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

Hi Taylor, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Starting my business took a leap into the unknown. I did not know much about being a business owner, advertising and all the aspects to running a business. Little did I know how successful I would be today.
Making balloon garlands started as a hobby for personal reasons, that lead to helping make balloon garlands for my friends and their events. If it wasn’t for my good friend Shelby with Simply Classic Events who planted the idea in my head that I could make this into a business, I may have never started!
It was in November 2019 where I was hired actually by Simply Classic Events for my first install to make a balloon wall for one of her clients wedding as a photo backdrop. I faced challenges and it took me hours to create, but I did it and they loved it! I filled the wall with greenery and florals. I was hooked in that moment that I created something that brought joy to so many people. That very next day, I decided to make a social media page and announce to the world that I have created Because Balloons.
From there, I received a few inquired into 2020 and then Covid hit, which took an unexpected pause in building my business. I gave birth to my second daughter that April and focused on my family, until June 2020. That summer is where my business really took off with a flooding of inquires from clients who wanted to have gatherings at their homes. I learned throughout that year clients would want more than just a balloon garland; they wanted backdrops, props, creativity, etc. This is where I learned that investing into my business, by making big purchases and educating myself, would help it truly grow!

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.

For those who may not know me or my business, my name is Taylor! I am 33 years young, a wife, a mother of 3 and a business owner. I initially started making balloon garlands for fun and now it is my full-time job, that a truly love and enjoy. I tell my clients what I do is so rewarding, as I am helping so many people make memories that last a life time!
My business has evolved over the last 5 years as my services have expanded from just balloons. I offer rentals to add with a balloon garland such as backdrops, props, signage etc. I offer custom designs to help make your event unique and can build almost anything – if we don’t have it, we can make it, thanks to my crafty husband. I have packages available as well that are cost efficient, so that everyone can have something special for their event.
Over the last year or so I have also added coordinating/designing to my list of services. I can help with simply finding, connecting and coordinating with all the vendors for your event and I can also include full set up and design for your special day. I have had many family members and clients tell me after helping with their events why I have not been offering these services sooner. It comes so naturally as I know and work with so many vendors, I know who to call when it comes to throwing a party!
I take pride in my work and I am quite the perfectionist. I will add additional balloons where I feel like they need to go, switch around a table scape as needed. I have yet to leave an event with an unhappy client and it is because I truly do care about each install and truly love what I do.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started my business, I thought I could do this alone. I am Because Balloons, there is no one else, the ideas, the execution, it all comes from me, but I learned that having friends in this industry is so important. I first felt that competitors were a threat and that I should not engage with them – but I was wrong!
I have a few balloon vendor friends that I have gotten close to. I can relate to them when it comes to installs, balloon products, techniques, etc. I can ask questions or advice as needed and get honest responses. I feel confident when I send client referrals to them if I am unavailable and know these clients are in good hands. I am also a shoulder theses friends of mine can lean on as well. I have built this amazing community and I truly believe that it has made me and my business stronger and grown so much more. My advice, find your people, find your community and GROW!

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Because Balloons started as a side hustle as most of you know. I worked part time during the week and would do a few balloon garlands a month. Turning Because Balloons into my full-time job did not happen over night. It took a few years of building my business, my reputation and truly believing in myself that I could get to that point. Once I stated expanding my services, that helped my business grow as I had more to offer. I would say a big milestone for me is realizing I was working 7 days a week; I would be creating for clients during the week along with my part time job at the time and then had a full weekend full of installs. I was scared of the “what if’s” but I took the leap and I am never turning back. I am so grateful for the people who have supported me to get to where I am in this industry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/because_balloons/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Becauseballoons/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/because-balloons-el-cajon?osq=Because+Balloons&override_cta=Request+pricing+%26+availability

Image Credits

@brianaleephoto
@Stephanie.michelle.photo
@salome_palomino
@jasminebrookephotography