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

Ifrah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Graduate high school, get your bachelor’s, get your master’s, and then get a Ph.D. – that was always the plan. Never in my wildest dreams did I have entrepreneurship in mind. I was following my planned path, enrolled in my master’s program for behavior analysis when COVID-19 hit.

Wowlloons started with the idea of spreading joy during some very grim times. The world was in lockdown, streets were eerily quiet, and everyone was grappling with uncertainty and fear. Workplaces, including mine, were closed, and there was an overwhelming sense of isolation. Amidst all this, I found myself searching for ways to stay positive and find joy.

It was a way to channel my creativity and spread joy at a time when the world needed it most. Every balloon installation I created brought smiles and a sense of celebration, even during the darkest days. The overwhelming positive feedback from the local community was a testament to the impact these small acts of happiness could have.

What started as a way to keep myself busy and sane turned into a thriving business. Each installation, each smile, and each story of how Wowlloons brightened someone’s day reinforced my decision to take this unplanned detour. The journey has been incredible, and the joy and fulfillment I get from spreading happiness through my balloon creations is unmatched.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being an entrepreneur, but Wowlloons has shown me that sometimes, the best paths are the ones we never plan for.

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

Hey, I’m Ifrah! Mom, Wife, Entrepreneur, Behavior Analyst and a believer in the power of JOY.

I began my career with the intention of entering into medicine, but after my son was diagnosed with Autism my worldview (and priorities!) shifted. Armed with balloons and a determined spirit, I started Wowlloons mid-pandemic to find a way to spread happiness during some very grim times. The purpose? Spreading joy with balloons! There should always be balloons! Balloons bring joy, command attention, and turn any gathering into a party that pops.

What started as a one-woman show quickly grew into a balloon crew with the love & support of our local community. From custom balloon decor to elaborate event props and backdrops, Wowlloons offers it all! We put our hearts and souls into every project, creating experiences that people remember and cherish forever.

I have always had an eye for details and design. Working with balloons has allowed me to channel my creativity and mix in my passion for events to deliver happiness to you!

My vision goes beyond just balloons. I’m on a mission to make my company the ultimate one-stop shop for all your event planning needs. A place where creativity and convenience go hand in hand, where your wildest dreams turn into reality.

At Wowlloons, success isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about the joy we bring to people’s lives, the trust we build with our clients, and being the go-to folks for spreading happiness and delivering excellence. As I look to the future, our goals are simple: keep growing, innovating, and spreading joy, one unforgettable event at a time.

Wowlloons is more than a business; it’s a testament to the power of transforming life’s hurdles into opportunities for growth and joy, driven by passion, resilience, and a desire to make a difference!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building the reputation within the market for Wowlloons was a combination of delivering high-quality and creative balloon installations, providing exceptional customer service, and actively engaging with the community.

Positive word of mouth and glowing testimonials from satisfied clients played a crucial role, while maintaining a consistent and professional social media presence helped showcase my work and interact with a growing audience.

Our commitment to professionalism, reliability, continuous learning, and adding personal touches to every interaction helped establish trust and loyalty, making Wowlloons a valued and respected business in the community.

I’m proud to say in 2023 alone, we had the privilege of serving over 400 clients, bringing joy to countless events and celebrations. Beyond our business operations, we have made it a priority to give back and support charitable causes. Last year, Wowlloons donated roughly $50,000 to various non-profits, schools and hospitals, contributing to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

It all started with a single post in a local Facebook group. I shared a few pictures of some balloon installations and offered my services to the community. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I knew I had found something special.

A few ways I ensured continued growth:

1: Consistency: I posted regularly. Whether it was showcasing new balloon designs, behind-the-scenes snippets, or client testimonials, I kept my audience engaged with fresh content.

2: Engagement: Engagement is a two-way street. I made sure to respond to comments, answer questions, and thank people for their compliments.

3: Collaborations: Collaborating with local businesses and influencers helped expand my reach.

4: Quality: I focused on the quality of my posts. High-resolution photos and videos that showcased the vibrancy and uniqueness of my balloon installations helped catch the eye of potential customers.

5: Authenticity: People connect with stories. I shared my journey, the ups and downs, and the passion behind Wowlloons. Being authentic and relatable helped build a deeper connection with my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wowlloons.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowlloons
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wowlloons
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wowlloons?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

Image Credits

Any images with me in it photographer is Mariah Gale from Mariah Gale Creative