Meet Yolanda Banks | Balloon Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There really was no initial thought process to starting my own business, it sort of just fell into my lap so to speak. In 2018, after losing my father, depression set in and in an effort to fill that void, I became dependent on retail therapy, spending money I really did not have. Shopping gave me a way out of dealing with the pain, all the while digging myself into debt. In 2019, a friend of mine asked me to do balloons for her daughter’s birthday because she noticed how I decorated for my kids parties. I told her I’ve never done balloons before and she sent me a picture of a balloon column and said just try to do this, so I did. I made my way to YouTube University and learned basic balloon decor 101 from experienced artist and continued to practice my craft even taking balloon classes.
In 2020, covid hit, bringing our country to a standstill, yet people still found ways to celebrate. I begin posting my balloon work on social media and family and friends started to take notice asking to pay me to do balloons for them. I made the business legit and obtained a DBA in the name of Pretty 4 Show Creations. As the business prospered, I decided to change the name to incorporate balloons in the title because I concluded full events was not my ministry and I only wanted to do balloons. This is where Balloon Euphoria, LLC was created. In the first year alone, I grossed 40k which was great for a part time weekend business!
It’s been 5 years since my father has transitioned, and I came to the conclusion that I’ve been able to keep him alive through balloon decor. As weird as it may sound, every balloon inflated and deflated is the equivalent of inhaling and exhaling so he lives through my designs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am passionate about providing the best service possible to my clients and am proud to say I have repeat clientele which speaks volumes in this industry because that is what keeps the business successful. Without my clients, my business is nothing. Working in corporate America has definitely assisted me with my business plan and it has not been easy. I’ve spent countless nights trying to improve not only my designs, but also execute contracts, maintain my own website and market through social media which is my biggest challenge.
I’ve learned that a healthy work life balance is extremely important not only to grow your business but for your health as well. It’s imperative that you take time out for yourself as well as your immediate family and not get caught up with taking every job.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a line dancer at heart, so Jaks Grill on Shepherd is one of my favorite Zydeco spots with a live band on Friday nights! Anywhere in Houston that I can dance, have great drinks and listen to good music is where I will be.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Karlin Banks, has been supportive of my business since day 1. He actually came up with the initial business name. He understood the sacrifice I had to endure being away from him and the children for events and made sure he held things down as the business grew. Though he can’t tie a balloon to save his life, he never hesitated to step in to assist me with transporting and installations. I am extremely grateful to him and our 4 children for stepping in to make this a family business. Balloons are simply a part of our lives.

Website: Ballooneuphoria.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/Ballooneuphoria_customstacks

Facebook: Facebook.com/ballooneuphoriacustomstacks

Other: Linktr.ee/ballooneuphoria