We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krysti Maxwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krysti below.
Hi Krysti, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
Actually, this business was not my idea. We used to live in East Aurora, NY and I made many good friends there, among those friends is my friend Julie. Julie has a thriving balloon business and creates for some very large clients. I was throwing a baby shower for my daughter and looked to Julie for some help. Through a couple FaceTime sessions on how to create a large balloon decoration, the first balloon garland was born.
Julie knew that I was looking for a way to support my college kids after 14+ years of homeschooling. I have had many businesses in the past so that I could earn a little income while still being at home. She remarked that I could do what she does in Ohio and that I had the skill and eye to make it happen. I went up East Aurora for her to train me October of 2023 and began to practice. My first impression was, whoa, this is crazier and more detailed than I ever imagined. Her house was full of bags of inflated balloons and I began to wonder if I could really pull this off like she did. I got home and began to practice with the supplies she gave me and was hooked. In Jan 2024 I got my LLC and my first real client came shortly after.
I was not really sure how it would all work out financially and finding clients. It began kind of slow since those winter months after the holidays are often are slow for all balloon artists, but that gave me more time to create and get things set up without pressure. I so am glad Julie saw my potential for this business and look forward to growing it. I am in constant awe of other balloon artists and the beautiful work they do. My whole perspective has changed and I often envision balloons at parties and on store fronts.
Krysti, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a wife and a mom to four adult children. I have homeschooled for more than fourteen years. My youngest heads to Ohio State in the fall. Trying to find a way to help pay for my kids in college, I began a small business in natural dyeing, a process that is long, expensive, yet very satisfying. It is also very expensive, has a very small profit margin, and a very small niche customer. I had to find a creative outlet that was more lucrative and something that inspired me as I try to help with college.
I graduated from Kent State University with a minor in Fibre Arts. I have always loved art in every form and could always figure out how to make just about anything from using textiles to metal. It is this background of many types of art that is an asset to me with balloons. I love to add floral, ribbons, and hand crafted paper flowers to my balloon designs.
Budding Balloon Co. LTD uses all natural latex, biodegradable, professional grade balloons for all balloon designs. This is one way we set ourselves apart from the facebook marketplace person that is trying a side gig using cheap balloons. Also when our clients do not want to keep the balloons, we offer to donate them to a small business in the area. We then take the balloons and reinstall them elsewhere rather than popping them, we recycle to someone else and it is a win for everyone.
Every client is unique and special. We have a client portal that is used for mood boards, invoicing, and payment. Through this portal, the full service client gets all the special attention they deserve. Each design is made based on colors and design inspiration that the client uploads to the portal to create the vision that they are desiring. Full service clients have their design delivered and installed at their site with balloons and often backdrops. We also offer balloons to go. This is a self serve option that saves the client money. They pick it up and are given directions on how to install it themselves. I love to see picture of how they were able to decorate with it. This is perfect for the DIYer since they get to set it up anyway they like. No matter the size or budget, we love all of our clients.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal in my balloon business is to engage with people and have a creative outlet, while earning money to help send my kids to college. I not only needed a creative outlet, but a flexible schedule to be able available for my kids, grandkids, and parents.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I would say the best source is word of mouth. I have done quite a few free installations for businesses, just to get my name our there and demonstrate what I can do. These get posted on social media also where others see it.
The second is my Google page. I actually had my very first client from a Google search. It came from California and happened to be the road manager from a famous musician. It was very encouraging to receive concert t’s and a great review from an unexpected client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://buddingballoonco.hbportal.co/public/BookmyEvent
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budding.balloon.co
- Facebook: Budding Balloon Co.
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/budding-balloon-co
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/budding-balloon-kent-6
Image Credits
Liza Piza photography for headshot.