Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Le
Hi Kim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I’ve always had an artistic side, with art being one of my favorite subjects in school because I got to create things. However, coming from a family from a war-torn country, I was raised to think that financial success was the only success to strive for, and pursuing a career in the arts might not guarantee that. I was riddled with guilt knowing that my parents had sacrificed so much for my brother and I, that I was determined to provide the financial stability my parents and I needed. In other words, I wanted to make my parents proud, and I didn’t want them to feel burdened, but in doing so I had to put my creative aspirations on the back burner. I focused on securing a government job after college, but during that time I continued to indulge in various artistic pursuits, such as drawing, painting, sewing, dancing (salsa dancing, pole dancing), aerial silks, cooking, baking and decorating parties.
It was during time that I encountered Sylvia, a friend known for her elaborate party planning, especially for her children’s birthdays. I was inspired by her creativity that I decided to create a memorable balloon photo op for my kid’s first birthday. The next thing you know I was decorating for all my kids’ birthdays and my friend’s kid’s birthdays and other events. There was one day in particular (November 2022) that I remember after setting up for a friend’s baby shower and posting a story on Instagram (IG) of the balloon display that I did and jokingly saying that I was going to start my own balloon/party planning business. The positive feedback from friends on Instagram (IG) encouraged me to explore further, where I started my own IG account, @BalloonBlown to showcase my balloon displays. I also enrolled in two balloon training academies: @dressyourdaydream and @beartribeacademy, where I not only honed my balloon decorating skills but also gained valuable insights into the business aspects of the industry.
This journey has transformed me, combining my creativity with business skills, and growing my balloon and party planning business.
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 has been generally smooth for a couple of reasons. One I joined the balloon academies early on which taught me invaluable things about how to run your own business before I got it up and running. Two I maintain my full-time job in order to maintain a steady income so that I’m able to explore my creative entrepreneurship without feeling any financial hardships.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a balloon artist/stylist, who creates balloon displays as a decorative focal point tailored to any event such as parties, weddings, and corporate events. Balloons are a huge proponent of my business, but I also include props to compliment the overall display such as fringe, boards, shimmer & grass walls, florals and more. I’m the type of person who puts their heart and soul into each display. I thrive off the creative process from start to finish. I’m communicative, responsive, organized, proactive and detailed oriented. For me, it’s all about the finer details that elevate a display to a higher level, and I believe that truly sets me apart from others.
What’s next?
My future plans involve steadily expanding my business while maintaining a balanced life that includes a full-time job, being a partner to my man, and being a mom to young two girls, as well as a dog mom to two furry children. I aspire to evolve so that I can create stuff that inspires others.
Pricing:
- $350 minimum
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @BalloonBlown
- Facebook: @BalloonBlown
- Other: [email protected]
