Life and Work with Tiffany Burley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Burley.

Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for balloons started when working at my mother’s gift shop back in the ‘90s. She had a very simple balloon counter and my favorite thing to do while at work was inflating balloons. After working for Mom, I entered the corporate world of oil and gas where one of my close friends was expecting her first baby. For her shower, I purchased a few balloons, made some cute bouquets and requests from coworkers started flowing. It seemed like the right time to explore balloons in a different way, so I attended the Qualatex Euro Design seminar in 2008 and was blown away by the unique balloon arrangements. I joined the Qualatex Balloon Network in 2010 which is a program that supports balloon decorators through education, business systems and marketing. Courses include décor basics, principles and elements of design, color rules and the administrative side of a balloon business.

Since then, I have attended several World Balloon Conventions as well as FLOAT Convention and some smaller training events. In addition to learning new design techniques, we see new products, use new inflation equipment, participate on competition teams and learn ways to make business run smoother. The days are very long with events at night as well as a party or two. Attending these events has opened the door to meet so many amazing people from around the world, work on large scale projects and develop meaningful and inspiring relationships. I am a Certified Balloon Artist and completed the program establishes industry standards and guidelines for balloon professionals. I completed 3 written exams, 1 practical exam and an oral exam with a panel of industry leaders.

After two oil and gas layoffs in two years, I decided it was time to work my part-time balloon business on a full-time basis. Transitioning from a corporate job to a business owner has been a bit challenging, but rewarding at the same time. Just like the 8-5 days, I am dressed and working by 8:00 am. The day begins with responding to customer inquiries, a quick check on social media and then the fun starts with inflating balloons, deliveries and seeing customers smile. My workday ends with prepping orders for the next day, responding to email and social media inquiries, followed by the “not so fun” work of Accounting, Marketing, IT and Human Resources related tasks.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of my many challenges was to stay motivated and not give up. Being a small business owner can be scary, lonely and overwhelming. My advice to other women that own a small business or those that are planning to start a business would be to build a network of other small business owners. Attend industry related events as well as networking events and build new relationships. Some of those relationships will develop into valuable friendships. Family and friends are a great and necessary support group, but they really don’t understand if they are not or have not been a business owner.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with A Pop Of Color – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
A Pop Of Color provides balloon decor for corporate events, large parties and small celebrations for all occasions. Upgrade corporate events with balloon arches and tall columns in company colors. Greet party guests with unique entrance decor and festive centerpieces on the tables. Add bubbly balloon bouquets to a baby shower or birthday celebration. We use professional grade balloons that are available in a rainbow of colors and in almost any theme. Delivery is available to North Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, Humble and Kingwood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://apcballoons.com/
• Phone: 281-443-9717
• Email: info@apcballoons.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apopofcolorbytiffany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aPopOfColorByTiffany/

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