In our final interview recorded live at The Tuftex Experience, I’m chatting with Michelle and Sean of Lush Balloons about growth, efficiency and taking care of clients.

We kick off by talking about the efficiencies they’ve incorporated into their business in order to reduce their number of staff and get higher profit margins… inflation and production, material organization, limiting offers and more. Then I always have to ask how people are able to come to conferences while their business stays home, and Sean and Michelle share how they’ve trained their employees to handle production and deliveries while they’re away.

They also share some nuggets about the class they taught at Tuftex - Cracking the Corporate Code; and we chat about how you just never know whether a small birthday bouquet could turn into a huge corporate referral.

It was really neat to hear their story about market timing, standout designs, social media presence and client appreciation - thanks to them both!        

In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for using White-Out on your marquee letters.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@lushballoons 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

Save $50 on FLOAT 2026 registration with code SARA

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Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit 

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The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Get ready for some positive, infectious energy from this episode’s guest, Patricia of StickUp Artistry and Design! I had the opportunity to sit down with her live at the Tuftex Experience and she’s sharing how she believes adding some deco-twisted elements in your decor can really impress your clients and make you stand out in a crowded market.

She walks us through her decision-making process for incorporating deco-twisting into her offers and shares how there’s room for everyone’s style and preferences in the industry. She’s also a big proponent of being willing to try anything because you just never know when you’re going to need to use a particular skill or method. Lastly, Patricia shares her thoughts on how and why it’s important to avoid burnout and practice community over competition.

In the UGlu Hotline, I’m sharing my little “insurance policy” tip about leaving some extra supplies behind.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@stickupartistryanddesign 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

Save $50 on FLOAT 2026 registration with code SARA

Stay Booked 

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST) 

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Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit 

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In this interview recorded live at the Tuftex Experience, I get to hear from Meg some of the really cool behind the scenes info about their products, the event and more. I always love how transparent Tuftex is and this interview is no different!

Meg actually ran a balloon decor business of her own at one point, and you’ll hear why her other background experiences make her the right fit for her role at Tuftex. Then we chat a little bit about:

• Their Canadian factory
• How they evaluate the Tuftex Experience
• What it’s been liking getting into the twisting side of balloons
• And how some balloon color names are literally part of the family!

It was really fun to hear how they plan the event and how it’s already evolved and changed in its second edition.  

In the UGlu Hotline, I’m sharing my foil storage system that works with my organizational type.

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) 

Save $50 on FLOAT 2026 registration with code SARA

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 

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you want to hear what it’s like to grow to $1M in sales, this episode is for you! I interviewed Chris of Balloon Masters at the Tuftex Experience and he’s sharing so many golden nuggets about what he and his wife Marlene did to grow their business over the last several decades.

I really appreciate Chris’ generosity of all the knowledge he shares with our industry, and respect how humble he is in the process. This interview is definitely one of my favorites!

We talk about:

• How their business started and the techniques used years ago
• His #1 tip for finding a location once you move your business out of your home
• What to look for in employees, when to hire them and how to best use their time
• Charging appropriately for your time while making the most of it
• Working smart and hard
• Investments to take your business to the next level
• Systems and marketing strategies

We finish up with a series of new get-to-know-you questions, and I’m guessing you’ll feel the same after listening… but I was buzzing with info and ideas after this conversation!

In the UGlu Hotline, I’m sharing a tip about keeping your installation kits organized and fully stocked through the use of laminated cards.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

balloonmasters.net 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

Save $50 on FLOAT 2026 registration with code SARA

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you struggle with negotiating, or even the idea of negotiating, this episode is for you! Nikki of Violet Pineapple Balloons comes on the show to share some really helpful tips about negotiation, specifically for a rental space. 

We’ll hear about what she was looking for in a space, the listing price, what she’s actually paying for it and all the things to think about as part of your negotiation. I was also curious about her lease length and the strategy she shared to negotiate that was brilliant!

Nikki is going to give you a whole new way to think about not just negotiation but also leasing in general. She now has an opportunity to move into a larger space so we get to hear about her active negotiation and willpower to wait for what she wants.

This conversation really opened my eyes to some negotiating strategies I didn’t know existed. Thanks to Nikki for sharing!

In the UGlu Hotline, hear how I’m using pants hangers for my favorite organizational upgrade of the past few years - something I picked up from Bri of Elevated Impressions.

Unlock three free bonus episodes! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated Month by: Kalisan https://www.kalisan.com.tr/

@violet_pineapple_balloonsllc

Other sponsors & resources:

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

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

This interview was a total treat! We’ll get to hear from Jenny of Simply Jenny Designs all about her experience decorating for Hallmark movies, including how she landed the first job, what she’s learned since and what it’s like to be on set!

She shares with us how quickly into running her business that she got her first movie set opportunity, the booking and decor details as well as how much air time her balloons got. We’ll also hear about the other movies she’s decorated for, as well as her latest opportunity for a movie airing this Christmas!

Of course we also talk about her general business growth as well, plus how she juggles balloons with her full-time job and some of her favorite marketing tactics. It was so nice meeting Jenny and hearing about her unique experiences!  

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear my favorite way to frame square arches.

Unlock three free bonus episodes! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated Month by: Kalisan https://www.kalisan.com.tr/

@simply_jenny_designs 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

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 

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@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this conversation, Tricia of Noree Events shares her journey of building a successful balloon decor business in a small community. She discusses the challenges and advantages of operating in a small town, the importance of community support and the strategies she employs to network and grow her business. 

She emphasizes the significance of personal connections, the role of local businesses in fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and the importance of staying true to herself.

Before we wrap up Tricia shares her business expansion goals with us as well. I find her situation so relatable, her personality so friendly, and I think so many in our balloon industry will, too!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener uses hooks to attach her foils. 

Unlock three free bonus episodes! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated Month by: Kalisan https://www.kalisan.com.tr/

@noreeevents 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

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 

- - - -

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

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact steps I take to help determine whether my constant business ideas are worth pursuing. I’ll share some of the most recent things I’ve considered, what I almost immediately scrapped and what is still a possibility.

I’m talking about:

• Gut checks on passion and ease 
• Profitability 
• Time, energy and bandwidth
• Business compatibility

Then I’ll share a few actual tactics I use if an idea passes all of those marks: soft launching, asking fellow balloon artists to borrow content and getting insight from industry contacts. 

I wrap up with a bit of “homework” that you can do to further explore your ideas, or maybe get past them.

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear about an item that one listener wishes she bought sooner.

>> Unlock three free bonus episodes! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

Curated Month by: Kalisan 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

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 

- - - -

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

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

We’re excited to have Kalisan curating another month of episodes for us, and to kick things off this time is DJ of Balloons in Bold. He is a fine artist who uses balloons as his medium, so it was cool to get yet another take on balloons as a form of art!

He had worked as a balloon twister before turning to fine art as a form of emotional expression. Little did he know how much it would take off and get noticed in the way it did. Before he knew it he was the feature of a gallery show and by using a medium that is usually associated with fun and joy to display darker imagery, it really grabbed people’s attention. 

We’ll hear about his strategy for making the balloons last during gallery prep and throughout the show, including how he found a way to put balloon dogs into a pattern and what products he used.

DJ also shares more about what influences his art and describes several of his show exhibits. I appreciated him being willing to share his story!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear about one of my own favorite inflators! 

Unlock three free bonus episodes! 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@balloonsinbold 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

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 

- - - -

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

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you’ve ever forgotten about a job, left your U-Haul door open when driving or gotten robbed at an installation… you’re going to relate to what Rachel shares in this episode! She and I talk about some of our worst installations to date and, more importantly, how we handled them and kept moving forward.

Even though the topic feels negative, Rachel and I couldn’t help but laugh our way through this episode as we commiserate in things that only balloon professionals would understand. 

Before we dive into the hilarity, Rachel offers some tips for those managing their full-time jobs alongside their balloon business, including customer management, time management, boundaries and product offerings.

Then we get into it. Hear about her forgotten job and the absolute scramble to make it happen… tons of broken bases on her first 5-digit job… balloon bags flying across the highway… and stolen bags with hundreds of dollars of equipment inside. 

I chime in with my related stories, too, and we wrap up by sharing some final thoughts about how to turn crazy things like these into learning opportunities.

I’m so grateful to Rachel for being willing to come on the show to talk about the kinds of mistakes that we all make… or almost certainly will make.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear about one of my favorite inventory tips to date!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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

@evansvilleballooncompany 

Other sponsors & resources:

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

Gemar USA 

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 

- - - -

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

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

Courses 

@thebrightballoon 

The Bright Balloon on YouTube