Meet Janine Rivero | Balloon Decorator and Event Planner

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

Hi Janine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always been creative and that’s why I’m the decorator for my family events. When I became a mom I began to do small setups for my kid’s birthdays. Ever since then my passion for planning birthday parties and social events grew, but I never thought about making a business out of it. When the pandemic began, I had just gotten better after being very ill, and the fear of getting sick again heavily affected my mental health. To cope, I started using my creativity more by creating balloon decorations and small setups for my kids. I noticed that by doing this, it was helping me cope and made me happier. During Christmas 2021, I made a Christmas decoration for our family gathering. Someone made a comment on how beautiful it was and that I should start my own business. Those words stuck with me. For my nephew’s birthday I decided to make him a balloon bouquet and everyone loved it! That gave me the confidence that i needed. And with the support of my family and friends I decided to pursue this dream that I never thought I would achieve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other people is that no balloon decoration will match another, they will all be unique and from the heart, I want to make every balloon decoration special because these decorations will bring them the same joy that it brings me. I’m most proud of how my business has grown in such a short period of time. I got to where I am today through hard work and dedication, each setup is better than the last as I learn. It was not easy. So many things can go wrong and my anxiety sometimes make things a little harder. Also being a mom of 3 and managing home, homework, after school activities PTA meetings, and my work is a lot of pressure, but with the support of all my family & my faith, I can manage it all. And in the end it’s all worth it as I see the joy it brings me and others. The lessons I’ve learned is that I need to stay calm no matter what happens and always believe in myself. I want the world to know that after being through a lot with my mental health, I’m still learned to cope, but pursuing my passion has made a big impact in my life. And I want to let anyone else out there struggling with mental health know, that you are not alone and that you can still make your dreams come true.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Venezuela and so is my friend, she currently lives in Peru and we haven’t seen each other in person for over 20 years, if she came to visit, I would take her to eat and drink at Cancun Grill since it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Miami and I know she loves Mexican food. Later we can hang out at South Beach and enjoy the beautiful view and weather that Miami has to offer. Then I would take her to Downtown Doral since it’s a Venezuelan area here in Miami, because I know she will really enjoy it. I would also take her out to the Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. We love a good play.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids, Jaslynne, Kaylee and Daniel, are my biggest supporters. They were the inspiration behind the name (JKD). My husband Danny for believing in me and helping me pursue my dream. My mom, my business partner who always helps me when I need her and gives the final touches to our work.

Instagram: @jkdballoondec

Facebook: JKD Balloon dec