Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Camargo.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually stumbled upon this profession. It started with me youtubing how to make a balloon column because I wanted to decorate for my babyshower. Proud of my little column, I posted it on my Instagram. Someone a few months later asked me to make one for their child’s birthday party and posted that design as well. I continued to get request and would install at a discounted rate so I could practice and get commissioned as well. Once I learned the art of balloons my perspective changed. I seen how much artistic value it had. I became intrigued, I looked into the financial aspect- how much could be made and decided to pursue it. I made a page & and a website. At that time the market wasn’t as saturated with balloon artist. The demand was high and it came easy to me. I was a stay at home mom and it was a quick and fun way for me to make money as a side hustle and also incorporate my kids into it. They’ve learned the basics, such as the components to building a balloon garland, making a dog & a flower. They would help me load up the trucks for installs they loved it as much as I did. It kept us busy and a cool way to bond with my kiddos.
As a hobby it was fun but I wanted more, so I proceeded to take in person and online classes with some of the best artist in the game. I enhanced my craft and it just took off from there. I got alot of exposure, I came out on telemundo during covid and in the Dallas morning news paper in the same week. It was such a accomplishment and proud moment for me. I started to move out of residential installs into corporate clients and money really started to flow in and I was able to create on a larger scale. I’ve worked with a few Amazon’s during the holidays, Hornitos Tequila & Maker’s Mark, Piadas Italian. I got the opportunity to install for businesses around DFW and with Dallas influencer’s. I’ve gotten recognition and built great friendships throughout the years. It has been a journey but to see how much progress was made, I greatly appreciate the highs & lows of entrepreneurship through out the 5 years. Almost 2 years ago I stepped away from doing balloons full time and decided to go back to school and pursue a career in construction for project engineer. Which was a total 360 from where I was at. I’m currently working on my degree in Construction Management and working full time in the field. I step out for clients when inquires arise. The art of balloons is still something I hold dearly to my heart. I plan to open a store front in the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Stepping into entrepreneurship was not easy. The beginning was all about building client relationships. Learning how to incorporate overhead cost. Separating the hobby from the business. Standing firm on my prices and not folding. The inconsistencies of not always having work had me reconsider many times if it was for me. It sometimes felt easier to say “forget it”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Balloon Installations. I am a balloon artist. I can make life size balloon sculptures and I feel like that’s what sets me apart from the other businesses in the DFW market. I am really proud of how far I’ve come with the craft. The money I had been able to generate off of talent and doing something that brought me joy was a huge for me. I had doubted myself too many times. Also, I am proud of the big names I had once dreamt of working with, to The exposure that has found me &the art pieces I have been able to create. I pour ed every ounce of effort i had into my business and proud of Laura’s Loons in every way!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Definitely would say- and this goes for any trade. . Invest in yourself/business. Take classes, go to the conferences, buy the tools that will help make the job easier for you. It takes money to make money and I learned that early on. Taking classes from professionals that generate millions in the craft has really changed my perspective and helped me level up in so many ways and stepping out the mind set of “it’s for fun” to “it’s business”
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.laurasloons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=1r7kqrcgty2jy&utm_content=50fqu9a
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FKeaEZ9eH/
