We recently connected with Khaalidah Ali and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khaalidah , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My interest in balloon decor sparked after watching my sister create a balloon garland for her gender reveal. After that, I borrowed her inflator, bought balloons and watched tons of YouTube tutorials to teach myself the techniques. I would literally watch a video, do a set up and then rewatch it to make sure I did it right and understood what they were saying. I really started seeing my growth in 2022 when I actually started making YouTube videos and watching my work in real time because it allowed me to critique my process and pushed me to try different things until I got my personal style.
My most essential skills are my time management and my creativity. I’m really good at working under pressure because I’m often working within time constraints when setting up for events. In this business I’ve learned the importance of being able to quickly pinpoint what looks good and what doesn’t and pivoting to ensure that the client’s needs are met.
My lack of confidence when I first started out and my creative blocks have been some of my biggest obstacles. To combat this, I do my best to remind myself to be grateful and patient for where I am in the process. I also refrain from spending too much time on social media and that helps with keeping all of my ideas original and authentic to me and my personal style.
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 Khaalidah Ali, and I am a 29 year old Black, Muslim female entrepreneur. I would describe myself as someone who is hardworking, compassionate, funny, attentive and assertive although I’m still learning to set my boundaries. I have a 6 year old daughter and my deepest passion is serving people.
Balloons by Leé is a luxury balloon decor company that specializes in creating memorable, jaw-dropping experiences through luxury balloon décor for all your special moments. Whether it’s a corporate event, graduation, baby shower, milestone birthday, or a private party, we take pride in creating custom color palettes with free form designs to complement the unique style of each and every client.
My interest in balloon decor sparked after watching my sister create a balloon garland for her gender reveal. After that, I borrowed her inflator, bought balloons and taught myself by watching tons of YouTube tutorials.
Through my work, I help elevate my client’s special moments. I’ve had people come to me the day before their wedding because I always get the job done and I take pride in bringing my client’s vision to life and making them happy. I would say that my personality sets me apart from others. I’m super down to earth, and my values and morals allow me to deliver past the customer’s expectations.
I’m proud of EVERYTHING that I’ve done because I had no idea that I’d be doing this. I’m really proud of every step but what I’m most proud of is the fact that I can bring my daughter to these events and that she’s able to see her mother build my business from the ground up!
The main thing I want people to know is that I go hard for all of my clients (big or small). Everyone gets special treatment because I really take my time to make sure everyone is satisfied at the end of the day.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the autonomy that I have! I love that I can do what I want and that my clients trust my work and the process.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal with my creative journey is to challenge myself. Anytime I get a new client I’m constantly in my head like “do something different, challenge yourself!” As a creative, you can’t stay the same or else you’ll be stuck and stagnant. My goal is to always do better than the last time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balloonsbylee.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/balloonsbylee3?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@balloonsbylee
- Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/1gHTj2r