Today we’d like to introduce you to Yahaira Pulido.
Hi Yahaira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is similar to a lot of other recent small businesses. I started mine during the pandemic. My job had just sent us home with a pay cut due to COVID-19. I panicked because my daughter had just been accepted to an out-of-city college she worked so hard to get accepted to. The timing couldn’t have been worse. I prayed to God asking him to give me an idea or a way to supplement my income. One day, I was having lunch with my friend, and I just want to include I’m not a social media person. I had no idea what was going on in the world. I didn’t even have a Facebook. She said, “hey have you seen what’s trending right now?” She went to her Facebook and showed me some photos of parties that had very beautiful balloon decor. I said, “people pay for that!?” For me, I instantly knew that was what I was going to do. I did my research on balloon decor, and I found this lady online that was doing an in-person balloon training, but space was limited due to COVID. It was very expensive so I was skeptical if it would really be worth it. I went ahead and decided that there would only be one way to find out. I went to the class, and was very nervous- I almost walked out twice wanting to give up. The teacher even picked on me saying come on you can do it, anyone can do it. I called my boyfriend, and he encouraged me to stay. Eight hours later, I completed the class and started my journey of learning the balloon business. I started off by reaching out to my friends, and telling them I had just started a balloon business and wanted to get some practice in. I would ask them if I could do anything for the party at no charge. Anything to get the practice in that I needed. Over time my installations were progressively getting better and better. I had started charging people, but not enough to profit. With more experience, I learned how to budget my costs, and not waste as much practicing and increasing my job completion time- I finally started profiting. Now I am booked every weekend, and am confident in my work. I am still trying to grow my brand, and I hope to become a common resource for party and event decor.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. I have a full-time job that is very demanding. I have 3 girls that challenge me in every way. I have wanted to give up multiple times. A lot of people don’t believe in the balloon business or aren’t aware of its art. It’s been hard to get my name out there and have people value my work. People think balloon decor is inexpensive, but it takes a lot of work- it’s not easy. I’ve lost many jobs due to pricing, and I price on the lower end of the spectrum. I’m just trying to find my balance in this business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Yahaira Pulido, and I am a balloon artist who creates lavish balloon decor for parties, and events. I specialize in creatively bringing ideas to life. As a parent myself, I understand the stress that comes with planning a party. There comes a point where we have to make the decision of what will be homemade and what will be purchased for the sake of my sanity and the aesthetics of the party. It has to be perfect. So in my opinion I really specialize in providing that relief you need. You know you’re paying for something professional that will become the focal point of the party- it sets the ambiance. I create something you had in your head, and make it a perfect photo opportunity to last a lifetime.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I follow a lot of other women who have the same dream and vision. What I like about it is that we help each other out. I haven’t come across someone who hasn’t given me a tip or hasn’t wanted to help with their advice.
My biggest resource was networking with like-minded women. I started by networking with those who inspired me through Instagram. Who have the same dream and vision as I have. I studied what they were doing in their business, and applied it to my own. What I like about it is that we help each other out. I haven’t come across someone who hasn’t given me a tip or who hasn’t wanted to help with their advice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonlavishevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balloonlavishevents
