Balloons are a popular sight at festive events. Jessica Goines of Pittsfield has taken a love of balloons to the next level with her venture, Peachy Balloon Decor.
Goines designs, sets up, and tears down displays using balloons, backdrops, and other elements as decorations for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, and other private parties, as well as corporate conferences and public events. One specialty is creating visual focal points, such as arches and columns, for the event. “These structures are also where people can stand for photographs,” she said. Goines also creates custom balloon arrangements, garlands, and table centerpieces.
A nursing professional, Goines continues in that career while also operating Peachy Balloon Decor. She shared that several factors led to her venture, which she has been gradually developing. “I love making people happy,” she said. “I believe everyone has a natural gift, and this is mine. I came to it by chance, but I discovered this is where it’s at for me.”
An initial motivation was also financial. “When my son went to college, I wanted to generate additional income so I could help pay for his tuition and student loans,” she explained. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and several of my relatives operate businesses, so that seemed like a natural thing to do. I started considering the options and initially thought of ideas like starting a baking business.”
The catalyst that led her to a balloon-oriented business was an 80th birthday party for her mother several years ago. “I helped to plan it, and we ordered a setup with balloons,” she said. “But when I arrived at the party, I was disappointed because many of the balloons were partially deflated, and it looked like a mess. No one else seemed to notice, but it really bothered me.” She subsequently took an online course that taught her the skills and techniques for working with balloons as decorative features. “I also started doing this for people I knew for free as practice,” she said. “Then as I became more confident, I decided I was ready to start charging for it.”
At first, she relied on word-of-mouth referrals, then actively began promoting the venture through her network and social media, creating a website and a Facebook page. In November, she completed a project that significantly raised her public profile. The Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield contracted with her to create a lobby display to accompany the premiere and run of the film “Wicked: For Good”. “The head of the company in Michigan that owns the Beacon saw my work online and contacted me,” she recalled. “I consider that my real public introduction. It was an amazing experience. It seemed like everyone in Pittsfield saw that and mentioned it.”
Goines offers a variety of packages that include common elements and specific features, with rates based on the backdrop, scope of work, materials used, and travel time. She also handles other aspects of decorating, including designing, ordering supplies, and building decorations, showcasing her versatility across a range of event needs, from simple color themes to elaborate scene setups. As examples, she noted that Peachy Balloon Decor can create themes for children’s birthday parties, such as barnyards, superheroes, jungle safaris, and under-the-sea celebrations. One person wanted a Sesame Street theme,” she noted. “I created a street sign with the child’s name and used Sesame Street characters.”
Goines noted that her Facebook page and website showcase examples for clients to consider, and that she has a selection of existing decorative features that she can use as a base. “In some cases, they might see something on the website they like,” she said. “Or they might have their own ideas, and I’ll build it. My role is to bring their vision to life.”
She also tries to visit the venue to assess the space and visualize the arrangements that would work best. Based on that, she prepares a mockup of her suggested designs for the client. Another aspect is the selection of balloons, which she purchases from wholesale suppliers. In some cases, clients prefer a more uniform set of shapes and sizes. Others prefer the “organic style,” in which balloons are arranged more naturally, with a broader range of sizes and uneven clusters. Still other options include balloons in specific shapes, such as numbers for birthdays or anniversaries.
In addition to deciding on the most appropriate colors, shapes, and sizes, Goines considers other factors. “Balloons have different characteristics,” she said. “Basic quality is important. You want a balloon that will remain inflated and hold its shape throughout the event.”
The material composition may also be a factor. “Latex balloons are fine for many occasions, but they’re not always suitable,” Goines said. “I’ll use different material for a decoration that goes into hospitals or other situations where people may be physically sensitive to that.” After finalizing the design, Goines prepares the elements. “Whenever possible, I try to go before the day of the events to set everything up,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist, so I want to be able to have enough time to do it right in advance.”
Peachy Balloons Decor is available for events throughout the Berkshires and western Massachusetts, as well as nearby areas in adjacent states. Goines noted that she finds it rewarding to contribute to the success of an event. “It makes me happy when I know that I’ve helped people feel good about an important event in their lives,” she said.
Email peachyballoonsdecor@gmail.com to discuss your event and book an appointment.
