Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Seim.
Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I discovered an incredible balloon installment when scrolling on Instagram and thought to myself, “I would love to learn how to create something that beautiful”. I then noticed the business was located in Nashville, TN where my husband and I were living at that time. My husband was completing a surgical fellowship in “Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Oncology” at Vanderbilt University. I decided to reach out to the owner of the Wop Bop Balloons and met with Kristen for coffee. She explained how she got started; her balloon business began as a hobby project for her and her retired father to do together. She was so kind and answered all of my questions regarding wholesaling, ordering, and balloon construction. At the conclusion of our coffee date, I volunteered to be their intern. To my surprise, they took me up on my idea. This allowed for me to gain exposure in the balloon business by creating some gorgeous installations in downtown Nashville. Kristen and Mike (her father) were incredibly generous with their guidance as I assisted them in creating installations for the CMA Foundation, historic Broadway businesses, and many local churches. The education and friendship they provided wasn’t something I was expecting, and I truly treasured to this day.
After we moved to Columbus, I was working part-time as a Registered Nurse and decided to launch To the Moon Balloon in August of 2019. This allowed me to become a balloon stylist I envisioned, offering custom balloon installations, balloon garlands, mosaic numbers, and more. It did not take long for To the Moon Balloon to blast off. I delivered a baby, our 3rd child, Maddox in March of 2020, so orders and installations slowed as I neared my due date. A few months later, also a few months into the pandemic, drive-by parties, and outdoor celebrations took my business to another level. I was incredibly humbled by all the positive feedback and interest in my organic balloon creations.
A fun fact, all of my balloons are air-filled, I do not use helium, which has become scarce and quite expensive. I take great pride in the product and services I deliver. For example, I only use natural rubber latex balloons, which are 100% biodegradable.
I am so thankful that I get to use a creative mind, work with my hands, and meet new friends every day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road; as with all industries, supply shortages have been an issue from time to time. For example, sometimes a certain color or size of balloon isn’t available. So, I will have to custom create a similar color by “double stuffing” one balloon inside another to create that color. That being said, this allows the bespoke balloons to be more durable and differ from others.
Also, because of these shortages it has allowed for connections to be made with other local balloon companies as a resource to find items we may need. There are some amazing & talented balloon stylists in central Ohio; we are so lucky. So, there’s a little lemonade from lemons happening here!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was raised in a very creative, artistic household. My mother is an exceptional seamstress and has always provided the supplies to be creative, craft, and express ourselves. I enjoy the freedom to envision and create balloons for every occasion. I also appreciate a collaboration of ideas from clients to create the exact vision they request for their event.
What are your plans for the future?
The current pace of business and exposure is exactly what I enjoy. I truly love meeting clients and creating something special for their occasion. All aspects of To the Moon Balloon are solely operated by me; maybe someday I will need an extra hand or two to help with deliveries and installations; however, right now, it’s just exactly how I love it.
As you can see from my portfolio of images, balloons can be used for so many wonderful occasions in so many different ways. They really add a dynamic element to the decor for any special event or holiday.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tothemoonballoon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/To.the.Moon.Balloon
