creating a unique vibe that set Desert Darlin’ apart. Another key moment was saying yes to my first large-scale installation, which gave me the confidence to take on bigger projects and really expand my offerings.
Investing in professional-grade tools and materials was also a turning point, allowing me to elevate the quality of my designs. And perhaps most importantly, connecting with the local community and partnering with other vendors helped my business grow through word-of-mouth referrals.
Today, I’m proud to offer a variety of custom balloon setups for everything from intimate gatherings to large events. Watching my side hustle evolve into a thriving business has been such a rewarding journey, and I’m so grateful for the support that’s helped me get here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.desertdarlinballoons.com
- Instagram: @desertdarlinballoons
- Facebook: desertdarlinballoons
Image Credits
Eric Doose
Chrissy Delacy
Jynelle Hatch