Today we’d like to introduce you to Keenan Price
Hi Keenan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What started as a side hustle making balloon animals at birthday parties 11 years ago, has evolved into a team of 90+ professionals that decorate for thousands of events across 20+ states!
I got my start in the balloon world when I was trying to survive as a broke, starving college student. One day, I was sitting on a park bench making balloon animals to pass the time. After making balloon animals for a few minutes, a group of kids ran up to me and asked if they could have the balloon animals I had made. I happily gave them to the kids and to my surprise, after a few minutes each kid ran back and gave me a $5 bill. At the time I was making $8 per hour measuring people’s feet at a shoe store so making $20 in 15 minutes made me feel like I had won the lottery.
That experience lead to me making balloon animals at parks every weekend which lead to requests to make balloon animals at birthday parties. Then, those birthday parties lead to requests to make balloon animals for corporate and community events. Before long, people began asking if I could also make balloon arches as well and soon I was traveling all over the country creating all sorts of art pieces.
Fast forward a few years and I decided to go all-in on making once-in-a-lifetime events unforgettable with balloon art. There is just something so magical about filling an entire space full of balloons, it brings out the child in all of us. I have seen a room of boring insurance and banking professionals (no offense) come to life, laugh and jump around after seeing our creations.
Then covid happened… events were banned, friends were separated, we all entered a period of isolation, and mental health struggles soared. That period of life was so painful. I had always known that gathering as colleagues, friends and families was an essential part of happiness and the human experience, but that period of time really solidified that in my soul. Without getting together with those we love the most, what do we really have?
After a rough year and a half, things began opening back up and events were back in full force. At that time I became more committed than ever to help people celebrate those magical once-in-a-lifetime moments and really focus on what makes life worth living. That’s my goal and my vision, balloons are just a really effective tool to make that happen.
Today, each time a client reaches out to us about an upcoming event, we encourage them to set aside the details, budgets and logistics for a moment, and really focus on the reason for the celebration. Focus on the moment. Focus on the people. Focus on the magic. Because one day, our lives will end and the only thing we will really have to cherish are the memories we made and the people we shared them with.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If there’s one thing I can say about my time as a balloon artist, it’s that I’ve gotten really resilient when it comes to life popping my balloons. ha! I can’t actually remember a moment of my journey that was smooth or problem free. But I’ve loved the journey (most of it at least) all the same.
The Pandemic was definitely the lowest point for me. We were forced to shut down, the entire event industry collapsed, and I had to let my team know they’d need to find new jobs because Balloon Artisan probably wouldn’t survive.
With a renewed understanding of the importance that events play in our lives, after the Pandemic ended in 2022, I worked on rebuilding my team and we made a goal to help as many people as possible to celebrate life’s most precious moments. To do this, we’ve actually expanded into more than 20 states and take on thousands of events across the country each year.
That has been a really exciting initiative to be a part of but it has also been incredibly difficult and stressful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Balloon Artisan?
Balloon Artisan makes the coolest balloon arches and decorations on the planet! You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression or to relive a once-in-a-lifetime moment. We are hear to make sure those impressions and moments are unforgettable.
If you’re needing help celebrating a corporate event, grand opening, birthday party, baby shower, graduation or anything else, we will move mountains to make sure we go above and beyond for you.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I really love the book “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara. People who work in the event and hospitality industries are trusted with some of life’s most precious moments. That book is one of the best resources out there for learning how to go above and beyond!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balloonartisan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonartisan
