Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Hernandez
Hi Patricia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in 2016, taking some basic flower and balloon classes just to distract myself and help with my anxiety and depression from being an immigrant with no friends or family nearby. In the balloon classes I met who I now call my Latex family, national and international artists who love creativity and the balloon business that have helped me grow in the industry and we support each other especially the local artists. Balloons and flowers initially gave me the opportunity to decorate my children’s schools and then I was given the opportunity in the schools of the Downey school district continuing with public and private events and different organizations for my city. Now I work for party planners and larger companies. My business has given me the opportunity to contribute to my home and give my kids work. They have learned the trade and how to deal with people, as well as manage their money. I have had the opportunity to give some classes and it is something that fills me with joy to see women happy to see them make their designs with their own hands.
Flowers and balloons have given me the opportunity to have a decent job and also to see people happy, also to organize my time with my children, to get to know other cities and many places in addition to working in such magical places
like Disneyland. It is not easy to be an immigrant and start from scratch in another country, but with effort and dedication you can flourish in the face of adversity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not easy for me to go from making my hobby an official business. I had no idea where to start. Despite taking some classes, there was always uncertainty at every step. The language was a very big challenge since it was very difficult to make myself understood by some clients. I also had to deal with social media and marketing, and use certain computer programs for graphic design, budgeting, and invoices. I invested in my business and took out loans to purchase a work vehicle. Lastly, I had to deal with taxes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a florist and balloon artist, my business specializes in the transformation of event spaces, beautifying and giving life to the space of that special day for the client with the magic and joy of balloons and the aroma and elegance of flowers. We specialize in beautifying entrances with arches and columns of balloons, main tables with backdrops that are accompanied by flowers or balloons, centerpieces as well as bridal or quinceanera bouquets. What distinguishes us from others is professionalism and love for our work listening to and advising the client and delivering excellent work on time has given me the opportunity to continue growing every day more in my business. I feel proud to be an entrepreneurial woman who made the decision to transform my life into opportunities to grow as a woman, as a mother and wife despite the circumstances
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Without a doubt, all of this would not have been possible without the help and advice of many people who have appeared in my life. First, to the organization of QBN Mundo Latino in Los Angeles, a non-profit organization, and to the Globo-Con convention, who gave me the necessary tools and education to start my balloon business. To my friends and family who motivated me to continue, and without a doubt to my clients for recommending me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @pattysballoonsn
- Facebook: Patty’s Balloons & Flowers
