Meet Jexsy Armstrong, the creative mind behind Jexsy Balloons! Jexsy combines her meticulous planning skills with her artistic flair to craft stunning balloon arrangements that are both festive and functional.
Her secret weapon? Pro Tapes® products! Jexsy trusts their quality and durability to keep her balloon creations looking their best, from birthday parties to grand openings. Check out our interview with Jexsy below.
Do you have a website or any social media sites you’d like to share with our audience?
My Linktree contains all of my social media and website links, but here is our main site for Jexsy Balloons.
Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into the balloon business?
I am Jexsy Armstrong, the CEO and Founder of Jexsy Balloons LLC. Along with my passion for balloon design, I am an accomplished accountant, a seasoned event planner, and a Certified Project Manager. My expertise and diverse skill set enables me to coach many other business owners in achieving success.
My company has grown our social media presence to a level of success that exceeds 350 million views across all of our platforms. Our content, online classes, and mentorship sessions are reaching and inspiring balloon artists and entrepreneurs worldwide. One of our inventions, the JB Telescoping Stand (a free-standing demi arch stand that’s perfect for attaching garlands without damaging walls) has become a game-changer in the industry.
During the pandemic, we offered discounted prices so that families could have celebrations at home, as well as no-contact deliveries to nursing homes. Our Love Bouquets became super popular during that time and continue to be a hit today!
At a young age, my amazing mentor, my mother Olga Ogando (a high school math teacher!), introduced me to the fascinating world of balloon art. Under her guidance, I learned to build and design frames, organic garlands, and rig balloons in unique ways. It all started at “D’Jexsy Sports & Balloons,” the balloon storefront business she owned. We’ve been creating organic designs since 1993, and I have been enchanted by the magic of balloons ever since!
What is your favorite type of balloon décor to design for parties or events?
Although I was trained on classic balloon décor, I specialize in creating fresh and stunning organic balloon designs that my clients adore!
Demi arches are one of our most popular and requested designs, and for good reason. These versatile free-standing structures are curated to seamlessly complement any theme, from chic and fresh to more elegant designs. They instantly become the center of attention in any celebration.
So, yes, it is safe to say that my favorite style is organic!
How do you come up with new and creative ideas for your balloon art, and what inspires you?
I am always brainstorming new ideas and seeking inspiration from the world around me for my designs. My mind is constantly filled with colors, patterns, and whimsical shapes. Nature is my biggest muse and I find peace and inspiration in its beauty.
Any tips for fellow artists looking to boost their social media presence?
Every social media platform has a unique audience, and each audience responds differently to different types of content. So it’s really helpful to be consistent with your posting and take the time to observe and learn the patterns of each platform – it’ll definitely help you succeed!
Do you host specialty classes or workshops focused on specific aspects of balloon art?
Yes. My personalized private classes are designed to cater to the specific needs of each student.
Additionally, I provide pre-recorded sessions on various subjects, such as cluster building, organic garland designs, pricing, and marketing.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be hosting my first in-person workshop in New York City on March 16th! The class participants will learn balloon design and installation, pricing and business numbers, where to buy inventory, and how to increase online sales, and more!
What’s even better is that we have Pro Tapes as one of our sponsors for this class. Pro Tapes is kindly providing product samples to our students, so they’ll get to experience the best of the best!
How did you discover Pro Tapes tape products, such as UGlu?
I was on the hunt for a more efficient technique to attach foil numbers to latex balloons than using 260Q balloons. My search led me to the UGlu 200 Strips Family Pack, which was just the beginning of my journey with Pro Tapes products. From there, I discovered the UGlu 900 Contractor Pack, and it has completely revolutionized the way I work. UGlu has become an essential tool in my kit.
Can you tell a little more about how UGlu enhances your work as a balloon artist?
With UGlu, you can attach any decorative elements to your balloons, such as ribbons, lights, flowers, and more, without leaving any residue. Trust me, you won’t find anything else like it on the market!
The best part? UGlu offers an exceptional level of strength and durability, making sure your balloons stay put for as long as you need them to. And the cherry on top? UGlu is highly portable, so you can always have some UGlu dashes in your pocket ready to tackle any decorating emergency!
What advice would you share with someone who is just getting started in the balloon business?
Starting a new business is an exciting and ambitious endeavor, but building a successful balloon company takes more than just passion. It requires hard work, dedication, and creativity. A clear business plan and an unwavering determination to succeed are also crucial. The balloon industry is highly competitive, but with a realistic approach and a willingness to learn, you can overcome any obstacles and build a thriving business.
Also, every balloon decorator needs to know about UGlu – my secret weapon for creating balloon arrangements! 😁
