We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shani Edmond a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It all started around 2017, when I planned my son’s 8th birthday party. It was a carnival themed extravaganza in our backyard, in the month of July, in the dirty south. Needless to say, it was HOT! We had a bounce house, games, a cotton candy & popcorn machine, a live pony for pony rides, and of course balloons. I even made a ticket booth as a prop, but unfortunately it didn’t hold up well with the outdoor elements lol. But out of all the planning and decorating that I did to pull off his “Circus Extravaganza”, the balloons gave me a run for my money. It was the very first time I attempted to do an arch. I had watched some YouTube videos to learn the techniques and the proper equipment to use. But what I didn’t take into consideration was what happens to latex in direct sunlight and also using low quality balloons. Every few balloons popped as I attempted to install the arch. Every time I thought I was progressing, more and more popped. So, eventually, I repositioned the arch to a more shaded area to salvage what I could. The end result was not what I had envisioned, but it was completed and I learned some valuable lessons about balloons that day. Since then, I became obsessed with learning more and more about the balloon business. As my obsession grew, so did my passion. I would practice what I learned at home and even offered free or discounted services to friends, just to get my feet wet and a feel for the business. Once I felt like I had a good handle on it and was knowledgeable enough, SASHES was born. I have been in business officially since February of 2019.
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.
Hello, and welcome into my world of balloons and decor. I am so excited that you stopped in to get to know a little about me. My name is Shani. I am the Owner and Creative Director of SASHES, LLC; and also, the instructor of the “I MAKE IT POP WORKSHOP”. I was born and raised in the BIG APPLE, NYC! I am a mother of 2 beautiful children, whom I live and breathe for. They are the driving force behind my business. In 2013, I relocated to Charlotte, NC to start a new life with my family.
Fast forward to the present!
SASHES was founded in February 2019, after I decided to leave my full-time job as an Online Banker, at one of the top banks in the banking industry. It all started back in 2018. I dabbled in balloons and decor for a little, before I decided to go full time with it, and created an entire business around them. I was uncertain of how I was going to make it all happen. No solid plan…no plan A, B, C, or D. I just knew that I was no longer happy working to build someone else’s dream while my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, were deferred. (I know, crazy for Cocoa Puffs, right? LOL). Well, I stepped out on FAITH. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back and haven’t once regretted my decision. Now don’t get me wrong, there were, and still are times, when I second guess this entrepreneur life. Wondering if I’m built for it and if I can actually sustain the lifestyle I desire for myself and my family. But as FAITH would have it, I’m proud to say, “I am running a successful, budding business”. HOORAY!!
SASHES is Charlotte’s #1 Premier Balloon and Event Styling Company. We offer an array of beautiful, colorful, and luxurious designs that will transform any space. We take pride in creating memorable moments and experiences for our clients and their guests. We allow our clients to be a guest at their own events by taking away the stress of planning and designing. All they need to do is show up and show out.
When you’re ready to celebrate, we are here to bring POPs of color and joy into your life … put smiles on as many faces as we can … and deliver memories you won’t forget.
“WE PUT OUR HEARTS INTO YOUR EVENTS”
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As I mentioned, I started my business in February of 2019. I had only been in business for less than a year before the Pandemic hit. In this line of work, it requires being in closed spaces with multiple people. It requires, site visits and meetings. Our industry was definitely hit hard and was heavily impacted, due to the pandemic. So because I could no longer offer the services I was offering, due to the restrictions that were in place, I had to pivot. I had to offer new services to my clients that would give them the option to still celebrate and create memories, in a safe way. So instead of indoor event set ups, we offered outdoor set ups for a “Drive By” celebration. That would allow the clients to have some decor in front of their homes and their guest would drive by and drop off gifts, treats, etc. I also implemented contactless deliveries, where I would drop off deliverable items to their front door without contact. Boy was that a time! So glad My business and I survived the pandemic.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
How I built my audience on social media was by being my authentic self. Posting content that’s relatable, entertaining, and relevant. I engage with accounts who I want to target and accounts that engage with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sasheseventstyling.com
- Instagram: SASHESBALLOONS
- Facebook: SASHES
Image Credits
sashes