Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscilla Longoria.
Hi Priscilla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The idea for Sweet Pea Balloons was born in 2022, and in 2023 I started taking classes and learning the craft. Throughout 2024, I took on small projects here and there while balancing my full-time career and family life.
2025 was the year I decided to truly take the leap. After being given a full calendar year of events by Megan Little, the Lifestyle Director for The Groves, who believed in my work early on and gave me an incredible opportunity to grow, I invested in props, backdrops, and a trailer to turn Sweet Pea into something bigger. Her support and referrals opened the door to multiple other HOA communities, and today my calendar stays consistently booked with community events, private parties, and custom installations.
What started as a creative outlet has grown into a business I genuinely love building, with a focus on quality, creativity, and creating memorable experiences for clients and their communities.
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?
Honestly, the growth has been very organic, and I’ve been incredibly blessed with amazing clients and communities that have continuously given me opportunities to grow. I feel very grateful for how supportive people have been throughout this journey.
I think the biggest challenges haven’t been on the creative side, but rather learning all the other parts that come with running a business. Things like managing social media, balancing a full-time career in the steel industry and family life, handling logistics, and navigating decisions around growth and scaling have definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
As the business has grown, I’ve had to learn that being creative is only one part of entrepreneurship. There’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work, planning, and decision-making that people don’t always see. But overall, it’s been a really rewarding experience and one that continues to teach me a lot.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom balloon installations and event styling for community events, corporate events, schools, and private celebrations. Over time, Sweet Pea has grown into more than just balloons. We create full statement pieces and photo-worthy experiences through backdrops, props, color palettes, and detailed design concepts tailored to each event.
I think what we’ve become most known for is the level of detail and care that goes into every setup, whether it’s a large HOA event with hundreds of attendees or a smaller personal celebration. I really value quality and always want clients to feel like their event was thoughtfully designed and executed.
What I’m most proud of is that nearly all of my growth has come from word of mouth and referrals. The relationships I’ve built with clients and communities mean a lot to me, especially because many of them have continued to trust me with their events year after year.
I also think what sets Sweet Pea apart is that I approach every installation with both creativity and intention. I’m constantly investing back into the business, learning new techniques, expanding our inventory, and finding ways to elevate the client experience while still keeping events warm, welcoming, and community-centered.
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 the event industry is continuing to move toward more immersive and experience-driven celebrations rather than just traditional décor. Clients want events to feel memorable, interactive, and personalized, whether it’s a community festival, school function, corporate activation, or private party. We’re seeing a much bigger focus on creating environments and experiences rather than simply decorating a room.
I also think social media has changed the industry in a huge way. People are looking for installations that photograph well and create moments guests want to share online, but at the same time, I think clients are moving away from “overly staged” events and wanting celebrations to feel more intentional, warm, and authentic.
Another shift I see is that clients are valuing convenience and full-service experiences more than ever. As people’s schedules become busier, they want vendors who can handle more of the creative direction, logistics, and setup process for them. I think the businesses that will continue growing are the ones that can combine creativity with professionalism, organization, and a strong client experience.
For the balloon and event styling industry specifically, I think we’ll continue seeing more large-scale statement installations, mixed-material designs, custom builds, and collaborations with florals, lighting, and other event elements. The industry has evolved far beyond simple balloon décor, and I think it will continue becoming more design-focused and elevated over the next 5–10 years.
Pricing:
- Organic balloon garlands start at $25+ per foot depending on design complexity
- Custom installations are priced individually based on size, materials, and setup requirements
- HOA/community events and large-scale installations typically require a custom quote
- Grab-and-go garlands and smaller setups are available for more budget-friendly options
- Delivery, setup, and breakdown fees vary by location and event needs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetpeaballoons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeaballoonshtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1cYWe3EBD5/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetpeaballoonshtx
Image Credits
Christa McCourt Houston Studios
