We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Auciello. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.
Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
My passion for party decorating really took off when I was planning my daughter’s first birthday. This was such a fun experience and I have loved decorating for all of my kids’ birthdays ever since. Friends and neighbors would reach out for party decorating help and I loved every minute of it! Whenever there was a birthday or special occasion, I found myself eagerly stepping in to decorate and create joyful atmospheres for whatever the event.
The positive feedback and encouragement I received from these experiences sparked the realization that I could turn my hobby into a real job. I decided to take the leap and formalize my services, establishing my own party decor business. I took a chance and started a fb and Instagram page and get most of my jobs through referrals. I mostly create organic balloon decor for my clients but get to do florals, backdrops and custom decor on the regular.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Rachel Auciello. I’m married to my husband Jesse and we have six kids which makes life full and a bit crazy at times! I’m proud to call Northern Kentucky my home. I’m deeply passionate about both my community and my business, which allows me to thrive in the tristate area.
As a mom I think we lose ourselves a bit after having kids and sacrificing so much of our time to raise our babies. I wouldn’t trade it for the world but I was looking for something that was all my own and love the business I’ve created!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
This isn’t really a resource but it could be if used correctly. I think for creatives and small business owners it is scary to see others doing something similar to you. For me, I create balloon garlands and party decor for events and when I see other local balloon artists in my area I can start to worry. I start to compare myself and feel like I’m not good enough or I could get worried that other balloon artists will copy my work or try to steal my clients. We need to stop thinking this way!
If we turn this all around and put collaboration over competition then it creates this community of support for each other. Being friendly with others in your same industry is an amazing resource that often gets overlooked. There is enough business for everyone and being in community with other creatives in your industry can fill your cup more than you think. Having someone to talk shop with or pass on a client when you aren’t able to take a job are just a couple positives. I would encourage anyone starting out in a creative business to interact with others doing something similar and cheer them on!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission with this creative business is to spread joy! My work with balloons makes me happy and I hope it radiates through me to my clients or anyone who sees them. I have big plans for the future to bring joy to those who need it the most.
One of my favorite things about my business is getting to give back. Most of the time when a client reaches out with a fundraiser I’m happy to participate. I also like to share fun holiday balloons with DCCH, the children’s home in northern Kentucky, to help them celebrate in style!
My hope is that as my children get older they can help and we can share balloons and magic to even more people. For me it’s less about the balloons and more about the feeling they bring to the one receiving them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joyfultwine.com
- Instagram: @joyfultwine
- Facebook: @joyfultwine