Hi Alysse, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
POPtastic Events started with my obsession with luxury balloon displays and hosting events. I have been obsessed with balloon artists on Instagram for years. When it came time for my brother’s college graduation party, I knew that I wanted to incorporate lots of photo ops using balloon displays. I booked a local artist and was excited to see what she came up with. Due to Covid, we weren’t able to have his graduation party so all our plans were canceled. We decided to surprise my brother at home with a few photo ops, like yard signs and balloon displays. This is when I knew it was my time to shine!
I told my parents I was going to figure this out… so I did! I watched thousands of YouTube videos (a bit exaggerated, but you get the point) and ordered balloons. I told a few friends about my business venture and started all my social media pages. I begin planning to showcase my brother’s display as my debut piece. Before I got to it, by word of mouth, one of my friends recommended me to his friend for her grandmother’s birthday. She booked me! That install was… tough… to say the least but with the help of one of my best friends, we did it! I posted the display on my Instagram and have been booking nonstop ever since. I am so blessed to have constant support from my family and friends, which is where most of my original bookings came from. Over time my style has changed and I am starting to find my type of ballooning, as I call it. Every artist has their own style and I am happy to be coming into my own as a balloon artist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NOT AT ALL. We have had some tough installs! During our very first install, one of our balloon clusters flew away. Thank goodness for my best friend Brittany who ran down the street to get it. We still laugh about that install to this day. On install days, I tend to forget to eat or drink water. In this Texas heat, that’s an awful idea. So Brittany and I both almost passed out at a gender reveal install. One time, I forgot my 260s at home (the balloons we use to tie it all together), so I had to use glue dots for the entire thing (insert doomed face lol.)
In the beginning, I struggled with attaching to brick surfaces, so that was a MAJOR struggle as well. My best friend, Donita, and I installed for a baby shower in the pouring rain one Sunday afternoon. My major struggle has space to transport balloons. Thank God for my family. They have driven Uhuals, let me borrow their cars at random times in the morning or at night, met me at locations with extra balloons, and so much more. As you can see, we have jumped over and ran into a lot of hurdles during the last six months but every single hurdle has taught me a much-needed lesson. These struggles have helped bring my business to where it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
POPtastic Events is a black, female, and educator owned business ready to make Houston area events POP! By day, I am a special education teacher and by every other minute of the day/night, I am a balloon artist. I specialize in mega balloon displays for all special events and occasions. I am proud to be an educator and a balloon artist. Both of my jobs allow me to make an impact in people’s lives. Whether it’s teaching a 1st grader how to read or styling a 5-year-old’s birthday party, I am making a positive impact. I go above and beyond for all my clients, styling their balloon garlands exactly how they envision it to be. I am proud to have amazing supporters, from friends and family to clients who have become family. No matter what, we are going to get it POPPIN’!
What makes you happy?
Being able to do what I love makes me happy. Waking up every day being able to say, I started a business and look where it is now. Knowing that God’s plan for me is coming to fruition. Having unwavering support from my parents, brother, and friends make me extremely happy. My parents have helped me with every single thing I have asked. For, regarding my business (installs, free labor, and money lol), without asking any questions. My bother, Quentin, moved back home and jumped right in helping with installs and yard signs. My friends have stayed up many late nights and have woken up many early mornings to help me with installs. I am beyond thankful Whatever success comes my way, it makes me happy to know that I was able to help make someone’s day a little bit better with my balloons.
Contact Info:
- Email: poptasticevents4u@gmail.com
- Website: www.poptasticevents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/poptasticevents
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/poptasticevents
Image Credits
Headshots: Lauren Crittenden
