We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Torie Cassens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Torie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
While I don’t donate a percentage of sales to a specific organization or cause, I do make it a point to give back to my community regularly. At least twice a month, I do balloon installations for local organizations at cost or, when I can, I donate the full installation. The organizations I support are often different each time, but they all have something in common: they’re important to the people running them, just like “Knox Your Socks Off” is so important to me and my family.
I’ve learned that balloons are a luxury—no one needs them, but they sure do bring liveliness, joy, and energy to any event. I recognize that for many, especially nonprofit organizations or small events, balloons might be out of reach because of budget limitations. So, I do what I can to make them accessible for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
These opportunities have been an incredible way for me to connect with others and support events where people truly need it. I can’t say yes to every request, but I commit to doing at least two a month because giving back feels as much a part of my purpose as creating beautiful balloon setups.
Not only does it bring me joy to provide something special for these organizations, but it also helps spread the word about Pumped Up Balloons. Word of mouth has been more powerful than anything—it’s how I’ve built my community. While social media is an incredible tool, nothing beats the recommendations and connections that come from people who have experienced what I do firsthand.
Giving back in this way not only aligns with my values, but it’s a reminder that while balloons might seem like a small luxury, the joy they bring can make a big difference to an event—and to the people who experience it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I’m Torie, the heart and hands behind Pumped Up Balloons.
Pumped Up Balloons was never something I planned—it was truly something that found me. My first real experience with balloon decor actually came from my own wedding in October of 2020. While I didn’t play much of a role in designing it, seeing how balloons transformed the space left an impression on me. They weren’t just decorations—they were part of the atmosphere, part of the joy, part of the memory. Bless their hearts, my poor friends/bridesmaids actually completed the balloon installation for me, and I’m sure despised every moment of it. I owe them so many coffee and probably some hazard pay for dealing with me over the years.
At the time, I had no idea that balloons would eventually become such a huge part of my life. But looking back, and being asked to do this interview, I can see how every little moment led me here. Not long after our wedding, a friend of a friend posted on Facebook looking for someone to make a balloon arch. I hesitated—I didn’t help with the balloons at our wedding, but I was creative and thought I could give it a go. Something in me said just try, so I did. That one leap of faith turned into something bigger than I ever expected. That sweet “friend of a friend” turned to my own friend and she started my whole journey. And now, five years later, I still have the privilege of celebrating her kiddos’ birthdays with balloons.
In 2021, I had my first son, Beau, and like so many new moms, I found myself at a crossroads. I had a career as a pharmacy technician, but deep down, I knew I didn’t want to return to work and miss those early moments with him. I wanted to be present—to soak in those first smiles, the tiny hands grasping mine, the fleeting baby days that everyone warns you will go by too fast. But at the same time, I knew we couldn’t afford to lose my income entirely.
One night, while sitting in bed, I made the decision to officially launch my balloon business. I had done a few more balloons following that first one and people were encouraging me to take the leap of faith. But before I could do anything, I needed a name.
I sat there, thinking, brainstorming—when suddenly, it hit me. I was literally pumping milk for Beau, and the name “Pumped Up Balloons” popped into my head. It was silly, it was clever, and it just fit. And so, Pumped Up Balloons was born.
At the time, I had no idea just how much this little idea would grow or how much it would come to mean to me. But looking back, I see now that it was the start of something far bigger than I could have imagined.
When I started creating balloon setups for family and friends, I saw firsthand the way they could bring so much excitement and happiness to people’s celebrations. There is something so magical about seeing someone’s face light up when they walk into a room filled with color, movement, and joy.
Soon, what started as a small side hustle quickly grew into something I truly loved. Every balloon, every setup, every event became a chance to bring joy, and that’s what fueled my passion.
But then, everything changed.
In November 2023, we lost our son, Knox. He was just 56 days old when he passed away from SIDS—a nightmare no parent should ever have to face. There are no words to describe the depth of that loss. There were days I didn’t know how I’d ever move forward, days when the weight of grief made it impossible to breathe.
Grief changes you. It shifts your entire perspective, and suddenly, the little things don’t feel so little anymore.
Through my grief, I began to realize just how precious every single moment is. I had spent so much time creating balloon setups for other people’s special occasions, but now, I understood on a much deeper level why those moments matter so much.
Balloons aren’t just about decorations—they’re about celebrating life. They’re about marking the moments we’ll look back on and cherish. The birthdays, the weddings, the baby showers, the anniversaries, even the memorials. They’re about love, about connection, about finding joy even in the hardest moments.
Knox has forever changed me, and in so many ways, he has shaped what Pumped Up Balloons is today.
Every setup I create, I do with love, intention, and the deep understanding that life is meant to be celebrated. Whether it’s the excitement of a child’s birthday, the magic of a wedding, or the quiet sweetness of an intimate gathering, I want to bring something meaningful to the space. Because these moments matter. They are everything.
What I Offer
I specialize in custom balloon designs that bring your vision to life.
– Organic balloon garlands – My absolute favorite to create. There’s something so natural, so flowing, so expressive about them. They can transform a space and bring so much movement and personality to an event.
– Backdrops and balloon walls – Perfect for capturing the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
– Helium balloons, number stacks, and classic balloon décor – I do it all, but what I love most is when a client comes to me with an idea and lets me run with it. When I get to take their vision and put my own creative spin on it, that’s where the magic happens.
Why Pumped Up Balloons Is Different:
I don’t just create balloon setups—I create memories.
I know firsthand how important it is to hold onto the moments that matter, and I bring that understanding into everything I do. Every balloon is placed with care. Every design is made with intention. Every event is treated as if it were my own.
(Yes, even when I’m running around a little scatterbrained like I do at my own events!😉)
I also know how stressful event planning can be, which is why I work to make the process as seamless as possible. Whether you have a crystal-clear vision or need help brainstorming, I’ll work with you to make sure the final result is exactly what you imagined—and more.
You might think that my proudest accomplishment would be the beautiful balloon setups I’ve created with my own hands.
But it’s not.
What I’m most proud of are the connections I’ve made along the way.
This business has introduced me to so many incredible people. It has given me a way to spread joy, love, and meaning through something as simple as balloons. And more than anything, it has given me a way to honor Knox.
I see him in everything I do. I know that even in the hardest moments, he is with me. Because of him, and my other two sons, Beau and Grizz, I pour my heart into this business. Because of them, I will always strive to create something that brings light into other people’s lives.
For anyone new here, if you’re looking for a balloon artist who truly cares about making your event unforgettable, I’d love to work with you. Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, I’m here to bring your vision to life and make it Pumped Up with joy, love, and a whole lot of balloons.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your special moments.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I first started Pumped Up Balloons, I didn’t need much to get going, which made it a lot less intimidating. Honestly, all I really had was my little pink pump and a passion for balloons! Even though my OG pump eventually gave out, I still “rock out” every weekend with that trusty tool. The best part is that you don’t need a huge investment to start—sometimes, it’s just about dipping your toes in the water and seeing where it takes you.
As time went on, I reinvested the earnings from those early installs and the following events right back into the business. With that, I was able to grow and add some bigger pieces—like a balloon bus to transport everything, a shop to rent out for my rentals and supplies, and just a whole lot of tools and gear that make creating balloon art easier and more efficient.
It’s been a journey, and while I didn’t need a lot to start, I’ve steadily put in the effort and reinvested in myself and my business to make it something that can keep growing. It’s a little by little process, but the results speak for themselves!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I first started Pumped Up Balloons, building an audience on social media wasn’t something I had fully planned, but it became clear pretty quickly that it was a great way to connect with people. In the beginning, I shared simple behind-the-scenes moments, like my first-ever installs, sneak peeks of upcoming events, and just having fun with the process. I didn’t have a huge strategy—I just shared what I loved.
As I grew, I realized that being authentic and consistent were the keys to building a community. People don’t just want to see perfect, polished posts—they want to see the person behind the business. I shared the good, the challenging, and the fun moments of being a small business owner. Over time, I built relationships with followers who appreciated that realness and felt a connection to my story.
Now, there’s something I’ve learned over time: sometimes, I take breaks from social media. When I started this business, it was with the goal of prioritizing time with my boys, and there are times when family needs to come first. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes I need to step away to focus on my mental health, my family, or just to recharge. But I’ve always been transparent about those hiatuses. I let my audience know when I’m dealing with hard things or need some space. Even though my posting may not be as consistent at times, being authentic and honest with my audience is what’s most important to me.
My Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence:
Be authentic – People are drawn to real stories, so let your personality and your true self shine through. Don’t feel pressured to be perfect.
Consistency matters, but so does balance – Yes, post regularly, but also know that it’s okay to take breaks. Your mental health and personal life come first. When you’re true to yourself, your audience will understand and appreciate that.
Engage with your community – Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about connecting. Respond to comments, interact with others, and share your journey.
Show the process – People love seeing behind-the-scenes moments. Share the good, the messy, and everything in between.
Have fun with it – Social media should be fun, not a source of stress. Stay excited about what you’re doing, and that energy will draw people to you.
By staying authentic and being transparent with my followers, I’ve been able to grow a community that appreciates not just my work, but the person behind it. It’s not always consistent, but it’s always real.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @pumpedupballoons
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpedupballoon
Image Credits
Joselyn Rae Photography, Rachel B Photography, Kirsten with a Camera