Today we’d like to introduce you to Twila Burlew
Hi Twila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello All! My name is Twila, and in 2011 I started Twila’s Twisters, a balloon twisting, face painting, and glitter tattoo company. My balloon journey began out of necessity as a single mother looking for a second job. One day, I stumbled upon an ad on Craig’s List that promised the flexibility to make my own schedule and the joy of making people smile, so I applied. I dressed up in what I considered my interview clothes—a nice dress—only to meet someone in jeans and a t-shirt making balloon animals. I had no idea what I was applying for!
The person I met explained that a balloon twisting company wanted to hire me to work at restaurants for tips. Determined to give it a shot, I spent my very last $50 on a starter kit and dedicated three weeks and 300 balloons to learning the basics of balloon art. I vividly remember calling my mom to tell her I was going to be a balloon artist. She laughed and said it wouldn’t work. I can’t thank her enough for the challenge those words presented.
The company I initially worked for didn’t handle private parties and actually encouraged us to start our own businesses. And that’s how Twila’s Twisters was born. What began as a necessity turned into a passion for balloon artistry. Two years later, I taught myself face painting, and in 2020, we added glitter tattoos in an effort to stay afloat during COVID. Over the years, we’ve grown from working small local events to being a beloved presence at larger community gatherings, private parties, and corporate functions.
Today, Twila’s Twisters is known for our dedication to quality and our ability to create memorable experiences. From the laughter and smiles of children to the awe and admiration of adults, we continue to bring joy to every event we attend. The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every twist and turn.
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?
The journey with Twila’s Twisters has definitely had its ups and downs. Starting as a single mother looking for a second job, I faced significant financial constraints. Investing my last $50 into a balloon starter kit was a huge risk, and there was no guarantee of success.
One of the biggest challenges was learning the craft from scratch. It took three weeks and 300 balloons to get the basics of balloon artistry down, and during that time, I had to balance learning with my existing responsibilities. The initial skepticism from my family, especially my mom’s reaction, was another hurdle. Her disbelief pushed me to prove that this unconventional path could work, which was both a motivation and a source of stress.
As the business grew, new challenges emerged. Teaching myself face painting two years in was a steep learning curve, and adding glitter tattoos in 2020 to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic was another significant shift. The pandemic itself brought a host of difficulties, including the need to pivot quickly to stay afloat when events and gatherings were canceled.
Despite these struggles, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to innovate and grow. The support of the community and the joy on the faces of my clients have been constant motivators, helping me overcome the obstacles along the way. While the road has been far from smooth, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, and every twist and turn has contributed to the success of Twila’s Twisters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Twila’s Twisters, we specialize in balloon artistry, face painting, and glitter tattoos. Our primary goal is to bring joy and creativity to any event, whether it’s a small birthday party or a large community festival. We are known for our vibrant and imaginative balloon creations that range from simple balloon animals to intricate sculptures. Our face painting services add an extra layer of fun with colorful designs that delight children and adults alike. Glitter tattoos, which we added in 2020, offer a sparkling touch that has quickly become a favorite at events.
What sets us apart from others is our dedication to quality and the personalized experience we provide. Each creation is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every client feels special. We pride ourselves on our ability to engage with our audience, making every event interactive and memorable.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on our community. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of children and adults who experience our work is incredibly rewarding. We’ve had the privilege of being a part of countless special moments and celebrations, and that’s what drives us to continually improve and innovate.
Our journey hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have made us stronger and more resilient. We’ve built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and exceptional customer service, which has helped us grow and thrive. Twila’s Twisters is more than just a business; it’s a passion and a source of joy for both myself and those we serve.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important quality contributing to my success is resilience. The journey with Twila’s Twisters has had its share of challenges, from financial constraints and learning curves to adapting to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Each obstacle required me to stay determined, adapt quickly, and keep pushing forward.
Resilience has allowed me to navigate setbacks with a positive mindset and continue growing despite difficulties. It has driven me to continually refine my skills, explore new opportunities, and innovate in response to changing circumstances. This quality has also helped me maintain a strong commitment to delivering high-quality and memorable experiences for our clients.
Additionally, resilience is closely tied to my passion for the work and my dedication to making every event special. It’s this combination of passion and perseverance that has been fundamental in building and sustaining Twila’s Twisters, and it continues to be a key factor in our ongoing success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twilastwisters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twilastwisters?igsh=cDh6aWVyM3lndXdm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/PfZSKF4ujetKpvMq/?mibextid=qi2Omg
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@twilastwisters?_t=8ocSnff1gr4&_r=1
