We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

The balloon industry is often seen as a passion hobby. People might think of balloons as just decorations for birthdays or events, without realizing the depth and complexity of the industry behind them.

In reality, the balloon industry is a highly skilled and professional field. It involves much more than blowing up balloons and tying them together. Here are a few reasons why it’s a professional career:

Design and Creativity: Professionals in the balloon industry create intricate designs and installations that require artistic skills. They plan and execute elaborate decorations for events, from weddings to corporate functions, often using advanced techniques and a deep understanding of color, form, and space.

Technical Expertise: There’s a lot of technical knowledge involved in working with balloons. This includes understanding different types of balloons, how to inflate them properly, how to secure them to various surfaces, and how to handle them to prevent popping or deflation.

Event Planning and Coordination: Balloon professionals often work closely with clients to understand their vision and ensure that the decorations fit the event’s theme and scale. This requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage logistics effectively.

Business Skills: Many balloon artists run their own businesses or work as freelancers. This means they need skills beyond just balloon decoration, including marketing, customer service, budgeting, and project management.

Innovation and Trends: The balloon industry is always evolving, with new techniques and trends emerging regularly. Professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments, continuously learning and adapting their skills.

While balloons might seem simple, the industry is full of professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and hard work to their craft. It’s a career that combines artistry with technical skills, and it deserves recognition as a serious and skilled profession.

I have learned, throughout my years in the industry, that we are providing a quality stress free experience to our clients. On their event day, we are one less problem that the client needs to worry about. Their focal points will be taken care of. We provide moments of a memories that will last a lifetime.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Brittany Rivera, and I am the CEO and Creative Director of The Balloon Godmother LLC. The Balloon Godmother was born out of my search for a creative outlet during the pandemic. As I browsed Instagram and admired the stunning event displays for birthdays and corporate events, I found myself wondering, “How can I get involved?”

In October 2021, I took a transformative three-day master class with a balloon designer in Texas. This experience completely reshaped my view of the balloon industry and ignited my passion to establish and grow The Balloon Godmother LLC. Since then, I have committed myself to continuous education, participating in four in-person trainings and enrolling our business in a year-long mentorship program for the event industry. It is crucial for us to stay informed and equipped to deliver top-notch service to our clients.

At The Balloon Godmother, we specialize in elevating events with exquisite balloon artistry and luxurious flower wall rentals, providing a seamless experience from design to installation. We create unforgettable focal points that transform celebrations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

We take pride in our growth and the ongoing support from our followers and clients. The highest compliment we receive is a referral, and we are grateful to our clients who continually recommend us to their colleagues, family, and friends. Our portfolio has expanded, and we have had the pleasure of working with various corporations across the city.

The Balloon Godmother started as my vision, but every great leader knows they are nothing without a strong team. To my godchildren, Jai’ven, Samara, and Olivia—you were the inspiration to our company’s name. Being your godmother is my greatest blessing, and now I get to extend that role in this position. To my parents, brother, and sister-in-law, thank you for your unwavering support and for always helping with installations. Our business would not be what it is without your help. To our family, friends, supporters, and clients, thank you for trusting us with your visions and memories. We love being a part of your special moments.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is seeing your visions come to life. There’s no greater feeling than when clients walk into their event and find that we’ve exceeded their visual expectations. Their reactions are priceless, and we’re thrilled to create beautiful photo opportunities for them.

Another gratifying part of this work is when clients place complete trust in our creative vision. While many clients come to us with a specific setup in mind that they want to replicate, the magic happens when we are given full creative control. That’s when true creativity and originality emerge.

Finally, nothing beats receiving a referral. A client’s recommendation is the highest compliment and the greatest reward for our efforts.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe that one of the most impactful ways society can support artists and creatives is by fostering a safe and encouraging environment for them to express their work. Creativity is inherently subjective—what resonates with one person might not with another. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a space where artists feel secure in sharing their unique perspectives without fear of criticism or rejection.

Social media has become a vital platform for artists to showcase their creations and connect with audiences. By simply liking, sharing, and engaging with their content, society can significantly enhance an artist’s visibility and reach. This support not only helps artists gain exposure but also builds a thriving creative ecosystem where diverse ideas and talents can flourish.

Additionally, many artists focus primarily on their creative work and may lack the business acumen necessary to navigate the commercial aspects of their careers. Providing support in the form of business education, networking opportunities, and access to resources can help bridge this gap. For instance, offering workshops on marketing, financial management, and legal matters can empower artists to manage their careers more effectively.

Overall, by creating a supportive environment and actively engaging with and promoting artists’ work, society can play a crucial role in helping them succeed and continue contributing their invaluable creativity to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theballoongodmother.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theballoongodmother/

Image Credits

A Thompson Visuals
NM Photography