What's it really like to run a family manufacturing business in the balloon industry?

In this special in-person episode recorded at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, I sit down with Andrea and Aidan from HiFloat—the powerhouse mother-daughter duo helping lead one of the most beloved brands in our space.

We chat about:

• How HiFloat started

• Why clearly defined roles are essential in a family-run business

• What it's like onboarding second and third-generation family members

• Advice for anyone considering launching a product-based business

• Making decisions based on facts,not feelings
  
  

Whether your spouse, kids, or siblings help out in your business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways (and a few funny family stories) you don't want to miss.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for attaching large foils in your garland.

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Curated month by: HiFloat

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If you've ever wondered what actually happens at a balloon convention—or whether it's worth the investment—this episode is for you.

I recorded this recap live from the Sempertex International Balloon Convention while the event was still in full swing. I share what the experience was like, how it compares to other conventions, and why I left feeling more energized than ever.

I talk about:

• The new Sempertex color launch and matching decor

• Why I loved the preset class schedules

• What made the instructor lineup so unique

• Vendor highlights (including latex dog toys!)

• The MBP (Master Balloon Professional) certification process, now available in the U.S.

• How it felt to be truly welcomed by the Sempertex team

Whether you're brand new to balloon decor or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you decide if attending this convention is right for you.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear what one listener wishes she had purchased earlier to relieve some of the work at installations.

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Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

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Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co.

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If you've ever had a balloon installation fall (or had to refund a client because it didn't hold), this episode is for you.

In this conversation with Steve and Nicole from ProTapes, we dive deep into the adhesives balloon artists rely on—and how using the wrong tape could be costing you money, time, and clients.

We cover:

• Why ProTapes products are different from big-box tape
• The right tape for rigging, balloon adhesion, and framework
• How ProTapes has found a home in the balloon industry
• The many other industries they make product for

You'll walk away with a better understanding of how to use the right tools to build stronger, more professional installs—every single time.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear how I use a leaf blower in my business!

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co.

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!

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If your balloon business feels chaotic, it might be because you're missing one key ingredient: systems.

In this episode, I sit down with balloon artist and business coach Danielle, aka Coach Danni D, to talk about how to simplify your business with smart, repeatable processes that save time, reduce stress, and create freedom.

We discuss:

• The PACE framework for building systems that actually work

• Why you need systems before you hire help

• How to document your process (even if it's messy at first)

• The core systems every balloon pro should have

• Why syncing your business calendar with your personal life is non-negotiable

• How personal growth impacts business success
  
  

Danielle's insights are exactly what balloon professionals need to shift from burnout to balance.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's great tip for tracking and ordering balloon inventory.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@nolapartyboutique

coachdannid.com

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co.

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Are you stuck in the day-to-day chaos of running your balloon business—constantly reacting, never really moving forward?

In this episode of, I sit down with business coach Andrea Liebross, who helps creative entrepreneurs stop spinning their wheels and start thinking like CEOs.

Andrea shares strategies for:

• Shifting from a reactive to a CEO mindset

• Using her TRUST process to take massive action

• Becoming a "big thinker"

• Setting weekly and daily "Big 3" lists to stay focused on what matters

• Tapping into your future you

• Knowing when it's time to hire a coach
  
  

Whether you're overwhelmed, underbooked, or just unsure of your next move, Andrea's advice will help you reclaim your confidence.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear why one listener puts everything in her shop on wheels!

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andreaslinks.com

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DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline!

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Brittany and Patrick of Main Street Balloons turned a $300 side hustle into a full-time balloon business—and they did it while navigating new parenthood and while also working in their healthcare careers.

In this episode, they share their inspiring journey, how they manage their roles as a couple in business, and what it really takes to grow a profitable balloon company without burning out.

You'll learn:

• Why they finally stopped talking themselves out of starting

• How they've grown the business with zero debt

• The way they divide work between admin and installs

• How social media (and a little Disney magic) fuels their brand

• What they did to prepare for maternity leave

• Why working in healthcare actually helps them run a balloon business

This candid conversation is full of insight, humor, and practical advice—especially for balloon artists who are trying to grow while balancing family life.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear what one listener wishes he had implemented earlier in his business.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@mainstreetballoons

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Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Gemar

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In this episode, I chat with Blenda, the powerhouse behind Balloon Construction Company that's scaled to multiple employees, multiple buildings, and massive goals — all without burning out.

Blenda shares how she transitioned from inflating balloons herself to leading a full team — while keeping the creative vision and client experience intact. Whether you're just starting out or already booked every weekend, this episode breaks down the exact roles you'll need to hire (and in what order) to finally step out of the day-to-day.

You'll Learn:

• The first role Blenda hired — and why she went full-time after her employee did

• How to structure a sales team that sells without you

• The system her production manager uses to run events like clockwork

• Creative strategies for scheduling installations and strike teams

• How Blenda keeps her team motivated (and insured — hello, dental!)

• Why she believes entrepreneurs should hire earlier — and better
  
  

If you're ready to run your balloon business like a business — not a side hustle — this episode is for you.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's tip for helium negotiation.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@balloonconstruction

iheartballoons.com

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Gemar

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!

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What does it really take to work with celebrities, luxury brands, and global companies as a balloon professional? It's not just about the balloons.

In this episode, I sit down with Sean Edwards — "The Balloon Guy" of Los Angeles — to uncover the customer service secrets and creative mindset that have helped him land jobs with Porsche, Soho House, Hollywood premieres, and more.

You'll hear:

• The role of communication and flexibility in winning high-end clients

• How Sean turned small-town balloon twisting into a big-city balloon decor business

• Lessons learned from installs gone wrong (and how to fix them on the fly)

• Why great customer service is your most powerful marketing tool
  
  

Whether you're looking to break into luxury events or simply serve your clients better, Sean's story will inspire you to raise the bar in your own business.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip about branding and labeling your rental items for piece of mind.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@balloonguyla

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Gemar

Stay Booked

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon)

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube