Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Elias.
Hi Angelica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi! My name is Angelica Elias, and I’m a firefighter’s wife, a stay-at-home mom of four daughters, and the proud owner of More Is More Balloons, LLC. MIMB started as a DIY project for my oldest daughter’s first birthday in 2019. I wanted to go above and beyond to make her feel extra special, so I watched countless YouTube videos and read all the how-to articles I could find to learn how to create balloon garlands and columns.
After “balloon-ifying” her birthday, friends and family began reaching out to me, requesting balloons for their celebrations. I took on a few jobs, and within that year, I realized I should do more in-depth research on all the intricacies of balloon decorating and consider turning it into a business.
Coming from a management background—I worked at In-N-Out for 12 years before having my children—I knew that diving into this endeavor would require persistence, a willingness to learn, and resilience in the face of many challenges. I began contacting other business owners for advice but often faced silence and rejection. Fortunately, I finally took 1:1 class that allowed me to learn the balloon world from a professional. I am forever grateful for that door opening to me, which helped me become the balloon stylist I am today.
As time went on and I continued to improve and innovate my work, I realized that helping to create magical celebrations was fueling my creative side. I wanted to bring a sense of wonder and beauty to every event. So, with the support of my husband, I took on more jobs and embraced the role of a small business owner. Now, more than five years into running my business, I’ve learned to hone my artistic and business sides, as well as finding balance as both a business owner and an involved mother and wife. I couldn’t be happier that I took a chance on myself all those years ago and started MIMB, proving that more really is more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey as a small business owner has not always been smooth, and I’ve experienced many learning opportunities along the way. The most challenging part for me has been the behind-the-scenes administrative work, such as filing quarterly taxes, marketing, inventory control, and everything in between. As the owner and founder of MIMB, I wear all the hats, which can be challenging at times, but making a checklist helps me stay organized. Persistence in my goals has allowed me to overcome the tedious paperwork and small business obstacles, enabling me to focus on creativity and inspiration.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about More is More balloons, LLC?
More Is More Balloons is a small business dedicated to bringing magic to every celebration. We offer helium balloons, balloon arches, backdrops, props, and more, specializing in balloon garlands and number stacks.
What sets MIMB apart is our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each order precisely matches the client’s vision while surpassing their expectations. We strive to exceed expectations and go above and beyond for every event.
I am most proud when someone recognizes my logo and style of work, as it signifies that MIMB has become a trusted brand that clients feel confident booking and referring to friends and family.
At MIMB, we aim to make every celebration EXTRA memorable, whether it’s a grand event or a small gathering. My motto: More is MORE, BIG or small, make it special!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My first investor was my incredible husband, Jon Michael Elias. Jon has always believed in me and my business, even when I first started and doubted it would succeed. He encourages and motivates me to put my mind and heart into everything I do. He nurtures my creativity and inspires me to try new things and venture down new paths, knowing he’ll be there if I stumble.
Jon is the best at encouraging all my big and small ideas, balancing my cautious optimism with encouraging realism. I am so grateful to him for continually supporting me through the late nights and early weekend mornings and for clearly seeing my vision for MIMB from the outset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moreismoreballoons.com
- Instagram: @more.more.is.balloons
- Facebook: More is more balloons
Image Credits
credit for business/brand headsets: Brittney Janes Photography
