Today we’d like to introduce you to Semaj Payne.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Semaj. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been pretty crafty and love to challenge myself to a DIY project. I often refer to myself as the “DIY Queen. So after doing a little research and watching a few tutorials, I had a new project that I wanted to try, balloon columns. I did my first balloon decor set up for my son’s “Game On” party for his 11th birthday. I didn’t plan for anything big, but I had a certain image in mind that I saw and wanted to reproduce it. Needless to say, my balloon columns were a total success. After posting photos of the party decor to both my Instagram and Facebook pages, the common question was “Who did your balloon columns?” I was super excited to tell everyone that I did them all by self. The next thing a couple of people asked me was would I do some for their event. I was so excited. Then a few more people that I know referred me to some of their family and friends……and so it began. As time progressed, I begin to perfect my craft more and more by constantly working at it. I started to try different types of balloon decor, and I was encouraged to take my Kreativity to the business level. My family and loved ones supported me and made sure that I was equipped to begin this entrepreneurship journey.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road into entrepreneurship has been a rather easy road for me. I have a host of family and friends that support me in all of my business ideas, goals, and endeavours and they encourage me to be great. To be honest, I never saw entrepreneurship in my future, but God had a different plan for me and for that I am forever grateful.
I want to encourage any women that have a hobby, dream, business idea/plan that they are passionate about, to take it to the next level and believe in themselves. Surround themselves with likeminded individuals. Stay the course and don’t be discouraged when times get tough. Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Kreative Balloon Decor and More. Tell us more about the business.
Kreative Balloon Decor and more is a mobile balloon decor company that came into existence April of 2018. This company specializes in balloon columns, garlands, arches, centerpieces and bouquets for all events. The “and more” portion of the name is in reference to the sequin, drapes and custom backdrops that and offered and the future additions of decor that is in the process of being offered. These balloon arrangements are mostly requested for birthday parties, corporate events, grand openings, dinner parties, etc.
As a service provider, I am most proud of the fact that my business took off a lot quicker than I anticipated and is my clientele is growing rapidly. The fact that I have already had a few of my clients to become repeat clients and refer me out speaks volumes about my company and its quality of service alone.
What sets me aside from the others is the quality service that we offer and the relationships that we develop with our clients.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I never felt a need or gave it any thought to have a mentor. I pride myself on being self-taught and acquiring the knowledge on my own, from reading, observing and researching. Then I find what works best for me. It’s quite rewarding and satisfying to see what you’ve accomplished on your own. However, I’m never too proud to ask for help or assistance if it’s something that I can’t figure out. I also keep a team of business oriented people close by for times such as those.
I feel that networking is definitely helpful and necessary when it comes to the business industry. It gives you an opportunity to meet likeminded people. It’s also a chance to meet people that have been in the business for a while and may know a little bit more than you and possibly offer some helpful info and encouraging words. You also have to do a little research on your own so that you could develop your own understanding of what it is that you’re trying to do and what’s expected and necessary to remain competitive in the field or industry that you’re going into.
Social media has played a major role in the success of my business. Networking at different events has afforded me some of my clientele as well as allowed me to meet some amazing people. Your character, reputation and personality also plays a role in the type of people that gravitate to you. All of these things play a major part in who will actually help you along the way and want to refer people to you because they know of your dependability and the quality of work that you produce.
Contact Info:
- Address: Pearland and surrounding areas
- Website: https://kreativeballoondec.wixsite.com/kreativeballoondecor
- Phone: 2818298886
- Email: kreative.balloon.decor@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://kreativeballoondec.wixsite.com/kreativeballoondecor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kreativeballoondecorandmoretx/
Image Credit:
Semaj Payne
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