Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Prestol.
Hi Gianna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From a young age, I’ve been a natural-born performer. I’ll never forget learning the ABCs with an Elvis Presley accent – it was like entertainment was in my blood. This creative spark led me to early ventures in theatre and choir, and as I grew older, I explored a passion for various creative outlets, from poetry to makeup and character performances. But little did I know that balloon artistry would become my true calling.
The turning point came during my early twenties when I worked for my first character company. They introduced me to the art of balloon twisting, and it was love at first twist. I started making balloon animals at every opportunity, sharing the joy with colleagues by crafting wearables during downtime at work. (Imagine a bunch of servers running around with balloon flower bracelets on for no reason.) I was so dedicated that I practiced tirelessly at home, watching countless YouTube tutorials until I perfected each technique.
However, there were obstacles in my journey, like my battle with CPTSD and the challenge of balloon popping. Nevertheless, my passion for balloon artistry drove me forward.
Then came the unexpected hurdle – the pandemic, which devastated many entertainment companies and small businesses. I found myself without a creative outlet, and this period became one of the darkest times in my life. My chronic illnesses and mental health hit an all-time low, pushing me to make a change.
In April 2022, I founded Gia’s Balloon Buddies, a venture driven by a commitment to prioritize my health and happiness. I designed the business to offer an inclusive, relaxed environment. Initially, I intended to be the sole artist, but in less than a year after opening, I was overwhelmed with requests, making it clear that more artists were needed. I started training a team, and word about our unique approach spread like wildfire. Now, in just 1.5 years, we’ve grown to a team of 12 members with two partners. I’m deeply humbled and honored to have brought Gia’s Balloon Buddies to life.
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?
It’s safe to say that the journey hasn’t been a smooth one. As a young business owner, I’ve encountered my fair share of outside obstacles, from facing racism to dealing with theft, no-shows, and even broken partnerships. There have been moments when it’s been incredibly discouraging, and I’ve shed more than a few tears making me question if I’m on the right path.
But I also need to mention that I’ve been my own obstacle at times, struggling with self-doubt and listening to the naysayers who tell me I can’t or I shouldn’t. It’s a challenge that many entrepreneurs face.
Nevertheless, when I look at the countless smiling faces brought about by a simple act like creating a balloon animal, all my doubts vanish. It’s these moments of joy and connection that remind me why I embarked on this adventure in the first place.
We’ve been impressed with Gia’s Balloon Buddies LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Gia’s Balloon Buddies, we’re not just creating balloon animals; we’re in the business of spreading smiles. We’re a unique business with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. We’ve teamed up with two fantastic partners, Princess Grace Events LLC, and Dino Buddies LLC, each bringing their own special touch to make your events unforgettable. Dino Buddies provides exciting reptile encounters, while Princess Grace Events offers Superhero and Princess Glam packages.
What sets us apart in the balloon artistry world is our dedication to line-work-style balloons. We specialize in creating simple, 1-4 balloon animals designed to bring a quick dose of happiness. While we certainly make classics like the dog, my personal favorite is the flower bracelet.
At Gia’s Balloon Buddies, we take pride in making everyone feel welcome. Our menus are designed to cater to a variety of events, and we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure they are user-friendly for all ages. With reduced option picture menus for non-readers and color menus for easy selection, we’ve thought of it all. Some menus even feature QR codes for quick access to our website and Venmo for easy tipping and payment.
Our commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop at the menus. All our artists are equipped with bag chairs, fans for hot days, snacks, water, and timers because we know that time flies when you’re having fun! Plus, we’re always ready to provide additional accommodations as needed. It’s a level of service I found lacking in my six years in the entertainment industry, which is why I decided to provide it for myself and our dedicated artists.
One of the secrets to our success is collaboration. We believe that everyone’s unique input adds to the beauty of our work. We continually ask our artists what they need to thrive in this unique work environment. We understand that one person’s path to success may differ from another’s, and we embrace that diversity. This spirit of collaboration led to the creation of our menus, logo, shirts, and even new balloon animals.
When you book with Gia’s Balloon Buddies, you’re not just getting balloon artists; you’re inviting genuine, talented individuals who are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to sharing joy. Our company is built for everyone, and we take pride in being inclusive, accessible, and genuinely customer-oriented. We’ve crafted a brand that we’re truly proud of, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
There are several ways to get involved and support Gia’s Balloon Buddies. We’re always excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for spreading joy! If you’re interested in teaming up with us for an event, whether it’s a children’s party, corporate gathering, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of whimsy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll work closely with you to create memorable experiences for your guests.
For those who simply want to enjoy our services, you can easily book us for your events. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a special celebration, or a corporate event, we’re here to bring a burst of colorful joy with our balloon animals and line work-style creations. You can find all the information you need on our website to make a booking.
We also appreciate the support of our community and clients. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for any small business. If you’ve enjoyed your experience with Gia’s Balloon Buddies, we’d be grateful if you could spread the word to friends and family. Sharing your positive experiences with us on social media platforms by leaving reviews can also make a significant impact.
In addition, you can engage with us on social media. Follow us on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on our latest balloon creations, events, and news. Liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts not only brightens our day but also helps us reach a wider audience.
Whether it’s through collaboration, bookings, word of mouth, or social media interaction, every bit of support you offer makes a tremendous difference in our journey to spread joy and inclusivity. We truly appreciate your support in any form!
Pricing:
- Basic Balloon Twister Package – $85
- Deluxe Balloon Twister Package – $125
- Ballooning Character Package – $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.giasballoonbuds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giasballoonbuds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiasBalloonBuds
