Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Rae Pierce.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Can you believe this all started as “birthday fairy” for my kids. After watching a local mommy blogger give a quick tutorial on an Instagram LIVE, I was obsessed.
Fast forward nine years later, one of my sweet friends was returning to work after battling cancer. A few of us wanted to welcome her back in a BIG way, so my contribution was one of my garlands. My friends were unaware that I had this skill set and asked me why I wasn’t trying to make balloon garlands as a business. I was flattered and shocked but thought it would be better to give it a go than not try at all. I immediately went home and created my company name, logo and started a business Instagram page. I have been creating balloon garlands every day since.
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?
I think I’ve always had very realistic expectation on what starting this journey would be. I knew it would not be easy, but like anything worth getting excited about, the hard work would be worth it.
Back in the early days, delivering my installs were very tricky to say the least. On a normal day, I was loading my GMC Acadia (for those who don’t know, it’s a smaller crossover SUV) with 15-20feet of design plus speciality mylar balloons. As a taller woman, this was always a funny sight to see. I would literally have my seat pushed forward as far as it would go, and I’d have the seat back past a 90-degree angle. My knees would be up to my ears, and I’d say a little prayer before I would leave the studio. I just knew if the airbag were to deploy, I could kiss my face goodbye.
I am happy to report after working crazy hard, just a few days past my 1-year anniversary of my business, I was able to purchase a much more suitable sized vehicle to deliver my “Pop Drops” in.
I have to give HUGE shout-out to my hubby for always finding me the best deals on everything. He was so determined to help me get to and from my jobs safely.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would describe my work as over-the-top balloon garlands and custom balloon installations. I always say, “if more is more isn’t your thing, I’m probably not the girl for you.” I would not consider my garlands your typical “arches” as they can take on many organic forms.
I pride myself in providing a quality product that last a very long time. I really enjoy creating custom balloon colors for my clients. But I’m most proud of the ability to give back to my community. Since day one, it’s been my mission to celebrate and love on people when sitting through difficult seasons of life. I provide my services free of charge for anyone battling cancer that may just need a pick me up or is celebrating coming home from the hospital to being done with chemo. I also provide my services free of charge to families bringing adopted babies home as my brother, and I are both adopted children.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With the ever-growing world of social media and influencers, I think there will always be a need for that Instagram-worthy photo and Tik Tok shock value. I only see this art form evolving to bigger and better displays. Every day this art form is getting more and more over the top. Just as fashion changes, we will see trends come and go, but I think this part of the balloon world is only getting started. The sky truly is limit; if you can dream it, someone can build it and bring it to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: PipPopBalloons.com
- Instagram: PipPopBalloons
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063982785569
