Meet Jaime Crystal Villamaria | Balloon Artist & Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaime Crystal Villamaria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaime Crystal, is there something you believe many others might not?

I had to literally google “conventional advice” to comb through different pages and find one piece of advice that I can disagree with. I have always followed the mantra of “Champions Adjust.” I would take any and every piece of advice and soak them all like a sponge.
The truth is that all these wisdoms supply us with knowledge that we can implement without going through all the trials and tribulations first hand. The beauty is finding out how to add said advice to your own personal design. We all know everyone’s situation can be truly different,but we all encounter similar crisis no matter what industry we embrace or conquer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since the beginning of time, I have been enchanted by special events. I am a celebration junkie!
As a child, I was a serial flower girl and I was obsessed with every minute of the reception!
As a teen,my very first job was working at a catering hall where I spent almost a decade of my life.
It only came natural for me to partake in every facet of events.
I chose the fun and creative route.
I stumbled across the balloon industry like many others. I have 3 children and mommy had to plan their parties. It unexpectedly fell into my lap, but I was bewitched by balloons.
Little did I know, this would one day become my fourth child! I would give birth to,fall in love and raise another child to be proud of.

There are not many places that celebrate being colorful and creative while having fun. Our industry is definitely a unique one.
I am truly grateful for it.
And we are growing and growing.
It feels like new balloon artists are spawning up everyday. And they really are! How can you blame them? Not only are balloons bright and vibrant, but also with the proper application,
also lucrative.
Watching other creatives makes me more and more excited because our industry is growing! Plus I can say that I have a seat at the table.

I am eager to be part of this industry,but I am most excited about exploring my creativity and being able to give back. In a few weeks, I will be participating in a Big Balloon Build in Wisconsin.
I have been selected as part of a talented team of international Balloon Professionals, tasked with creating a gigantic immersive Balloon World using more than 100,000 balloons all in aid of Inspiration Ministries and Inspired Coffee.

As part of one of the biggest most unique projects for the state of Wisconsin, working as part of the Big Balloon Build team, I will be creating larger-than-life animal characters in a gigantic Great Outdoors scene over 10,000 square feet (about twice the area of a basketball court).

This is all in aid of the charities, Inspiration Ministries, and Inspired Coffee. Their mission is to empower people with disabilities to live with greater purpose and achieve their individual best in the thriving environment. They do this by supporting people with a range of disabilities through job training, coaching and mentorship to assist in placement into a fully integrated work setting.

Believe it or not, it’s not just about clowns blowing up balloon animals or birthdays or bat mitzvahs.As much as I thrive to be successful, there is something truly magical and rewarding as giving back to the community.

While there are numbers of talented artists in our industry, I don’t believe they have stakes as high as mine. A lot of these new balloon artists are trying to capitalize on making a quick dollar.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with making a profit. The difference is that I am here for the long run.
As a mother, it motivates and drives me even harder than the next person. Not only do I want to strive to deliver incredible installs, but I want to leave a legacy for my daughters. Prove to them that if you work hard and put love into your craft, anything is possible. There are no amounts of lessons more insightful than experiencing first hand. This is what I can show my daughters!
As soon as they learn how to tie their shoes, they will be by my side helping me build our business. I am tasked with creating dazzling balloon installations and bringing smiles to people’s faces. I build happy memories thru balloon art and decor. It’s extremely rewarding to build a business especially when you are passionate about your craft. Building a business is a labor of love. Being able to share the love with others,well that is history.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being that I’m originally from NYC, we would probably hit up the beach everyday! We don’t have those in NY! I feel like you would want me to say, Sexy fish. But in all honesty, my first stop is Wynwood Walls. I love the exhibit and the artists are all next level. Plus there is plenty to do nearby. It definitely reminds me of Williamsburg, Bklyn. The streets, the people.. it’s a home away from home. It’s not what you typically associate Miami with at all. Something you would need to experience.

I would definitely swing by Astra because I love the vibe and view PLUS they are open late! I love tacos so Coyo Taco is a must .. secret bar? Why not?

Absolutely would need breakfast at Neverland Cafe! It’s such a unique little find and the food is great! I would stop in Lolita before leaving and grab some selfies and macarons for the road.

I would also bring them to Pinecrest Gardens because it’s away from the hustle and bustle. It’s becoming one with nature. I would want them to feel relaxed and grounded before their return home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been wonderful individuals who have impacted my life, but everything I do is intended for my three daughters, Mila, Melody and Maggie. Not only do they inspire me to live each day to the fullest BUT they push me to be the best version of myself.

Website: www.justccreations.com

Instagram: @Justcrystal_creations

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-crystal-villamaria-3bb134239

Facebook: Justcrystal Creations

Image Credits
Maxy O’Connor