Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Aranas.
Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My parents immigrated to the US in 1979 as refugees of the Vietnam War. My two sisters and I were born here in Houston. I am the middle child. Education was of the utmost importance in our family, and it trumped all else including having a social life (and absolutely NO boyfriends until we showed them a college degree!) I guess I have always been inherently driven to perform well in school. I worked at a vet clinic because I thought I wanted to become a vet since I love animals, and tried out an optometrist’s office, but found that the medical profession wasn’t for me. I loved my elementary school experience so much that I decided I wanted to become an elementary school teacher during college. I graduated from UH with a degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2006. I was hired on at the elementary school that I did my student teaching at, which also happened to be the school I attended when I was a child.
My heart is and will always be in education. During my 8 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade language arts in Alief ISD, I was named Teacher of the Year and served as team leader. After having my second child, I decided I needed a break after becoming burnt out. Teaching can really suck the energy right out of you, and I wanted to put that energy into my own two kids. Then after a few years, I found my way back into the classroom as a PK and Kindergarten teacher in FBISD. I loved the kids, the school, and my coworkers, but I was dealing with an internal struggle that ended up having me take another hiatus (which I felt at time that I would not return to education). I actually had a mental breakdown. After my second baby, I suffered from postpartum depression that eventually became clinical depression. Being that it ran in the family, and I had lingering childhood trauma that I needed to process, I was more susceptible to depression and anxiety. It took me 5 years different trying out different therapists, psychiatrists, and medications before I became stable enough to function normally and feel like I had my life back on track. During the fall and winter before COVID happened, I was finding myself again, making time to volunteer at my children’s school, working out, and divulging in hobbies that I haven’t had the time for.
One of those hobbies is decorating for events. I always loved helping family and friends plan and decorate their birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, etc. In January of 2020, right before COVID became huge, I hand-made a floral panel that I used for my sister’s and sister-in-law’s baby showers that were about a week apart. It served as the backdrop to their dessert tables as well as a photo op. I spent a lot of time making it, and decided I should put it on FB Marketplace to rent it out. I didn’t really think much of it, but then someone responded right away to rent it for a church event. And from there I got many inquiries but people began asking me to make balloon garlands. I had no idea how to make them, so I researched on YouTube and taught myself how. I started out very much an amateur, using balloon strips and curtain backdrops. I began booking into May, but then when the lockdown happened in March, EVERYONE canceled and I had all this inventory but no events to use them for. I had already made an IG and FB account, and ordered business cards and everything. One day I was scrolling on IG and saw something new; many balloon artists had begun making balloon bouquets, which are balloon structures that stand on their own and often involve using those large 40″ numbers. All of a sudden, I began getting orders once I made my first one and posted it. These were great during COVID because I could do contactless delivery. Everyone was so sad being cooped up at home and not being able to celebrate. So parents ordered bouquets for their kids, friends ordered for their loved ones, etc. In July I became so overwhelmed with orders I had to ask my two cousins to help. One to help do admin, and the other to be my balloon assistant. KC got my finances in order, and even helped me adjust things so that I was actually making a profit. Alan became my right hand man, and is still working with me to this day! I didn’t even need to really market myself because my wonderful neighbors in Sienna helped me get business by just word of mouth. From there, Blooming Events by Linda took off. Being busy making others happy with balloons helped me get through the long first few months of the lockdown. I even made it official and made it an LLC.
A year later, I decided I still wanted to be involved in education so I went back to work full time as a paraprofessional (assistant teacher) in a special needs classroom. Compared to being a classroom teacher, the decrease in hours and lower level of responsibility has allowed me to continue growing my small business on the side. Both my jobs are super fulfilling, and I am very happy to have found a way to continue my passion for teaching as well as having a creative outlet. I never thought I would become a small business owner. If you told me in 2019 that I would be, I’d have been very shocked. I’ve always considered myself more of a follower than a leader. I’d rather live in the shadows than in the spotlight. But creating and running Blooming Events by Linda has allowed me to grow in a way I never thought possible. I love the flexibility of setting my own hours, taking time off to recharge as needed, and being able to create new designs each time I do a balloon setup. I went from doing simple balloon garlands to offering elaborate setups that include backdrops and props. It boosts my self-confidence every time someone says they love my work, and Blooming Events by Linda will continue as long as it makes others and myself happy!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create balloon backdrops/event decor for personal and corporate events.
I specialize in creating luxury balloon garlands. I’m known for creating organic and unique designs.
I’m proud of where I am today because it has been a ROUGH road to get here. It isn’t just a business journey, but a personal journey.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My family, especially my husband, are my biggest supporters. I couldn’t do it without their encouragement during the difficult and best times.
I have collaborated with other vendors in the event decor business, including florists and marquee letter rental companies. Large scale events usually have several vendors that work together to make it work.
Contact Info:
- Email: bloomingeventsbylinda@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bloomingeventsbylinda
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingeventsbylinda
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloomingeventsbylinda
Image Credits
Linda Aranas
