We were lucky to catch up with Eliana Glass recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eliana, thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

I am the daughter of two incredible entrepreneurs whose example has profoundly shaped my approach to business and leadership.

My father worked for over twenty years at a company where he began in an entry-level role. Driven by a desire to grow, he steadily advanced through the ranks by refining his sales skills and committing himself to continuous improvement. Before retiring, he launched his own business. I vividly remember his strong work ethic, he never hesitated to go to work and was always mindful of setting a positive example for his employees. His success was grounded in exceptional customer service and a collaborative network. Even when he didn’t have what a customer needed, he would go the extra mile by contacting other businesses to help meet their needs. He taught me the importance of going above and beyond, being resourceful, and learning every aspect of a business so I could teach and lead effectively.

My mother, although a stay-at-home parent during our early years, was equally entrepreneurial. She took sewing and design classes and began teaching others while caring for our family. Her attention to detail, organization, and creativity led her to create custom wedding dresses, and eventually, she employed her own students to help meet growing demand. She worked late hours with joy and passion, and her talent and discipline helped our family save and reinvest in new opportunities.

My parents were hard-working, self-sacrificing, and values-driven. They emphasized the importance of education, integrity, responsibility, and financial discipline. They also taught us that while risks are sometimes necessary to succeed, they should always be paired with optimism and preparation.

Their example has been a guiding force in my own entrepreneurial journey with my husband. We know the road is long, but with perseverance, dedication, and the values they instilled in us, we believe we can build something meaningful and lasting.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Eliana, and along with my husband, we proudly own Pump It Up of Metro Jackson, a family-focused franchise specializing in private birthday parties and indoor inflatable play experiences. We purchased the business in 2019 from the original owner, who opened the location in Mississippi in 2006. As a franchise, the corporate office is based in Arizona, but each location has its own unique connection to the community, and ours is deeply personal.

In fact, our relationship with Pump It Up began long before we became owners. We hosted a birthday party for our children there back in 2011 and still remember it as one of the best birthday experiences they’ve had. That memory stayed with us, and when the opportunity came up to purchase the business years later, we knew it was the right fit. What drew us in was the family-oriented environment. At the time of the purchase, our children were 11 and 14, and being able to spend more time together while involving them in the business made it all the more meaningful.

Our first year as business owners was a learning curve, understanding operations, customer service, team management, and the franchise system. Just as we started to find our rhythm, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was a devastating and surreal time. We had to cancel events, manage frustrated and fearful customers, and make tough decisions daily. While many families were understanding, others were understandably upset, and navigating those emotions wasn’t easy. Still, we stayed grounded in faith and resilience.

During the shutdown, we used the time to make improvements to our facility and rethink our approach. Slowly but surely, we reopened and adapted to the “new normal.” Interestingly, the private-party model that sets Pump It Up apart became a major strength during that time. As families looked for safer ways to celebrate, our fully private parties became an ideal option. We introduced new party packages, trained our staff on evolving health and safety protocols, and learned to pivot quickly, especially when staff availability was impacted due to COVID exposures. Throughout it all, the franchise network provided invaluable support.

Today, I’m proud to say that not only did we survive those challenging years, we came back stronger. Our business has grown, and we’ve remained committed to creating memorable, joyful, and safe celebrations for families. What sets us apart is our personal investment in the experience of every guest, our adaptability, and the family values that drive every decision we make.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is this: Pump It Up of Metro Jackson is more than a business, it’s a place where fun meets care, where families are celebrated, and where we treat your special moments like our own. Whether it’s your child’s first birthday or a milestone celebration, we’re here to help make it unforgettable.

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

Our reputation has been built on our commitment to providing truly stress-free, memorable birthday parties. From the moment families walk through our doors, our goal is to make the celebration effortless and enjoyable for everyone, especially the hosts. Many of our bookings come from guests who attended a party and saw firsthand how easy and organized the experience was. That organic word-of-mouth has been one of our strongest tools for growth.

In addition to our party experience, we are deeply rooted in the community. We actively support local events, donate party gift certificates to schools and fundraisers, and make it a priority to show that we care about the families around us. These efforts help people see that we’re more than just a business, we’re a community partner.

Another point of pride for us is our team. Parents often comment on how much they appreciate seeing responsible and enthusiastic teenagers working during parties. Our young staff members bring great energy to the environment, and it’s rewarding to see them grow in their roles and develop strong work ethics. Their professionalism and positivity reflect the values we try to instill at Pump It Up and make a lasting impression on our guests.

Ultimately, our reputation has grown because we deliver on what we promise, fun, ease, safety, and a personal touch that makes families feel valued and supported.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned in managing a team, especially one made up primarily of high school students in their first job, is the value of building relationships rooted in respect and open communication, while maintaining professional boundaries.

We take time to get to know our employees beyond their work roles, showing interest in their activities, achievements, and goals. This helps create a supportive environment where they feel seen and valued. At the same time, we clearly communicate expectations and set boundaries that reinforce accountability and professionalism.

To maintain high morale, we prioritize team engagement throughout the year. We host four team meetings annually that include team-building activities and fun incentives, such as prizes and recognition. While we address areas for improvement during these meetings, we always lead with appreciation and acknowledge what the team is doing well. Celebrating their contributions helps reinforce a positive culture.

At least once a year, we also hold one-on-one check-ins with each team member. These conversations give them space to share honest feedback, express concerns, and suggest ideas for improvement. We’ve implemented several of their suggestions, such as when we rotate inflatables twice a year, we consider their input since they’re the ones engaging directly with customers. This not only empowers them but also helps improve the customer experience.

Our advice for managing a team and boosting morale is simple: listen actively, lead with gratitude, invest in team development, and involve your staff in decisions that impact their work. When people feel heard and appreciated, they’re more motivated, responsible, and committed to doing their best.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumpitupms/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PumpItUpMetroJacksonKidsBirthdaysandMore
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pump-it-up-metro-jackson-brandon