Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Montelongo.
Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved arts and crafts and just being creative and thinking outside of the box. Once I discovered the world of balloons, I absolutely fell in love! The opportunities for creativity were endless! In 2018, I was first introduced to the balloon world by a friend when I had the opportunity to travel all the way to Reynosa, Tamaulipas in Mexico to attend my first balloon class. Let me just say, this balloon class was the class that made me fall even more in love with balloons! I was just so eager to keep going in hopes to someday become as talented as the balloon instructors themselves. Some time passed and I kept practicing at home and posting pictures of my work. I started donating my work to various places including my son’s school in hopes of gaining exposure. I began making small arrangements and slowly but surely began growing the list of balloon arrangements I could offer. Up to this day, I have kept expanding the list of arrangements/decorations I can offer! This world of balloons is endless! There is always something new, a new trends and colors! It just keeps you on your toes and that is what I love about it!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been an easy road for me. Kickstarting my business was not easy AT ALL! For some time I struggled to find someone who would give me the opportunity to show them my work. As I mentioned before, I began to donate my work wherever I could to get some exposure. But one day; I will always remember this client because in my eyes he was an angel sent to me to help me out after struggling to find work for so long, I received a call from a man asking for balloons for his daughter’s birthday. Up to this day, I have no idea how he found my page but he put all of his trust in me to create something spectacular for his daughter’s birthday. After setting everything up for them and keeping interaction to a minimum because this was at the beginning of the pandemic, I receive a text message from him thanking me for the work we had done and how they were just absolutely thrilled with my work. I vividly remember what followed that text message: “I wish you all the luck in the world during these difficult times and I hope you may find all the work opportunities you need!” I instantly cried because I was so grateful that I had found someone that had valued my work. Immediately after that I had constant calls and messages on my page asking for decorations for their children and I was just so ready to be able to show everyone my work and what I could do. To this day, that client’s family is still a constant client of mine and I am eternally grateful! As I mentioned before, kickstarting my business was not easy but I’m glad giving up was never an option!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Erika’s Balloon Arrangements?
Erika’s Balloon Arrangements is a small balloon business that I began with the help of my daughter Yvette (25). We are located in Houston, TX in the Spring Branch area but work all around the city of Houston and even Galveston. We specialize more in balloon decorating. We can do anything from mini balloon bouquets, full size balloon bouquets, arches, garlands, and backdrop and small set installations. We like a challenge and trying/ creating new things! We love when our clients feel comfortable sharing their ideas with us and being able to bring those ideas to life! We are most proud of the constant communication we have been able to hold with our customers even when we are living busy lives outside of our small business; myself, caring for my 6-year-old son and my daughter with her career as a civil engineer.
What does success mean to you?
In the world of balloons, I define success as an image. Seeing your clients’ faces when they see your final works. Success to me is knowing that your work made someone smile and happy on that given day.
Contact Info:
- Email: erikasballoonarrangements.htx@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itserikasballoonarrangements/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ErikasBalloonArrangements/
