Today we’d like to introduce you to Tuyet Nguyen.
Tuyet, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was working as a Total Loss Adjuster. Everyday I had to deliver news to the customers that their vehicle was deemed a Total Loss in an accident. Day after day I delivered the same bad news to different customers. It was draining me. My sister asked me to help plan her gender reveal and here I was browsing and scrolling through the curated images on Pinterest, One-click lead to another and I was just lost in the sauce. I started seeing more and more Balloon Decorations pop up. And I thought to myself – “I can make that!” I waited until the day before the event to set up the balloons. It took me hours just to inflate the balloons by hand and then to string them together, I hung it from the ceiling and thought, “WOW! I did that!!”
I was so proud of it. As the event carried on throughout the day- The balloons kept sinking… lower and lower. It became a whole different shape by the time the party was over. I started looking through the pictures of the Gender Reveal – and thought… “Why did it droop? What went wrong?” I was determined to “perfect” it. It almost became an addiction. Luckily, I have a big family. And birthdays were almost every month. I volunteered to make balloons for all my cousins’ big celebrations. It was more practice time and more creating time for me.
After each balloon install that I would create – I would look back at pictures and dissect it. “Where could I add more volume? Did I attach too many balloons in this area? These colors did not blend well.” I would take the experience from the previous install and still try to “perfect” the next install. When I realized this whole time. There is no such thing as “Perfect” balloons. Balloons are round and they are meant to just freely flow with its surroundings.
Building the confidence – I finally started uploading my work online. I was still working full time as an adjuster and doing balloons on the side for fun. A hobby to keep my mind positive. I started to enjoy the happiness the balloons brought me from the reaction that I would get from clients that I would pick up on the weekends. I thought long and hard. Could I picture myself giving out bad news everyday or would I rather celebrate and bring some joy to people and their celebrations?
I quit my day job. AND IT WAS THE SCARIEST / BOLDEST decision that I have ever made. I had no idea how to run a business – at this point, it was just an expensive hobby! Quitting my day job meant that I had to “Go and Get it.” As I’m sitting on the floor of my living room blowing up balloons – my daughter is there next to me. So curious and Interested just as much as I am – if not more! She gets to see all the behind the scene work and sometimes gets to come along on the deliveries. She is a sponge. Soaking it all in. Quitting my job meant that I have more free time to be with her and teach her how to hustle with heart. To be honest she’s the one behind the scenes picking the color combinations!
I started doing some research online on how others were constructing their balloon garlands. I would buy a bunch of balloons and start practicing techniques and color combinations. The internet is a BLESSING. I learned how to first make the balloons by watching videos and taking what I learned to practice. I started adding my own flare to it and it caught some attention.
I love what I do so much more now and I feel like you can see it through my work. I love meeting new people and getting to know their stories. There is always something to celebrate. Whether you are welcoming a new baby, Retirement Party, a PAWty for your fur babies, Birthdays. Celebrating is UNIVERSAL. I know that I am where I am supposed to be now. And that’s delivering happiness everywhere I go. One Celebration at a time!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
NOT AT ALL. From not knowing how to price, transportation, emails getting lost in the spam folder, that Texas heat popping balloons. Each install has its own challenges. Just when I think that I have figured out the secret formula. I get thrown a curve ball that knocks me off track.
My biggest struggle was understanding that work is not going to be given to me. Exposure is everything!! I knew how to create beautiful Balloon Installs. The problem was getting it in front of the right people! Covid happened in 2020 – Everything shut down. Celebrations were on a halt. I had to think quickly… how can I keep my business alive if we aren’t allowed to gather?
DRIVE BY EVENTS!! If there is one thing about us humans. We love to celebrate. Whether it’s a big gathering or intimate. Birthdays are still scheduled for once a year! Babies are still being born! Why not do it Drive By style – almost like a car parade!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are Event Decorators and we specialize in Balloon Decor! We are known for our Unique Balloon Designs. I am most proud of our GROWTH. Not quitting and still pushing through all the challenges of running a business that is not considered “Essential” during a time of crisis.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My Daughter – for teaching me again how much I love arts and crafts. I get to do it for a living! My husband who believes in this wild dream of mine. My family – Thank you for being so large and so supportive – for that I get to Balloon every month for your birthdays! My Clients – Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your celebrations! And to share this moment of happiness!
Pricing:
- Balloon Garlands starts off at $17.50 per ft (Minimum 10ft)
- Balloon Walls (8ft x 8ft) – Starts off at $350.00
- Custom Jumbo Helium Filled Balloons – Starts off at $35.00
Contact Info:
- Email: balloon.wasted@gmail.com
- Website: www.balloonwasted.com/hire
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/balloonwasted
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/balloonwasted
Image Credits
@chinsphoto @rebeccachesney_photoandfilm
