I recently caught up with Greg from Balloon Market for Behind the Balloons on BMTV. We talked about my journey as a balloon artist, how our industry has changed, and something that matters just as much as the finished installation: finding a better balance between running a balloon business and living your life.
It was a pleasure to be back. Greg and the BMTV team have done so much to share practical knowledge, introduce talented artists and connect the balloon community. I have learned a great deal from their shows over the years, and I am grateful for the chance to be part of this conversation.
A journey through the balloon industry
My introduction to balloons began as a teenager, helping in my mother’s flower and balloon business. Since then, the journey has taken me from building my own business in Sydney to teaching internationally, working on television and creating large-scale balloon installations.
In the interview, we revisit my involvement with Blow Up and the POP Art exhibition at Chadstone. Projects like these show what balloon art can achieve when decorators, twisters and other creative professionals come together.
You can read more about that collaboration in our Chadstone POP Art story.
How sharing knowledge has changed balloon design
One of the biggest changes I have seen is how quickly we can now learn from one another. Online training, social media and industry events have connected balloon artists who once worked largely in isolation.
Techniques that previously took years to discover are now much easier to explore. That creates exciting opportunities for new balloon decorators, while reminding us that today’s ideas are built on the knowledge and generosity of the people who came before us.
That spirit of sharing is a big part of why I created BalloonPro. Our balloon training videos and balloon design tools help professionals develop their skills and plan their work.
Growing a balloon business without doing everything yourself
Greg and I also discuss the realities of running a balloon business: looking after a team, making decisions and keeping up with the demands of events and deliveries.
For me, progress has included refining the work we take on, understanding what works best for the business and investing in a team I trust. A bigger team or a busier calendar does not automatically mean a better balance.
Creating more capacity has helped me step back from some of the day-to-day work. It gives me room for other projects, exercise and family, while continuing to support the business and the people in it.
There is more to the story than the Instagram highlights
The conversation also moves beyond business. We talk about difficult periods, the pressure behind the scenes and the value of being honest when someone asks how you are doing.
A social media feed can show the beautiful installations without showing everything it took to get there. I hope this conversation offers a useful reminder that every creative business is run by real people, with responsibilities and lives outside their work.
For me, finding balance is an ongoing process. Making time for health, family and the things I enjoy is part of that process, alongside the creativity that brought me into balloons in the first place.
Watch the interview with Greg from Balloon Market
Whether you are starting a balloon business or have been in the industry for years, I hope you enjoy this catch-up. Thank you again to Greg and the BMTV team for the warm welcome and for making space for an open conversation.
Watch the full Behind the Balloons interview on YouTube or jump to one of the sections below.
- 3:01 — My journey in the balloon industry
- 5:42 — How the industry has evolved
- 7:45 — Running a balloon business in Sydney
- 11:30 — Managing the pressures of business
- 17:45 — Being honest about how you feel
Explore BalloonPro.co for balloon design software, practical training and resources for the balloon community.