Well, I guess it's time to start the interview
1, What road led you into balloon modelling and when did you get started with balloons?
I decided to learn how do make balloons after seeing a balloon lady at twisting at a restaurant in Denver, Co. It just looked like something fun to try.
I came home, ordered a small balloon kit, and a couple of bags of balloons and starting playing. I also found 3 books at our public library on balloon twisting, so I checked them out, and tried some of the designs from them too. The only things I could actually make well was a dog, a flower, and a sword. (to this day, I still haven't mastered the swan...lol). Anyways, in 2003, I was asked to volunteer at my daughter's school carnival twisting balloons. All I made the whole night were those three figures. After carnival, I didn't pick up another balloon again til the following year when I was asked to volunteer again. About two weeks prior to the carnival, I ordered another bag of balloons to practice with, and started learning all over again. I decided I should add a couple more designs to my twisting, so I learned the bird on a swing, and one other one (don't remember what it was now). I then had 5 figures, and felt pretty good about it. Again, after carnival, I didn't touch another balloon until the following year. At the carnival in 2005 a bunch of parents asked if I ever considered doing birthday parties and I just laughed at them at the time. I thought they were crazy for even asking that! But, it put the bug in my ear. It wasn't until a year later (Oct. 2006) that I started thinking about it more seriously and wanted to try to learn more difficult things.
I stumbled on the BHQ website, and it was all over for me right then and there. Once I saw what could actually be done with balloons, I was hooked. I HAD to learn more. I ordered TONS of balloons, and every back issue of Balloon Magic magazine I could get my hands on, and I started practicing everyday, all day long (sometimes 12-14 hours a day).
I started twisting full time in February 2007, and opened a shop in town on Halloween Day in 2007.
3, What’s your best twisting experience?
My best twisting experiences are when I have the chance to take my time and actually create "on the spot" what people ask for. When I have no pressure to be a "balloon making machine".
4, What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a ballooning/entertaining session?
The worst thing that happened was actually not too long ago at my weekly restaurant. I had just gotten to a table and offered to make a balloon for a little girl, but while I was standing there, another mom came up to me with her two kids and asked if I would make them something quick before they left (they were just walking out the door). She wanted just a round balloon blown up would for her youngest to play with and whatever quick for the other one. So, I agreed. I figured it would only take a second, and the table I was at wasn't ready to leave yet anyway. I proceeded to make a 2 balloon hat (quick and easy) and put it on the child's head. They turned to walk away and the father at the table started yelling at the lady telling her how rude it was to "cut in line" before his daughter got her balloon. I told him it was no big deal, it just took a minute, and I was all theirs. He raised his voice and told me it WASN'T all right, and told me to butt out of it. He then stood up, and started really yelling and causing a scene. I thought he was going to start a fist fight. I cut in, told him his behavior was totally out of line, excused myself, and walked away. It was scary! Luckily that's the only time I've EVER had anything bad happen.
5, What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
I really love the creative side of twisting and knowing that there is no limit to what can be made (some things I make turn out much better than others...lol). It's very relaxing for me too also, kind of theraputic.
And, I really love the looks on people's faces when I hand them their balloons. Smiles are awesome!
6, What's your favourite age to entertain?
I think my favorite ages are between 5-7 years old. They start to have a little more patience and usually VERY creative thinking...lol.
7, Do you have the same act but vary the presentation for all ages or do you have set acts for different ages?
I am not much of an entertainer, meaning I don't do a set presentation. I do balloon art at parties and basically make it up as I go along.
