Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Ramírez
Tatiana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to the United States eight years ago from Venezuela, where I worked as a journalist and graduated in social communication. When I arrived, I quickly realized how challenging it was to validate my degree here. My journey took an unexpected turn when I moved to Orlando and a friend introduced me to balloon twisting. I enjoyed it so much that we decided to start a small business together, offering entertainment at restaurants. We built a steady routine, performing at about eight restaurants, but after COVID hit, everything stopped.
Looking for a fresh start, I visited my sister on Hilton Head Island and immediately fell in love with the beauty and charm of the place. We decided to move, and I knew I wanted to continue working with balloons—but this time, professionally. It was a challenging time, as people were still cautious after the pandemic, but I committed to learning more about balloon décor. I took courses and training wherever I could and eventually found an incredible institute in Florida that offers a Professional Balloon Designer Diploma.
The experience was truly inspiring—not only because I was learning advanced techniques, but also because I was connecting with people who share a passion for bringing joy through balloons. The instructors, who are also from Venezuela, have built a strong brand in Miami and have students worldwide. Their guidance and expertise helped me refine my craft, and today, I take pride in creating high-quality, custom balloon décor that transforms spaces and brings happiness to my clients.
Absolutely! Here’s a refined version incorporating how you partnered with town activities to build recognition:
When I first started here, I realized that to grow my business, I needed to connect with the local community. That’s when I decided to partner with town activities and events by offering balloon twisting for kids. It was a great way for people to get to know me and see firsthand the joy that balloons can bring. While I entertained children with fun balloon creations, I also introduced another side of balloon art—balloon décor.
By being present at festivals, community gatherings, and church events, I slowly started gaining recognition. People began to see that balloons weren’t just for kids—they could be elegant, creative, and personalized for all types of celebrations. These experiences helped me build relationships and establish myself as a trusted balloon artist in the area.
Now, I’ve had the privilege of bringing my balloon art to not only vacation rentals and milestone birthdays but also to corporate events, private parties, and special celebrations. Every event is an opportunity to bring joy, and I feel honored to be part of so many meaningful moments in my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting out was simply not knowing what to do. I’ve always loved people, so I decided to put myself out there and show my work, even when it wasn’t easy. I quickly realized that if I wanted clients to find me, I had to be visible. About three years ago, I committed to being very consistent on Instagram, sharing my balloon creations regularly. I’m not as active on Facebook, but I make sure to repost my Instagram content there to reach more people.
Another major challenge is time management. As a business owner, you don’t just focus on your craft—you have to wear so many hats. I’ve had to learn about photography, lighting, video editing, and how to create engaging reels. At the same time, I juggle my responsibilities as a wife and mother, managing my home and daily errands. Balancing everything can be overwhelming, but my love for what I do keeps me going. The excitement of a new project pushes me to overcome every obstacle and find a way to make things work.
Space is another challenge I face. Since I work from home, handling large setups can be tricky. When I have big projects, we have to get creative and work as a team to make it happen. It’s not always easy, but every challenge has taught me resilience and adaptability. At the end of the day, the joy I bring to my clients makes all the effort worth it
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Another unexpected joy I’ve discovered is how much balloons can bring happiness to the elderly. Who would have thought that seniors would love balloons just as much as kids? Since COVID, I’ve had the privilege of celebrating with one of my dearest clients for four years in a row, marking her milestones from 100 to now 104 years old. I’ve also created personalized balloon designs for others turning 80, 90, 95, and beyond. These aren’t just childhood-themed decorations; they are elegant, meaningful, and tailored to honor the wisdom and beautiful journey of each person.
The feeling of being part of such significant celebrations is indescribable. It’s more than just balloons—it’s about creating unforgettable moments and honoring the incredible lives of those celebrating. Seeing their joy and appreciation reminds me why I do what I do, and I feel truly blessed to be part of these special occasions.
I on the other hand I love taking on new challenges and creating large-scale balloon displays. While it’s always exciting to design themed setups, there’s something even more rewarding about going big—it not only makes the display more impactful but also more profitable. That’s why I really enjoy working on corporate events and large installations. Creating grand, eye-catching balloon designs for big events allows me to push my creativity while making a lasting impression to alot of people at the same time.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In five to ten years, I see myself with a well-established brand, recognized for high-quality and creative balloon designs. Beyond creating, I envision myself teaching and sharing the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years, helping others discover the artistry and possibilities within this field. I want to inspire and expand the appreciation for balloon décor, not just as a business, but as an art form that brings joy to every occasion. Growing, innovating, and mentoring others will be a big part of my journey moving forward.
Pricing:
- Sculptures starting at $350
- Organic Balloon Garlands starting at $320
- Balloon towers starting $190 Balloon bouquets starting $245
- Balloon twisting $165 per hour
- Organic arches $starting $675 Classic arches starting $475
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ivonelballoonart.com
- Instagram: @ivonelart
- Facebook: ivonel Art
- LinkedIn: Tatiana Ramirez
- Yelp: Ivonel Art Custom Balloon Decor
