Conversations with Kelli-Ann Littrell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli-Ann Littrell.

Kelli-ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My balloon business actually started during one of the hardest times in my life. While I was pregnant, my son was born unexpectedly at just 23 weeks. Suddenly, instead of preparing to bring a baby home, I was spending my days in the hospital, navigating the NICU and all of the emotions and uncertainty that came with it.

During that time, I stumbled across balloon décor and realized it was something I could actually turn into a business. It gave me something positive to focus on and, for the first time in a while, something to be genuinely excited about. I loved the idea of creating something that was completely mine.

What started as a creative outlet during a traumatic chapter of my life slowly became a real business. Building it gave me a sense of purpose outside of everything we were going through, and watching it grow into what it is today has been incredibly special. Balloons may seem like such a simple thing, but for me, they represent a fresh start, creativity, and the opportunity to build something of my own.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, one of the biggest challenges was just balancing everything. I had a newborn at home on oxygen, tons of doctors’ appointments, and at the same time I was trying to learn a completely new craft and somehow turn it into a business.

I was definitely learning balloons as I went, but putting myself out there was probably the hardest part. Posting my work online when I was still figuring things out was way outside of my comfort zone. I had to learn to stop overthinking it, post the picture, and just keep going.

There was a lot of trial and error—and there still is! But every order, every post, and every new design helped me get a little more confident. I really just kept showing up, learning, and figuring it out along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create custom balloon décor for pretty much anything—birthdays, baby showers, graduations, grand openings, corporate events, you name it. I do everything from simple grab-and-go garlands and towers to bigger custom installations.

I think one thing that sets me apart is that I try to make balloons work for everyone. Not every event needs a huge setup or a huge budget. Sometimes you just need something fun that makes the space feel special. I also really love working with local businesses and incorporating their colors, logos, and branding into the designs.

Honestly, I’m most proud of how much this little business has grown. I started it while working full time, taking care of a newborn with a lot of medical needs, and having absolutely no idea what I was doing half the time. 😂 I was learning balloons, learning how to run a business, and trying to convince myself to actually post my work for people to see.

I didn’t wait until everything was perfect—I just kept going. I learned from every setup, took chances, said yes to opportunities that scared me, and slowly built relationships with people and businesses in my community.

And it’s still just me! When you message my business, you’re talking to the same person who designs your balloons, makes them, loads the car, shows up and installs them. I think people appreciate that personal side of working with a small business.

It’s pretty crazy to look at where I started and see what it’s become. I’m really proud that I built something of my own, and I’m still excited to see where I can take it.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’m actually not originally from this area—I’m from the East Coast(Massachusetts)—so moving here was definitely a change for me. But what I’ve really grown to love about this community is the people. I’ve made some amazing friends, and there always seems to be something fun going on or something new to do. It’s really become home for me. Now, if we could just work on the seafood situation, I’d be all set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Rivercityballoon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivercityballoonbabe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DxokN4Wz7/
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/Ks9AZBZ