The Bright Balloon

219. Balloon business support | Nicole of Let Nicole Help

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's guest is a friend of mine who helps streamline our businesses, primarily through the platform that sponsors the podcast - 17hats. You're g...

218. Your questions, answered

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing what happened on Instagram when I asked business owners with less than 5 years experience to leave a question in the comments, a...

216. Crowd-funded installations | Alexis of Lou Lou Balloons

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I just loved hearing from Alexis in this episode, as she shares with us how she's created crowd-funded balloon installation events for the Title I sch...

214. Balance and branding | Lamar of LaMarvelous Balloons

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I feel like this week's guest, Lamar, and I have such similar businesses. He comes on the show to chat about finding balance as a small business owner...

212. Fresh foil designs | Burst Party Co.

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was so exciting to hear how today's guests Alissa, Rachel and Aimee came together with their different skill sets to create their own line of moder...

210. Posting a job and conducting an interview | Megan of North Shore Balloon Decor

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get your notepad ready for this episode, because Megan comes back on the show to share with us some amazing tips for posting jobs and interviewing pot...

209. Content sprints and Glow is back

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2024 Glow Retreat  Let's face it... creating content is practically its own full-time job in our businesses, because it's endless! I know so many of ...

207. Family business and rebranding | Delloons

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dolly & Eddie of Delloons almost need no introduction. So many of us follow their great creations on social media and today, they come on the show to ...

205. My interview on the HatsOff Podcast

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This interview is with... me! I had the honor of being a guest on the HatsOff podcast, hosted by Amanda Rae of 17hats, and this episode features that ...

203. Getting legally legit | Brittany of Creative Contracts

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle in, because this episode is going to blow you away! Brittany helps creative businesses get legally legit, and beyond her 1-on-1 services she al...

201. Expanding & considering financial risk | Tiffany of Confetti Castle

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since we last heard Tiffany on the podcast! So needless to say, she has a lot of updates about Conf...

200. Brand Consistency | Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Studios

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's guest works with creative businesses to make sure their branding is consistent across all platforms. From logo, to website, to email and s...

198. Where I spent my money in 2023

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm telling you all about where I spent my money in 2023... including which category I spent more in than my entire eight-year history...

196. Working with "competitors" | Katie, Kristen & Yonnie

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode will feature two different conversations! First, we'll hear from Katie and Kristen about how they run their businesses independently, but...

194. Tough love about email marketing

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've heard the reasons that you're not sending newsletters to your customers... why you don't think it works... how you're afraid of the unsubscribes....

192. Giving yourself a chance | Stephany of The Balloon Stuffer

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was so nice to meet Stephany and hear about her journey to becoming a product creator! From jumping into the balloon industry after doing her child...

190. Growing pains and hiring help | Ali of Charming Garlands

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last time Ali was on the podcast, she was still operating as a home-based business with very little help in terms of employees. Now, she's rocking her...

189. Creating a global brand | Matteo from Gemar

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matteo is the Marketing Manager for Gemar USA and when we met at Balloon Boss Summit I learned so much about their long history and how they've create...

187. My rebooking workflow | Step by step process

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The rebooking workflow that I'm going to share with you in this episode has made me more money than any advertising, networking or updates to my websi...

185. How to start a balloon business

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode, we're going to go back in time and I'll share how I would have started my balloon business knowing what I know now. After about 8 ye...

183. Planning a $45k install | Tabitha of Animated Art Balloons

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tabitha and I met randomly at FLOAT years ago when each of us were brand new to the balloon decor industry and both currently working as face painters...

181. Creating an Instagram Service Strategy | Lilly of The Creative Heart Studio

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I always love having Lilly on the show! In this episode, not only do we get to hear about some new products she has available for balloon artists, but...

180. Explosive growth & managing a team | Jo Jo of Designs by Jo Jo's Creations

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'll admit - I was not prepared for all of the great advice Jo Jo gave in this interview! She and her team do all things event decor... tents, rentals...

178. 3 new strategies to plan your best year

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm taking a unique approach to planning the year ahead and thinking not just about my business goals, but family and personal life goals and how they...

176. Balloon industry gold standard | Tommy & Scott of Balloons by Tommy

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am so thrilled to have Tommy & Scott of Balloons by Tommy on the show for the final 2023 interview! I've always held them in my mind as the gold sta...

174. Top 3 reads of the year and how they changed my business

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing how a few of the books from the book club have changed my business this year! It was such a nice refresher to look back on this list...

172. Ending a chapter in your business | Melody from Feathered Fox / Foxx Creative Share

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are checking in with Melody to get an update on her educational platform as well as her decor business. In particular, we'll learn:...

171. Behind the scenes of a distributor | Austin of Havin' A Party

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've already had the pleasure of chatting with Larry and Joe from Havin' A Party, but in this episode we get to round out the trifecta and connect wit...

170. The Balloon Guild

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two experienced balloon business owners come on the show in this episode to tell us about their balloon decor recipe membership! Johnathan Gerber of P...

169. Moving the goalpost

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever find yourself moving your own goalpost? I've been thinking a lot about this concept for the past few months and trying to notice how often...

168. I'm pregnant! How I'm preparing my business...

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've been keeping this huge secret for several months now! But I'm ready to share all about how I'm preparing my business for my maternity leave, what...

167. Balloons as a second career | Poppy of Balloon Charm

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Poppy of Balloon Charm tells us about how she's fulfilling her entrepreneurial spirit with balloons after retiring from the military....

Catching up with Erin from Young and Wild Balloons

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Throwback Thursday episode we are checking in with Erin from @youngandwildballoonco and since her last episode, she has experienced insane gro...

166. Balloon horror stories

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all have those situations from time to time where we forget an installation tool on the job, or we misunderstand the setup location. But in today's...

165. Running your business as a single parent | Shelby of Sunny Day Event Co.

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I first connected with Shelby at the Glow Retreat I hosted this past summer and after learning about some of the extra things she needs to factor into...

164. Making an impact with color | Allison of Tuftex

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What an honor to have an interview with one of the major manufacturers for you this week! Allison of Tuftex comes on the show to tell us how she got i...

163. Crowd-sourced policies and fees

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Although I know that talking about policies and fees kind of sounds like a drag, I think it's so helpful to discuss them because they are important pa...

Catching up with Extra Betty

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our first "Throwback Thursday" epiosde I'm cating up with Extra Betty! Since our first interview, Extra Betty has moved to a new shop with four tim...

162. Protecting yourself and your business | Erin from Country Financial

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm chatting with my insurance agent Erin about important stuff like liability, vehicle, health insurance and more. You'll even hear m...

161. Cracking the code of partnerships | Alissa of Party Lane

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This interview with Alissa of Party Lane is SO exciting! I have been talking to people about this conversation since we recorded it and can't stop thi...

Doors close today! Pumpkin Plan Accelerator Course

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Pumpkin Plan Accelerator Course here Today is the final day to enroll. 

160. The three step process to discover your sweet spot

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Before implementing The Pumpkin Plan, I felt like I was trying to market to everybody but getting no traction. What really helped me regain my focus w...

159. Precision Pricing | Emily of Utah Balloon Creations

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Special announcement: Enrollment for the Pumpkin Plan Accelerator opens today! (9/12/23) I have been waiting for this episode to be released! It's a...

Bonus Episode | Pumpkin Plan Accelerator

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I first read The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz years ago, it wasn't the right time in my business for it to really "click" for me. But about a...

158. Retreat recap + tribute

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode I'm chatting about my experience hosting my first ever Glow Retreat! I met awesome people, had a great time and learned a lot. ...

157. Forced to grow | Brian of Banzi Balloons

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview with Brian from Banzi Balloons we hear about the tremendous growth of his company, but I also put him on the spot for some "next ste...

156. Diversifying your business | Lori of Foto Vibe

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is really interesting because Lori tells us how she and her photobooth company added balloons into the mix. They started as an add-on but...

155. Legends of the industry | Briana of Elevated Impressions

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is a bit unique, because it's kind of like a history lesson. Briana came on the show wanting to talk about some of the legends in ...

154. Automating bouquet sales | Ryan of Queen City Balloons

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past seven years, Ryan and his wife Christine have scaled their balloon business into a full brick and mortar balloon bar in Sioux Falls, SD....

Bonus Episode | Book Club Implementation

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This month's bonus episode is a little different since we didn't read a new book. Instead, we took a hiatus to actually implement what we've been lear...

153. Retail dreams | Stephanie of Celebration Creations

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My friend Stephanie comes on the podcast for this episode and tells us all about fulfilling her dream of having a retail store. But even if retail doe...

152. Backslide

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Backsliding is the concept of getting new systems all set up, only to revert back to your old ways... I've been guilty of it - have you? In this episo...

151. 24-hour sales challenge

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've never done an episode like this before, but I'm excited to hear your results from joining in! I have a 24-hour sales challenge for you, with 7 st...

150. Finding Profit

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Balloons are generally a profitable business, but there are always those traps where we overspend and let money slip through the cracks. In this episo...

Bonus Episode | June Book of the Month

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning and chatting about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here!  Last month, we read Ric...

149. Mingling and networking | Alex & Ellie of Pacha Balloons

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex and Ellie started their business doing lawn decorations, but after one balloon basics class they immediately fell in love with the limitless deco...

148. Building a balloon community | Tisha of Little Party Girl Co. & Balloon Esteem

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Tisha started her business, she initially set out to create and curate Insta-worthy party ideas for DIY moms, but, as she describes, balloons qui...

147. [Work] van life | Flavia of Partistry Balloons

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flavia started her company in 2018 and has seen incredible growth ever since. Now with a fleet of vans, multiple employees and a booming business that...

146. Deliveries & Pricing | Misti from Balloons by Misti

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My friend Misti of Balloons by Misti has developed a super unique tier system that gives her designer choice every single time. It gave me several lig...

145. Local Networking with Travis Green

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm chatting with Travis Green of Squeek Balloon & Decor about networking! So many great tips and action steps! RESOURCES MENTIONED: 50% off...

Bonus Episode | May Book of the Month

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning and chatting about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here!  Last month, we read Goa...

144. Goal check-in

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like it happens every year, right? Some of the goals you've set for yourself at the beginning of the year kind of fade away, either because y...

143. Clutter & Chaos

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've always lived in organized chaos - are you the same?! But what I'm beginning to notice is that the organized parts of my life (like my actual ball...

142. Convention Experiences | Steven of FLOAT & Balloon Designers

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm chatting with Steven Jones, the Executive Director of FLOAT, a convention that is very near and dear to my heart. That's why I'm s...

141. Booking BIG Jobs

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm discussoing how to book big jobs, and more importantly, now to re-book them for reliable, consistant money! Register for my in-person "Impr...

Bonus Episode | April Book of the Month

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning and chatting about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read The P...

140. Episode of updates

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're checking in with three previous guests, plus I'll give an update on how things are going since quitting my full-time job nearly ...

139. Procrastibranding and placeholder marketing

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I want to share with you two concepts I learned from Denise Duffield-Thomas in her book Chill and Prosper, and they address how we can get past ...

138. Big Balloon Build Debrief & Retreat Announcement

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm sharing all the details about what it was like to host The Big Balloon Build in my hometown. If you're not familiar, it's an org...

137. Cold emailing | Rachel of How About Balloons

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel of How About Balloons comes on the show in this episode to talk about cold pitch emails (and interestingly enough, it was a cold pitch email th...

Bonus Episode | March Book of the Month

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read Company of One by ...

136. Top Amazon finds for your balloon business

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm sharing a list of things I constantly use and wholeheartedly recommend. Several of them were recommended to me by some friends a...

135. Celebrity decor | Nicolle from POParazzi Balloons

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nicolle of POParazzi Balloons is based out of New York, and she has been in business for more than 12 years, so I loved talking with a veteran about...

134. Preparing to be out of the office

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're preparing for a vacation, going to a convention... or even hosting the Big Balloon Build, it's a good idea to plan for the time away fr...

133. Your balloon business website | Jeff from Balloon Suite

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff has been on the show before, but previously representing his umbrella company, Asset Lab. And some of us remember Balloon Suite from years past.....

132. I quit my job

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've had a day job for as long as I've been doing balloons, but as of now... I'm officially self-employed! After 10 years at my former employer I real...

Bonus Episode | February Book of the Month

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read Get Different by M...

131. Working with a spouse | Elizabeth & Adam of Extra Betty

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've had my eye on Elizabeth's designs for so long and when I saw that her husband Adam left his full-time job to work in their business, Extra Betty,...

130. Posting with purpose

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It can be really hard to keep up with social media! Not only that, but I think nothing can derail your confidence faster than scrolling on Instagram. ...

129. Working in a city | Jam of Garden Place Balloons

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Having gone to New York City for New Year's Eve recently, my mind was kind of blown thinking about running a balloon business in a city that has that ...

128. Working with a business partner | Jenny of Three Sparrows Balloon Studio

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny is the owner of Three Sparrows Balloon Studio in Ontario and has an interesting business model that I wanted to hear more about! Her balloon stu...

Bonus Episode and HUGE life update | January Book of the month

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read Do Less by Kate No...

126. Lessons we should unlearn as business owners

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the phrases that we hear over and over again in business can actually be pretty damaging to our business, our mindset and our self esteem. Thi...

125. The data I'm watching this year

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I know data tracking sounds boring and overwhelming (and it can be if you let it), but there are ways to collect and use data without feeling like you...

124. The why, how and what about email marketing

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Social media kind of stole the hearts of business owners and left email marketing behind for a while. But now, with less and less of our social follow...

123. Double-stuffing, revisited | Elizabeth of Pop of Color

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth's balloon business is in Arizona and she specializes in offering custom colors for her clients. She shares with us the story of how her deco...

122. Bonus Episode | December book of the month

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read through The 5 Seco...

121. Grab & Go Outsourcing

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Before I get into the details of how I'm outsourcing my Grab & Go Garlands, let me take you through a brief history of my progression with Grab & Gos:...

120. Final episode of 2022

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about positive reflection on 2022! My wins, your wins and our collective win-wins! I've absolutely LOVED reading your comments on ...

119. Last-Minute Gift Guide

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'll share with you some of my favorite gift ideas for your clients, your employees, other vendors you work well with... and yourself...

118. 2023 Marketing Strategy

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This will be the first year that I've ever had a full marketing strategy going into the year. I just feel like turnover at so many companies has not s...

117. My 2023 goals

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I LOVE goal-setting, and that it gives me something to reflect back on when I'm feeling lost or confused with different choices available to me. In th...

116. Bonus episode: Book club year end review

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another bonus episode of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read through Chill and ...

115. Robots, revisited

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I love automation and figuring out ways that technology can save me time. I would actually estimate that the mix of platforms I'll be telling you abou...

114. The backbone of the balloon industry | Chase and Alex from Premium Conwin

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chase and Alex from Premium Conwin come on the show for this episode to talk about how their two companies joined forces for the better of the balloon...

113. Top tips for balloon drops + New Year's Eve alternatives

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've been getting a lot of messages lately about balloon drops, so I thought I would dedicate a whole episode to share some of my thoughts and experie...

112. Jamie & her new shop | Jamie of Event Accents

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Personally, I've had awesome luck running a home-based business, but I know that can't and won't always be the case. Jamie comes on the show for this ...

111. Bonus episode: Business Made Simple

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here's another overview of what we've been learning about over in the Bright Balloon Book Club! Join here! Last month, we read through Business M...

110. Recession-proof your business

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So the topic of this episode might feel a little bit scary, but I actually came away from this recording session with a lot of ideas! Elizabeth and Je...

109. Ask me anything!

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you all so much for participating in this "ask me anything" on Instagram! I really had a lot of fun thinking through these questions and how I h...