If you’ve ever been to a party with stunning balloon displays in Stevenage, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the handiwork of “All Blown Up.” This company has been making events special with their creative balloon designs, and the story behind it is as inspiring as the decorations themselves.
A Balloon Dream Takes Flight
When asked about the beginning of her business, the founder, Sarah Wolstow shared, “I did my first Balloon course back in 2010. Having worked for someone else for ten years in this industry, I knew exactly how I wanted to run my own business and bring my love for Balloons to Stevenage too!” Her passion for balloons and the desire to create something unique drove her to start “All Blown Up” in 2020. Initially, it was a side hustle to earn some extra money during the Christmas season amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
She started small, with just the ‘Elf Arrival’ Balloons. This reminded her of how much she loved working with balloons, which led her to turn this passion into a full-time business. The joy she found in crafting these colourful creations became the foundation of her company.
Why Stevenage?
Choosing Stevenage as the base for her business wasn’t a random decision. “Originally I am from Manchester. I moved down here to start a family with my partner back in 2017. Since then, I’ve grown to love the community, love the area, and love helping all the local parents who need balloons for their kids’ birthdays, so we decided to stay here and buy a house!” Her connection to the community and the joy of being part of special moments in people’s lives solidified her decision to make Stevenage her business’s home.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a business always comes with challenges, and “All Blown Up” is no exception. One particular event stands out in her memory. “I have a couple of regular clients who like to challenge me with new themes and new ideas all the time. Once, I was asked to fill a full room with over 1000 balloons. It took over six hours to complete, and my fingers were so blistered, but my gosh did it make an impact! Worth every bit of effort!” The satisfaction of seeing her hard work pay off and the joy it brought to her clients kept her motivated, even through the toughest challenges.
Most Inspirational Job
Out of all the jobs she’s done, there’s one that she finds particularly inspirational. “I’m often asked to make balloons for all different inspiring reasons, from proposals to graveside displays. But the one that stands out the most, I decorated a room in all brightly coloured balloons, created a photo board and a huge Balloon Hoop, for a very special boy who had received some unfortunate health news. The party was simply just to celebrate him. It was an honour working with his mum to make sure everything was perfect, and to this day, I think back to her face when she saw the photo board. It was a very touching moment.” This job wasn’t just about balloons; it was about creating a memory that would last forever for a family going through a tough time.
Giving Back to the Community
Sarah is also dedicated to giving back to the community. Although she doesn’t have any charity projects in the works at the moment, she often contributes to local events and causes. “Currently, I don’t have anything in the works, but I am often contacted by local event organisers who are raising money for charities who will ask for a raffle prize or a gift voucher to be donated, which I am always happy to help with.”
In the past, Sarah has donated numerous Christmas Balloons to the Lister Hospital Children’s Ward, making their Grotto extra special. She also worked with the ‘Ask for Ariel’ organisation, a local charity that supports victims of sexual abuse, providing balloons for their huge fun day last year. Her commitment to supporting her community highlights the compassionate spirit behind her business.
Looking to the Future
As for the future of “All Blown Up,” it looks incredibly bright. Sarah is continually expanding her business. “The future looks like Balloons! I don’t plan on slowing down; in fact, I keep growing my equipment and stock with new items to hire out. I now supply everything from Balloon Hoops to Sail Boards. I have a brand new Candy Cart, which has only been hired out a handful of times so far!” Her enthusiasm for growing her business is palpable, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
In addition to her professional aspirations, she also has a personal dream. “I also have a 7-month-old baby girl now. Maybe in the future, I’ll have a little aspiring Balloon protégé who can take over when she’s old enough!” Balancing her role as a business owner and a mother, she hopes to pass on her passion for balloons to her daughter.
If you’re in Stevenage and looking for a way to make your event special, look no further than “All Blown Up.” With a wide range of options and a founder who truly cares about her clients, you’re guaranteed to have a celebration that’s memorable for all the right reasons. Whether it’s for a birthday, a proposal, or just to make someone’s day a little brighter, “All Blown Up” is ready to bring your vision to life with a burst of colour and creativity.
