What would you do if something you invented went viral? Like, 400 million views viral? Carolynn Hayman, the creator behind Conrad the Unicorn (America's favorite balloon costume) learned the hard way that when the internet blows up your work, everyone suddenly wants to copy it.

In this episode she shares with us Conrad's origin story and breaks down the real problem most creators never think about: protecting your intellectual property. How do you protect your creativity? Should you trademark?

Carolynn shares all the details of her experience… what she wishes she knew sooner, how a publicist helped and how it's time to start planning Conrad's 10th birthday!

But that's not all… we also talk about her experience with product collaborations and how competitions and conventions can change your career. I loved having Carolynn on the show to share her really unique balloon world experiences!

In the UGlu Hotline, I share how I use white-out in my business.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@popdesignsandcreations | @conradtheunicorn

Other sponsors & resources:

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

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

Gemar USA

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)

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The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In this episode (recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention), Jessica and Day from The Balloon Club Co. share their journey of combining their individual balloon businesses into something new, together. They discuss the importance of trust and communication in their partnership, and the significance of setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance. They also share encouragement for getting past the fears of entrepreneurship.

Key takeaways include:

• How trust is essential when going into business with someone.

• Why communication is key in partnerships.

• What things they put in place for their retail shop.

• Why overcoming fear is necessary for personal and professional growth.

• How partnerships can lead to greater resources and opportunities.

It was so fun to chat with this duo and I look forward to watching their growth!

In the UGlu Hotline, hear why I leave extra balloons and adhesives at my installs.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@balloonclubco

Other sponsors & resources:

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

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

Gemar USA

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

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

With Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co.

If you want to book better, not just more, this conversation with Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co. breaks down how to realign your website and visuals so the right clients find (and choose) you. It's easier than you think!

We cover:

• A year-end review to define your 2026 "dream client" (what you loved, what you never want again)

• The quick-hit homepage audit: images, fonts, color palette, consistency

• Mobile-first essentials and broken-button checks

• Smarter contact forms

• Messaging cleanup so you don't try to "serve everyone" (and attract no one)

• DIY vs. hiring help

• How time-blocking helps get things done

• Reminder: a new website (or refresh) is a tax write-off!

Listen in for a step-by-step plan, whether you've got no website, you want to DIY or you're ready to hand off the work to a pro.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear my organization tip for my foil balloons.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Other sponsors & resources:

Courtney Lynette Creative Co. (mention the podcast for $100 off!)

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

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

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

- - - -

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

In another episode curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT, and recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention, I'm chatting with Jam of Garden Place Balloons about his new brick and mortar shop, The Balloon Shop.

If you've ever toyed with the idea of opening a balloon store, you'll want to hear Jam's story behind his pivot from focusing solely on custom installs to now offering smaller ticket items as well: the wins, the worries, and the money math.

We cover:

• Why he shifted to helium, grab-and-go garlands, and personalized jumbos

• How Party City closures and customer requests shaped his offerings

• The realities of foot traffic, hours, and staffing

• Pricing pushback

• His mindset shift: listening to the business you have, not the one you "should" have
  
  

If you're considering a storefront this conversation will help you think it through.

In the UGlu Hotline, there's a can't-miss tip for helping yourself out during rigging.

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated month by: HI-FLOAT

@gardenplaceballoons

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

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

If you've ever groaned at the thought of making another reel, this is the episode for you.

Curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT (and recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention) in this episode, I'm chatting with Maggie of Pop Charlotte—a balloon pro who not only runs a large, successful business but actually enjoys doing her own social media.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why Maggie still runs her own social accounts despite having a full team

• How behind-the-scenes videos help her connect with clients

• The mindset that keeps her out of burnout and comparison

• Three fast, impactful tweaks to improve your Instagram profile
  
  

If you've been tempted to outsource your social media—or just avoid it altogether—this chat might just change your perspective.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip I picked up from an episode guest - whether or not they knew it!

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated month by: HI-FLOAT

@popcharlotteballoons

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

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

In this episode curated by our friends at HI-FLOAT I'm chatting with Victoria of Balloons by Victoria, and we're getting real about what it means to build a balloon business and hire help that supports your life—not the other way around.

We cover:

• Why Victoria chose to stay home-based (and how she makes it work)

• How she got out of her own head and decided to hire help

• Her inflator and admin roles

• Sticking to the policies that she's set for her business

• Why she still rents U-Haul vans instead of buying a business vehicle

• The life-changing personal life hacks that she loves

• The freedom and flexibility that come with staying small (by choice!)
  
  

If you're juggling business growth with family life, or wondering whether hiring help could actually give you more freedom, you'll love this episode.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear my own tip for square arches!

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated month by: HI-FLOAT

@balloons_by_victoria_dz

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

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

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 HI-FLOAT—the powerhouse mother-daughter duo helping lead one of the most beloved brands in our space.

We chat about:

• How HI-FLOAT 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.

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated month by: HI-FLOAT

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

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

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.

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

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!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

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