Conversations with Tara Levy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Levy.

Hi Tara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started South Bay Balloon Bar at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. I had just been furloughed from my 9-5 where I worked as a full-time dental assistant. I was born with a congenital heart defect and have had two open-heart surgeries by the time I was four. Because of my pre-existing condition, I was worried that the possibility of me going back to work in an extremely high-risk field would leave me with a difficult decision. Risk my health or risk starting over in a completely new career? Originally, the idea to use balloons as an art medium was only to supplement my boredom during lockdown. I would deliver balloon creations to family and friends to lift their spirits – because who doesn’t love balloons?!

I started cataloguing my work on social media and soon enough, the orders started pouring in.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say the biggest struggle I’ve faced is learning the ins and outs of running a small business. From setting my own prices to the legalities of it, being a small business owner was never something I had ever foreseen being a part of my future. While this aspect has presented the most struggle for me, it’s been the best learning experience and very freeing in a way to be your own boss. The actual, physical aspect of creating something for a client can definitely be challenging, but it’s also incredibly exciting and rewarding to know that someone has seen your work and trusts you with creating something that will make their event or occasion memorable!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
South Bay Balloon Bar offers unique, luxurious, and bespoke balloon arrangements delivered straight to your door! From the smallest centerpiece to the huge installs that take hours and hours, I do it all! I definitely feel a big sense of pride after large setups. You see the final photo, but behind the scenes what you don’t see is me working late hours inflating hundreds of balloons. The labor you don’t see to create the final product you see on social media is what I’m most proud of. I think what sets me apart from others is my commitment to not be a cookie-cutter balloonist. I try and make each piece unique to the event I’m working. Even when clients send me photos of my past work as inspiration for their event, I will still find a way to make each creation truly one of a kind. It’s my belief that those willing to trust me with their event and hard-earned money deserve my absolute best, and I strive to give my best with every last balloon!

Contact Info:

• Email: southbayballoonbar@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbayballoonbar/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/southbayballoonbar/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credits:
Tom Bertolotti Codi Wilcox