Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Twila Burlew. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Twila, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
The first dollar I earned from my creative work is something I’ll never forget. It was back when I had just started learning the art of balloon twisting. I had used my last $50 on a balloon starter kit and had been practicing for weeks, burning through 300 balloons and countless hours trying to perfect basic designs. The company I was working with had set me up to do restaurant gigs, where I’d twist balloons for tips.
I remember the anticipation and nervous excitement of that first day of training at a restaurant. I met my team lead and had no idea how people would react to a balloon artist weaving through tables, especially since I was still a beginner. I had my bag of balloons and my newly-learned creations in mind, but mostly, I had a lot of self-doubt. Would people even tip me? Would the kids be excited, or would they brush me off?
Then, it happened. A family with two small kids stopped by the table we were practicing at and asked if they could have a balloon. We were making simple balloon animals—probably a dog or sword, since those were some of the first designs I’d mastered. The kids’ eyes lit up as they watched, completely mesmerized by how a few twists could transform a balloon into something fun. When I handed over the balloons, the parents smiled, and to my surprise, they gave me a five-dollar bill. I was stunned for a second.
That five dollars felt like so much more than just a tip. Having spent my last $50 to get started, it was the first time I realized that this quirky, creative skill I had worked so hard to develop could actually bring joy to others and, in return, bring me income. It was validation that maybe, just maybe, I could make this work.
I left that day with that one tip, but that five dollars? It felt like a win, like the beginning of something bigger. I still have that bill tucked behind a tip button in my home office as a reminder of how far Twila’s Twisters has come since that first evening at the restaurant. What began as a necessity to make ends meet quickly turned into a passion for bringing joy to others through creativity—and that first five dollars marked the start of an incredible journey.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Getting to Know Twila and Twila’s Twisters
Hi, I’m Twila, and I’m the owner and creative force behind Twila’s Twisters, a company that specializes in balloon artistry, face painting, and glitter tattoos. My journey into this craft began in 2011 when, as a single mother, I was searching for a second job to make ends meet. I came across an ad on Craig’s List that promised flexibility and the chance to make people smile, so I took a leap and applied, having no idea what the job would entail.
To my surprise, the role was for a balloon artist! I had no prior experience with balloon twisting, but I was determined to make it work. I spent my last $50 on a balloon starter kit and dedicated weeks to practicing. After using up 300 balloons and countless hours learning the basics, I started doing restaurant gigs for tips. I still remember the first five dollars I earned from a family at one of those restaurants. That moment was the start of something bigger than I could have imagined.
What began out of necessity quickly grew into a passion. Two years after starting Twila’s Twisters, I taught myself face painting to expand my services and offer more to clients. In 2020, we added glitter tattoos as part of our pivot to stay afloat during the pandemic, allowing us to adapt and provide more creative options for our clients.
What We Offer
At Twila’s Twisters, we focus on creating memorable, fun experiences for events of all kinds. Whether it’s a small birthday party, a large corporate event, or a community gathering, we bring joy and creativity to every occasion. Our services include:
Balloon Artistry: From simple balloon animals to elaborate balloon sculptures, we turn balloons into art.
Face Painting: Colorful, detailed designs that bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
Glitter Tattoos: Sparkling temporary tattoos that add a touch of fun and shine to any event.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets Twila’s Twisters apart is our dedication to quality and personalization. Each event we attend is unique, and we tailor our services to fit the specific needs and desires of our clients. Whether it’s creating custom balloon sculptures for a themed event or offering face painting designs to match the vibe of a party, we ensure every guest has a magical experience.
We also pride ourselves on the level of engagement we bring to each event. It’s not just about twisting balloons or painting faces; it’s about creating connections, making people smile, and adding a touch of wonder to their day. Our approach is interactive, and we make sure every client, no matter the age, feels involved in the fun.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the community. We’ve grown from working small local events to being a trusted and beloved presence at larger, more high-profile gatherings. Seeing the joy on the faces of children and adults alike reminds me why I love this work. That sense of accomplishment drives me to continue pushing the creative boundaries of what Twila’s Twisters can offer.
What I Want You to Know About Twila’s Twisters
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know, it’s that Twila’s Twisters is more than just a business—it’s a passion. Our goal is to bring joy to every event, big or small, through the power of creativity and personal engagement. Whether you’re looking for balloon art to dazzle your guests, face painting to brighten up your event, or glitter tattoos to add sparkle, you can trust that we’ll bring a touch of magic to your celebration.
Our focus is on creating unforgettable moments, and we approach each event with that in mind. We believe in offering high-quality, reliable services with a personal touch, making sure each client feels valued and every guest walks away with a smile.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is seeing the smiles and excitement on guests’ faces when they look in the mirror and see their transformation, or when I watch kids running around playing with their balloon creations. There’s something magical about those moments when people, especially children, get to immerse themselves in the fun. Whether they’ve just been transformed into a fairy, a tiger, or a superhero through face painting, or are gleefully swinging a balloon sword or proudly holding a balloon animal, the joy is infectious.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’ve helped create these moments of happiness and wonder. Seeing a child light up with excitement as they run around with their balloon or hearing them giggle as they admire their face paint in the mirror makes all the effort worthwhile. Those reactions remind me of the impact my work has on people, turning ordinary events into magical, memorable experiences.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots I had to make in my business was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Before then, Twila’s Twisters was thriving with balloon artistry and face painting at parties, community events, and corporate functions. However, when the world essentially shut down and large gatherings were canceled, it became clear that I had to adapt or risk losing everything I had worked so hard to build.
With events and parties no longer happening, I knew I needed to find a way to continue safely serving clients. That’s when I introduced glitter tattoos as part of our service offerings. Glitter tattoos require cleaning the skin with alcohol beforehand to prevent cross-contamination, so it was a service I could safely provide with minimal contact. This small addition allowed us to engage with smaller, more intimate gatherings while ensuring everyone’s safety.
At the same time, I implemented a 3-step portable cleaning process for my face painting brushes between kids. This ensured that every tool was thoroughly sanitized, making parents feel comfortable and reassured while their children enjoyed the experience.
These changes not only helped my business survive a challenging time but also pushed me to evolve my services, allowing me to continue bringing joy to families in a safe, responsible way. The pivot helped me reach new clients, and even after the pandemic, those health-conscious practices remain part of my services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twilastwisters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twilastwisters/profilecard/?igsh=cDh6aWVyM3lndXdm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/LnhTLjiyTpbzvMsY/
