We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Felicia Adderley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Felicia below.

Hi Felicia, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

This is a good question! I am a physiotherapist and I opened my own practice in the Bahamas in 2016. I went on a bit of a journey with my career trying to decide what area to specialize in and settled on lymphedema. The pandemic hit in 2020 and of course lockdown and tons of strict regulations and accompanying expenses came with it. After seeing it through to the level of full certification as a lymphedema therapist, it was time to build that part of the practice up. Except things were never the same after the pandemic. Cancellations were up, referrals were down, the landscape of healthcare in my country was changing. Despite best efforts, it was like I couldn’t turn it around. I couldn’t FIX it.

In the midst of this though, I started looking into the balloon industry. I started working on my skills at home with the help of YouTube University! True to form though, I quickly invested in classes and attending balloon conventions, even when I had to travel to the US to do it. Looking back, I can see my growth as a balloon artist and an entrepreneur. At the moment, I have closed my physiotherapy brick and mortar because it wasn’t working anymore. This was NEVER the plan! I jokingly describe the current reality as plan F or G, because I’m WAAAAY past plan B. Honestly, the balloon business (Posh Parties) is so well received that I should have closed the physical therapy practice long before I did and gone “all in” on Posh Parties. Hindsight really is 20/20 though and all I can do now is continue to move forward with as much grace and wisdom as I can muster.

Felicia, 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?

Posh Parties was conceived at the end of 2019. It was my mom’s 70th birthday and she decided to throw herself a party. Needless to say, it was me that ended up planning and hosting this party! When it came time to getting some helium balloons, it proved a difficult task. I immediately wanted to know the reason behind this. I fell down the rabbit hole that is the balloon world and I don’t think I made it out! The entire Christmas holiday was spent researching and watching how-to videos. I learned about the worldwide helium shortage and the shift to air-filled designs in the industry.

Posh Parties provides an experience to delight the senses of guests at events and special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, grand openings, wedding and baby showers. It’s our mission to bring the client’s dreamworld to life. We are currently best known for our marquee number and letter set ups and our unique stuffed balloon gifts.

Every week clients rave about the excellent customer service and high level of professionalism that are central to our core values. They seem truly impressed and it let’s me know I am doing something right. I am proud of the quality of work that we provide to the clients and the vast options for balloon decor they can choose from- we have quite the range. We also ensure that no 2 designs are exactly the same and that we bring a fresh element every time.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I mostly communicate clients through Whats App. The process is still manual right now, and I personally follow up with every client after their event or delivery. It allows me to get their feedback and possibly even gather a testimonial. It’s also a chance for me to ask them to post a review and make referrals to others in their circle.

One of the goals for this year was to start an email list and we did that a few months ago. A monthly newsletter goes out, bringing clients and potential clients up to date on what’s happening with Posh Parties, new products, the birthday design of the month and any specials or offers available.

The next goal is to start a customer loyalty program to reward our repeat customers and encourage one-time customers to come be a part of the Posh community.

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

I believe Posh Parties is building a reputation for having a high-end look. We don’t just produce the same thing over and over. Unique elements are added to garlands and innovation is a must. Also we offer personalization for most of our items so they are extra special. The client appreciates the details and the recipient knows when they get their gift that it was created with them in mind and not a generic gift plucked off a shelf. (I have actually witnessed recipients cry.)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www. instagram.com/theposhparties
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theposhparties
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poshparties
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRYzyR10vVOJjDOOVImxtQ.

Image Credits

Lana Lewis Photography