At Garden Place Balloons, Jam Evangelista creates larger-than-life balloon artwork. He specializes in immersive larger-than-life experiences – with balloons! In this interview, he will share insight he has learned from his experience in the balloon industry, like planning large-scale events like the NYC Balloon Ball and how UGlu helped in put it all together!
Do you have a website or any social media sites you’d like to share with our audience?
All of my work and content can be found on the following platforms.
Website: gardenplaceballoons.com
Tell us a bit about yourself! What inspired you to become a balloon artist, and how did you get started in this field?
My name is Jam Evangelista I am the owner and creative director Of Garden Place Balloons.
From a very young age, I’ve always gravitated towards more creative and artistic activities. In high school, I pursued an arts path and participated in school art showcases. When I went to college, I was just a few courses away from completing a fine arts minor. However, at that time, I understood that in a city like New York, pursuing a career in the arts might not lead to the lifestyle I desired (or so I thought). Coming from a lineage of crafters and DIY enthusiasts, I was regularly surrounded by colorful materials and prints used to create clothes, bed sheets, table centerpieces, souvenirs, and more. For a while, my mom created custom photo albums for family and friends.
I’ve always had a keen interest in full event styling, so when the event industry experienced a boom, I decided to launch a full event styling business for my 25th birthday. However, I realized that I didn’t enjoy the logistical aspects of full events but rather found joy in balloon decor. In January 2019, I launched “Garden Place Balloons,” a luxury balloon boutique, which has since grown into a large-scale balloon decor production company offering a wide range of services and products.
What inspired you to create such a unique event like the NYC Balloon Ball?
Several educational experiences inspired me to create the New York City Balloon Ball, but most importantly, I aimed to establish a place where people would respect organic balloon decor as an art form. It provided a space for organic balloon artists to showcase the potential of organic balloon decor, and I believe we succeeded in doing just that. I also really wanted to allow others to participate in being part of a large build from its inception with proper instruction.
What were some of the challenges with setting up the large-scale balloon installations seen at NYCBB? What skills and qualities did you find most valuable in yourself and your team?
With every balloon ball, I learned that a new subset of skills is required, but the most important skill is the ability to delegate. Being bothered with unnecessary questions, concerns, and inconveniences absorbs a lot of time and energy that needs to be poured into the actual event experience. In addition to that, assigning specific roles to each person and establishing a very clear chain of command are essential. Although it may sound cliche, the NYCBB has shown me you really are as strong as your weakest player.
What are some of the most memorable moments from your career so far?
I have been blessed with so many opportunities in such a short time in the industry! My top two have to be the following:
Education-wise: An invitation to Sempertex’s International Balloon Convention in Bogota, Colombia! ( and Mexico shortly after)
Decor-wise: Being able to decorate 50 Cent’s 45th Birthday Party.
How did you discover Pro Tapes® tape products and/or UGlu®?
During the pandemic, balloon bouquets were my number one seller, and there were many issues with standard adhesives. Once I used UGlu Strips, it was an instant game-changer. I was able to complete my bouquets in half the time—truly the best tool in my toolkit
How does UGlu enhance your work as a balloon artist? What do you like most about it?
I can honestly say UGlu has been my cheat code to add layers to my decor without having to spend time creating points of attachment. UGlu Strips are a key component of many of my kids’ parties, where we have to add additional details to the decor to help bring the theme to life. Some examples of these events are ice cream-themed parties, trolls, and safaris.
What advice would you give to aspiring balloon artists who are starting their creative journey?
I think my biggest piece of advice is not to forget that this is a business. Ultimately, we all get into this business because we are creatives. Unfortunately, that comes with the downside of wanting to follow our passion or emotions to create endlessly. However, it’s essential to understand that ultimately, we have to make money. Our creativity will only get us so far, and ensuring that you maintain a business mindset will help you create and sustain a business in the long run.
