Meet Katherine Silva | Balloon Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Silva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Miami Balloon Garden has been in the making since I was a child. I would always add ‘craft items’ to my Birthday and Christmas lists. I am still adding those items to my lists today, but they just cost a bit more and are much larger. Balloons itself came after I was browsing social media and said to myself “I want to try that”. I started with a family friend’s Baby Shower in January 2021 and have been doing it ever since. The name Miami Balloon Garden stems from me having a passion for gardening and realizing it has endless options just like balloons!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am excited to continue learning and growing my business. This industry is constantly changing with new techniques and it’s just plain fun! I try to set myself apart by never running on ‘Miami Time’ and always looking for a solution when things don’t go according to plan. There is always a different way to do something, you just have to breathe and look for it.

I currently work out of my home.. My ‘studio’ is my living room and my ‘workshop’ is my one-car garage. I am the secretary, accountant and social media manager. It’s not ideal, but it’s so important to embrace what you are working with and just keep it moving. I always look for more efficient ways to do things and ask questions to people I admire. I can look back now on certain things and just laugh at how stressed I would get. Especially driving box trucks those first couple of times!

A hard lesson to learn is how to say no. I remember always taking every job that came to me, but that was a recipe for burnout. I am thankful for the awesome balloon artists I have met along the way who I can confidently refer jobs to. Don’t be afraid to make friends with your ‘competition’…they are the ones who truly get you and will always help you succeed. There is plenty of room for everyone here in South Florida.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ideally you would visit in August or September so we can check out some amazing restaurants on a lower cost through Miami Spice! Brunch at Mila and drinks at The Wharf. We must visit The Salty for gourmet donuts and Chug’s Diner for pastelitos. A trip to Fairchild Tropical Garden is ideal and then catching a show at Adrienne Arsht Center. I absolutely love the ballet. Of course we’d wrap up with a trip to the beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system is made up of so many wonderful people.

I have to start with my Fiancé who many of my clients only see doing the heavy lifting for me at install sites. He also might be telling you jokes while I am setting up my garlands. Behind the scenes, he is my motivational speaker, translator, carpenter, van driver, attorney and so much more.

My family and friends who all told me how I must start a business. The ones who urged me to step out of my comfort zone and just go for it. I encourage everyone to always offer support to friends and family even if it is just words. It truly goes so far!

I also wouldn’t be where I am today without all of my ‘friendors’ in the business and corporate relationships I have. The ones who consistently trust me to add my work to their events and refer me to other clients. You are truly making my dreams come true.

Instagram: MiamiBalloonGarden

Other: Email: miamiballoongarden@gmail.com Contact Form: https://bit.ly/3Sx9eD6