It’s amazing just how much balloons can completely change the environment. They are enough to take a stale and stuffy space and turn it into a festive spot ready for hours of partying. No one knows this like Gabrielle Helmerichs. For the past two years, she has worked her magic for events, transforming drab into fab with just a few twists and turns. As a Springfield milestone photographer, I’ve gotten to see her hard work through Balloons By Gabi quite a bit, and I am always impressed! Recently, I was able to interview her and find out how her business has taken off since she first got started. If you are looking for the best way to zhuzh up your next event, here’s why you need her around!
About Balloons By Gabi
Springfield, Illinois
If there’s one thing you need to know about Balloons By Gabi, it’s that she loves hosting events. In fact, this is why she got into the business in the first place! She was constantly throwing some form of a party, and she loved the life that balloons brought to the atmosphere. She ordered them every chance she got. Then, one day, something horrible happened. The person she normally ordered her balloons from moved away. She wasn’t about to let this issue rain on her parade, however.
When she saw that there were no other balloon experts within the community, she decided to step in herself. She excitedly learned how to create her very own designs so she could bring some color and some cheer to people all across the area. When I chatted with her about her business, she explained, “At the heart of it, I just love being part of people’s special celebrations. I really believe balloons bring such a unique and joyful touch to any event, and it makes me happy to bring that to life for others.” She made her business official in February of 2023 and has been elevating events ever since.
How She Got Here
While Balloons By Gabi is booming today, there were quite a few challenges starting out. When we talked, she told me that in the beginning, she wasn’t sure if this was the right path. She knew that event decor would mean being away on the weekends, and her schedule was already tight. As a wife, a mother, and an owner of another small business, she was conflicted about adding something else. Luckily, she had some good people on her side. She had long conversations about it with her husband, and he encouraged her to take the leap.
Even then, it was still hard to get started. She explained that it took so much elbow grease to get the project off the ground, but she feels incredibly rewarded now that she has a dedicated client base. Gabi continues to find the work/life balance by “setting priorities and being present where I’m needed the most.” She has expansion as her long-term goal with the hopes of opening up a venue of her own down the line. At this time, however, she views Balloons by Gabi as a way to brighten up celebrations while filling up her weekend.
While the dedication to juggling her businesses and her family might be hard at times, she manages to do it in style! Since opening up her business, she’s run a half-marathon at Zion National Park, continues to raise some adorable kiddos, and has encouraged others as they branch out into similar careers. When I asked her about how she stands apart from the rest of the event designers, she explained, “Honestly, I feel like there is room for everyone in this business! I don’t necessarily consider anybody my competition! I feel like we all have our niche, and I’m so happy that I’ve found mine!”
Services
Gabi specializes in organic balloon garlands for pretty much every event. When you book her services, you are going to start out by telling her all about your party. She has worked for shop openings, graduation parties, baby showers, birthdays, and so much more. She knows how to take a theme and dress it up to align with your vision! You will work with her to pick out colors, garland shapes, and any specialty designs you might want to include. She has a long list of options for your project, including freestanding garland, grab-and-go garland, curved archways, grass walls, and party towers. Don’t know what that means? Don’t worry. She does, and she will help you find the ideal look!
While she might have earned her reputation on balloon garlands, the sky is the limit with Gabi’s work. No, literally. Recently, she started adding helium balloons to her offerings. Not only can she help you with things like numbers and words, but she can craft gorgeous structures that will liven up your tabletops. She has also expanded her business to include rental items, including things that might normally be paired with garland. You can work with her to find pieces like metal arches and spandex covers. Trust me, this is going to give you a photo-worthy backdrop your guests can’t wait to share.
Specialty
Gabi prides herself on her word-of-mouth approach to her work. You won’t find her in any local shops or chain stores. Instead, she updates her social media with everything you could need to know about booking her services. If you do want to use her for your next event (and of course you do! She’s great!), you can head over to her Instagram or Facebook and send her a direct message through her business page. She also has her number directly on her page, so you can text her your order. From there, she will get to understand your vision so you can give you an estimate.
I Hope You Enjoyed Meeting The Mastermind Of Balloons By Gabi
With Balloons by Gabi, your next party is going to shine. Don’t just take my word for it, though! Head over to her Instagram and Facebook page and give her a follow. That way, you never have to miss out on some amazing decor.
Are you looking for more ways to make your next celebration extra memorable? Then I have you covered! I am a Springfield milestone photographer, and I adore working with families so they can remember every single moment throughout these years. If you have been considering booking a session, I would love to chat with you so you can see if my style matches yours. Send me a message today to find out more!
