We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Toliver a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

One of the biggest challenges early on and even mid-way through my small business journey is finding the right clientele. Some people see balloon art as something easy when in reality I have spent several years learning a lot of do’s and don’ts to get to where I am now. Yes any one can technically put a balloon garland together but it is through trial and error where you truly learn all of the challenges along with being a real balloon artist.. I can say now I have an established clientele and I am so grateful for the customers who see my value and trust me with their special day..

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 Samantha Toliver and I have been creating balloon art for 3 years. I was a stay at home Mother of 4 and I decided to host a party for my eldest daughter. It was at that moment that I fell in love with my craft and I began teaching myself all of the in’s and out’s of the business. I feel like I am at a point in my career where I can relax a little bit because I have a system down but I never get too comfortable or complacent. I always take on new challenges and push myself in ways I never have before. One thing I feel sets me a part from others is I am quite transparent about challenges I face and obstacles I have had to overcome as a business owner. I know IG can make life look glamorous, worry free and amazing but it’s okay to show the raw side of life.

First off not too long after I started my business the world was hit with a global pandemic. Even though it was extremely tough I was able to hold onto my drive and passion for my craft. In that same year my Mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer and we lost her after 3 short months and watching my Mother suffer was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. While my family was dealing with this I had to put on a brave face and still run my business on a daily basis as well as be a Mother and a wife. I remember times where I would be setting up for my customers party and I would laugh and talk with them but deep down inside I was so heartbroken about my Mother it was draining having to maintain strength on the outside. Shortly after that we lost my Grandmother who my Mother used to care for before she became ill. You see life is full of challenges but those challenges or experiences don’t have to define you. It is just a part of life that really sucks but they help mold you into a stronger and better version of yourself. And you know what? It’s okay not to be strong and to need time but don’t stay there for too long.

I am so grateful for everyone in my life who has supported me and continues to support me you don’t know how truly appreciative I am.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I am one of the very few business owners in my entire family and one thing I feel like I had to unlearn is doubting myself. Motivation and empowerment were not things that were taught in my home and dreams and aspirations often got shut down. So even as an adult in my thirties I find myself having to hold back that little voice in my head telling me I can’t do something. Especially being a Mother of 4 kids they look up to my husband and I for guidance so there is no room for self doubt! Always believe in yourself and especially your children because we help mold them into who they are and how they feel about themselves.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have grown my business in a very organic way by word of mouth and just being consistent. I make sure to post daily on social media advertising my services/inventory. Another thing we did was we invested in a website and we had our vehicle wrapped so we can advertise everywhere we go, establishing your brand is very important.

Contact Info:

• Website: balloondripbysam.com
• Instagram: Balloon_Drip_By_Sam
• Facebook: BalloonDripBySam
• Other: Tik Tok- Balloon_Drip_By_Sam