Today we’d like to introduce you to Hydee Kagan
Hydee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story truly begins in my childhood home, witnessing both of my parents’ creativity and willingness to learn new skills. They were always patient and willing to teach me their crafts when I expressed interest. As a result, I have always enjoyed being creative and learning new skills. However, until I started my balloon decor business, Punky Lou Designs, my creativity was always just a hobby.
I am a wife and mother of 3 beautiful and active children (ages 15, 13, and 10) and our goldendoodle, Penny, is my 4th child. In college, I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and I worked as a clinical social worker in a pediatric hospital until my oldest child was born. During the first year of her life, I shifted gears and worked part time doing home studies for families wanting to foster or adopt through the state, but the way that scheduling worked just didn’t fit for our new family. I decided to put my social worker hat on the wall and focus on being a mother. I quickly discovered my immense love of celebrating ALL. THE. THINGS. From birthdays and holidays to first and last days of school, I truly enjoy making all of life’s moments special.
I have always enjoyed decorating with balloons, and I wasn’t a stranger to the old DIY balloon garland kits. Then I started noticing balloon garlands in photos on social media that were obviously more than the DIY kits I was playing around with. I paid attention to vendors when they were shared and began following balloon artists. From those accounts, I found more artists to follow and my intrigue and amazement at what you could do with balloons, and that one could do that as a job, lit a spark inside of me. At this point in family life, my children were all in school and I found myself wondering what I would like to do with my time now. I wanted something that would be meaningful to me and also afford me with flexibility so I could still do all of the parental extras I love doing, like going on field trips and picking my kids up from school and shuffling them to and from extracurricular activities. That’s when that little spark turned into a flame.
I watched some tutorials online and started working with balloons outside of the DIY kits. I definitely learned more, but I quickly found if I was going to produce garlands and balloon decor people would pay for, I needed to get more education. I took classes and learned from prominent balloon artists around the nation. I joined groups of professional balloon artists. I asked family and friends to let me make garlands for them for more practice. I practiced and practiced and practiced.
In March of 2022, I registered Punky Lou Designs as an LLC, created my website, and launched my business on social media. I was ready and it was go time! I am so proud of how I have grown my little business. It’s fun for me to look back and see how my balloon art has grown, both in the products I offer and as I have developed my individual style.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have definitely learned as I have gone, and I continue to do so! I have wasted my share of helium (if you aren’t aware, that HURTS because helium is not cheap!!) and cleaned up a lot of confetti during inflation mishaps. I have underestimated and overestimated my garland formula and needed to think quickly on the spot to make an installation work. However, I think my biggest struggle is my discomfort with self-promoting. It’s something I’m working on but suffice it to say I have a lot of room for improvement in that department!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Punky Lou Designs is a full-service balloon decor company. I specialize in custom, organic pieces such as balloon garlands, arches, and columns. Along with those products, I also offer a range of tabletop and helium-filled pieces. I provide delivery and installation and also have pieces that clients are able to pick up from me. Balloons aren’t just for kids and Punky Lou balloons are the perfect addition to corporate events, parties, graduations, bar/bat mitzvahs, holiday decor, and more!
Punky Lou is a one-woman-show but that doesn’t stop me from being able to make those big jobs happen. When a larger job requires extra hands, I am thankful to have trusted individuals with whom I contract to help me. You may even see Mr. Punky Lou or one of my kiddos on a job!
It’s very important to me to work within a client’s budget. I am proud to offer a broad range of products and price points. I will always be honest with clients and help you create the biggest impact with your budget.
I take a lot of pride in my work, and it genuinely brings me joy to stand back and look at what I have created. Knowing that I am bringing joy to my clients through my work is just the icing in the cake.
Another thing I am proud of is each year, as my small business grows, I have increased my charitable donations. Whether it’s donating product or supporting a cause that is meaningful to me, I am proud to be able to do so through Punky Lou Designs.
The majority of my installations take place on the weekends and I would not be able to do this job without the support of my husband and children. They have encouraged me in my business since day one and are my biggest cheerleaders.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think as helium becomes more scarce and the price for it continues to increase, we will likely see a shift away from helium balloons. Finding alternatives that give similar visual impacts at a similar price point will be important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.punkyloudesigns.com
- Instagram: @Punky_Lou_Designs
Image Credits
Kim Losee Photography for the personal photo.
