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This was such a fun and inspiring interview. If you've ever felt stuck "just" doing balloons… wondering what's next, how to grow and how to start saying yes to bigger, more creative opportunities… you're going to love this conversation! I'm chatting with Lizeth and Oscar of Mom's Kloset.  They're a husband and wife team based in Atlanta who started with a bag of balloons and have grown into full-scale fabrications and custom builds. I am such a huge fan of these two and what they create; honestly, I was fangirling during this interview.  We recorded live at the International Balloon Convention and we talk about: how they made the transition from balloons into full-on fabrication how they figure things out when they're doing something for the first time what they would actually recommend you start adding to your business if you want to grow outside of balloons.  It's one of those conversations that really pushes you to think bigger, but in a way that still feels doable. And a huge thank you to this month's presenting sponsor, Betallic! In the UGlu Hotline, hear a fun tip about sharing scissors.   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Betallic  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  @moms_klosetballoons  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

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This episode is a little bit different, but in a way that I think you're really going to enjoy. If you've ever felt confused about the brands that you're using in your business and wondering what's going on behind the scenes in the industry, you're not alone.  Most of us are just in our own businesses doing the work and not really sure what's happening in the bigger picture. But in this episode, I'm bringing you behind the curtain with Andrea and Barry from Betallic. This was recorded live at the International Balloon Convention, and we talked about the connection between Betallic and Sempertex.  If that's ever confused you, they explain that relationship, plus what's changed in the industry over time and how they're thinking about supporting balloon decorators moving forward. It's a really insightful behind the scenes conversation, and I think it will give you a lot more clarity and confidence in the brands that you're using to run your business.  Episodes this month are sponsored by Betallic! Be sure to check out the Betallic Balloon Club and mark your calendars for IBC in October 2026 in Miami, Florida.   In the UGlu Hotline, hear a great tip for a ceiling installation without helium!   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Betallic  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you are someone who has either grown out of your home-based studio, or you don't even have a spot for a home-based studio, this episode is full of tips for you! I am talking with Heidy of Decor by Heidy about opening a brick and mortar store and some of the choices she made along the way that finally got her to her beautiful store located in Florida. She also shares a really smart idea about outsourcing deliveries and how it's helped the installation side of her business, too. And I'm excited that this month kicks off a new sponsorship and a new partnership with Betallic, who chose Heidy as their guest! Betallic is known around the world for high-quality foil and latex balloons, and for supporting the balloon community through education and inspiration.  If you're looking to grow your skills, be sure to check out Betallic Balloon Club, an online community where you can subscribe for monthly classes (including Heidy's!), learn new balloon recipes and connect with balloon artists from all over the world. Plus, mark your calendars for the IBC event happening October 20-22, 2026, in Miami, Florida.   In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's tip for finding what colors are comparable across brands.   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Betallic  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  @balloonboutiquebyheidy  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

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In this episode, we are talking about something I both love and deeply struggle with: organization.  If you're a creative entrepreneur, especially in the balloon world, you probably have a space full of color, sizes, bins, tools, samples, etc. (And let's be honest… at least one drawer of shame!)  So I invited Tammy to the show. She is a professional organizer who pivoted from interior design into full time organization. And she's built an entire business helping people get their homes, offices, closets and pantries functioning beautifully. We connected through 17hats, the CRM we both use behind the scenes to run our businesses, and I was excited to have her come on the show to share her knowledge. I wasn't expecting how much balloon and organization services have in common! We're talking about systems, labeling, kids, clutter, inventory, overwhelm, junk drawers, and how organizing one tiny space can actually change your entire workflow.  So if you are like me and you have projects that you know you need to get done before the busy season hits, hopefully this episode gives you some tips and sparks a little bit of motivation to get your balloon space (or just your living space) a little bit more organized.   And thanks once again to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex! In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's tip for what to bring to site visits.   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  @simpleorganization  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I only ordered half the balloons we needed...

This episode is a group panel discussion, and we're diving into something that I think is one of the biggest hidden struggles of running a balloon business: mental health.  As a decorator, no one really prepares you for the constant juggling, the inquiries that never stop, the pressure to perform, the comparison on Instagram, the late nights before installs and that creeping feeling of burnout that can hit even when your sales are going well. So I've invited three decorators: Travis, Nicole and Crystal, to have an honest conversation about what this actually looks like in real life. We're talking about boundaries, burnout, comparison and practical ways to protect your energy while still growing your business.  I truly hope it helps to open the conversation and gives you some practical tips for improving your own mental health. And thanks once again to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex! In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for adhering UGlu to foils.   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  @sorella.sorella.collective | @squeakballoondecor | @lilliansavenue  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode, we are discussing the power of a product photo shoot. I went into a photo shoot with the goal of getting good photos… I had no idea how much it was going to revamp my entire business! It's a replay from the bonus channel, On The Bright Side, where I have 300+ more solo episodes. And it's so fun listening back because when I recorded this a year and a half ago, I hoped it would make a difference in my business. But now I can confidently say it completely revived my booking system and then some.  What came from this photo shoot was so much more than pretty photos. It was a streamlined booking system. It was a clear website.It was clarity for my entire team and most importantly, my customers.  They're my recipe guides hanging on the walls in my shop. They're the photos still on my website today. Plus, they're the product thumbnails on my invoices. They're everywhere. And it's really cool to hear where this shift originally started.  I'm walking you through exactly why and how I set up a product photo shoot. And because I saw the tremendous impact of clean product photos in my business, I created a product called Sales Sets.  They are stock photos of balloon products, exactly what I'm talking about in this episode, but I've made them available to you. So if you want to skip the photo shoot process but still get the benefits I'm describing in this episode, check for the link below. A quick note, when you hear me referencing my newborn, she's two now. I did not secretly have another baby.  And thanks once again to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex! In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for using UGlu on foils.   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode, we are talking about a marquee secret that might make you rethink everything. I'm talking with Jenna from Festive & Flair, and when she told me she made her own marquees, I fully assumed we were headed into DIY disposable territory. And then I went to her website and I zoomed way in and thought, there is no way she made these. I have to have her on the podcast. Her marquees are lightweight, clean, reusable, professional-looking marquee letters made out of foam. Yes, foam… but not what you're thinking. And she is breaking down exactly how she does it, how much it costs and why it's one of the easiest upsells you can add to your business without dropping $15-20k upfront. Plus, in the second half of this episode, we get into her "friendor" strategy (basically, networking done right) where she becomes a connector for the entire event and gets paid for it.  It's a fabulous episode that I think is going to give a lot of people a new option when it comes to bringing in marquees as part of your inventory.  And thanks once again to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex! In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's tip for covering your framing.    Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  Festive & Flair Lighted Marquee Tutorial | @festiveandflair  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

https://thebrightballoon.thrivecart.com/sales-sets/

If you've ever wondered what it looks like to build a balloon empire, this episode will show you. I'm sitting down with "the Carolina sisters", Haley and Alley of Carolina Balloons and Confetti, a second generation balloon powerhouse who quietly crossed seven figures in revenue with a team that is basically their family.  But first, thank you to this month's presenting sponsor, Tuftex, who selected Haley and Ali as their guest of the month. Tuftex Balloons is the only manufacturer making latex balloons in the USA. They're committed to providing premium products and building a stronger balloon community through education. They've also been so supportive of the podcast, so thank you to such a great company! And Haley and Alley were the perfect Tuftex pick because their dad started the company in the 80s when Tuftex was still called Maple City Rubber. They grew up inside balloon boxes, they were rigging balloon drops before they could drive and now they're running massive corporate installs, stadium confetti blasts, street festivals, LED and traditional marquee setups, giant rental games… and casually doing $200,000 in a single month of sales.  We talk legacy, takeover, sales psychology, burnout, pivoting during COVID and we get very honest about what it actually takes to grow this big. Buckle up, this episode is packed! In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for when your marquee bulbs break!   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) buildwiththeguild.com UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  carolinaballoons.com - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you've ever wondered if your online presence is doing more harm than good, this episode is for you. It turns out that etiquette isn't just about fancy forks and putting books on your head. It is your secret weapon to making every first impression count…  both on and off screen.  In this episode, etiquette coach Jules Hirst spills the tea on modern manners that actually work in today's digital world. We connected because we are both 17hats Ambassadors! From crafting the perfect email to mastering small talk and strategic networking, Jules shares simple hacks that elevate your professional game without feeling stuffy.  I will for sure be utilizing her tips in my business when it comes to what I wear, how I make my first impression and what to do after a networking event.  In the UGlu Hotline, get another great tip from Erin at Young and Wild!   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co. (mention the podcast for $100 off!)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  juleshirst.com - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I've made a lot of progress since last episode!

For this episode I sat down with Loretta from Perfectly Popped Balloons in England, live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, and we dove into the world of deliverables…or in her case, pickups. As in, the grab-and-go, take-home balloon pieces that can add consistent revenue to your business. Whether you're brand new or years in, this conversation will give you practical ideas and fresh inspiration if you want to strengthen the smaller, handheld side of your offerings instead of focusing only on large installs that usually dominate the conversation. In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip from Red Balloon Cork in Ireland!   Unlock three free bonus episodes!    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sales Sets Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co. (mention the podcast for $100 off!)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! 2026 Bright Balloon Planner  Imperfectly Me  @perfectlypoppedballoons  - - - - On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon Join the Bright Balloon email list  The Bright Balloon on YouTube