Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Kinney.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a loving and creative wife and mom, I always went the extra mile on their special day. I would decorate and create memorable experiences they could look back on. They loved it. I loved doing it. Friends and family took notice and asked me to create memorable experiences for them and their loved ones. It was an incredible feeling to be able to assist in making their celebrations memorable.
Only recently, I was a risk taker. Routine predictability and control provided comfort and security. As a mom of 4 those were extremely important. However, normal mom duties became boring and unfulfilling. The businesswoman, creator, entrepreneur, and artist were all itching to come out and shine as the loving mother and wife always had. My family became my only priority, and I lost myself. I knew I was meant to do far more. Self-doubt and mom guilt made me believe I could not do it all. There was no way I could be a room parent, PTA member, assist in my husband’s business, be a loving wife, and venture out on my own to start a new business, my business! However, the passion and determination I felt to prove to myself (as we indeed are our own worst critics) “I could do it!” became too great to ignore. I had to step out of my comfort zone and look and dig deep from within, take that leap, and be the best possible version of myself I could be. So I created Blown|Events by Nikki.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth; early on, I quickly realized blowing balloons and creating decor for friends and family was significantly different from running a business. The days are longer and more tiring than I had Imagined. The stress and work are more than I thought I could handle, but I have learned that I am stronger and more capable than I once believed.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Blown|Events by Nikki offers luxury balloon decor for every budget and occasion. We have some great local balloon artists, and I have watched and learned from some of the best. The reason I started doing my balloons and those of my friends and family was in large part because I wanted beautiful balloon decor for our parties, but I could not always work them into the budget. I am now a Certified balloon artist and know the endless possibilities of balloons and balloon decor. I want to share my craft with everyone that loves and appreciates the art and feed my creative passion.
Blown|Events by Nikki bridges the gap between Expensive and extravagant balloon decor, making it affordable for everyone. We do that by using the knowledge we gained in becoming a CBA, our creativity, attention to detail, and creating something magical no matter the budget. Our creations start at just 45.00.
Most of my clients are repeat customers and referrals. Their support and trust in me have meant the most as it has helped me see it in myself! While I love what we do and am forever grateful to my amazing clients and supportive friends and family, I am most proud of the self-growth/discovery I have found in building this brand.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
This answer came so easily; I have learned that often we are our own worst critics. The self-doubt and mom guilt I felt almost kept me from unlocking the best version of myself. It has been challenging, but because I am here through it all, I have a new respect for myself and a new vision. I can be a great mom, wife, creator, and successful entrepreneur. I am confident that I am all of the above. A lesson I didn’t know I needed, and so grateful to have learned. If I fail, I only fail myself. But if I succeed, the success is not only mine but for those stuck in their self-doubt. It creates hope and inspires other women, especially mothers. We can Do and have it all. I am blessed to have amazing, supportive friends. They have inspired me along my journey. I plan to do the same for others. Although I am early on in this long journey, it has proven to be more rewarding than I could have imagined. Take the risk. Always.
Pricing:
- Mini Garlands-45.00
- Grab n Go garlands start at $90.00
- Organic garlands start at 25.00 per foot
- Jumbo Helium balloons-95.00
- Traditional Arches-$350.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Eventsbynikkiandco.com
- Instagram: @BLOWN_EVENTSBYNIKKI
Image Credits
Sadie Photography
