Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Nichols
Scott, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Scott Nichols AKA “ The Amazing Scott” is a Balloon Artist/Entertainer who has worked with clients and venues of all shapes and sizes for over 20 years to create one-of-a-kind, eye popping balloon sculptures and caricatures.
Scott started doing balloons when he was 12. After seeing David Copperfield on tv, he was convinced there was real magic out there. He was determined to learn how to do it and the next day at school, Scott checked out his first book on magic. There was a chapter on balloon twisting in the book and he was instantly hooked.
He added this to his collection of wide-ranging hobbies including juggling, knitting, weaving, crochet, sewing, model airplanes, chainmail, guitar, tuba, fire performance, snowboarding, skateboarding, inventing, and a black belt in martial arts.
Fast-forward 25 years and Scott is now a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) with extensive training in professional balloon artistry. The CBA practical exam establishes worldwide standards for balloon professionals demanding knowledge of both aesthetic and technical skills and the ability to produce high quality balloon work. There are only about 2500 CBAs worldwide and only 4 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Scott is also member of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN). He has participated in many international balloon conventions, and is a winner of multiple international awards for balloon twisting and sculptures.
Scott has also taught at many balloon conventions across the country representing the major balloon brands in the industry.
Balloon Art brings joy and wonder to people of all ages and Scott shares his passion teaching young people both balloon twisting and magic every summer for over 10 years.
Scott has worked with many large clients including the Minnesota Vikings, 3M, Seagate, Edina Reality, The Mall Of America, and Toyota and he has provided over 500 stage shows over 9 years at Cedar Points Minnesota theme park location,Valleyfair. Scott excels at everything from strolling balloon art to giant convention sculpture installations and he consistently exceeds his customers expectations.
Scott has been invited many times to teach his peers at Balloon conventions all over the United States. Hired to represent the biggest names in the Balloon industry.
He has 14 international awards for a balloon art!
Scott has also been the leader for team USA at the world Balloon convention twice in the past. The second time earning a third place trophy. Team USA has never placed in the large sculpture competition until now!
Scott knows the versatility of balloon art is endless and what started as a simple hobby has turned into his life’s passion!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say, of course, there has been struggles! I was working full-time in healthcare for over half my life while building this business on the side. I finally had an opportunity to take the leap into full-time self-employment, and I have never looked back! I was pretty terrified at first.
But after spending all of those years, passing out business cards, and honing my Craft at local farmers markets, and other festivals, I am so glad I took that leap!
Would also say at this time, one of my biggest struggles is AI. People are using the new AI technology to create balloon sculptures that look kinda real, but they are very unrealistic in their design and technique.
Also, after the pandemic, so many new small Balloon companies have opened up. Mostly stemming from stay at home mothers and fathers that wanted to decorate for their children’s birthday during the pandemic. Period. They realized that balloons could be a fun avenue or outlet for creativity. But with the lack of experience and knowledge of equipment, I constantly get a lot of complaints about these small companies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe I mentioned a lot of this on the first page. But we specialize in balloon, decorations, and in balloon entertainment.
Balloon decorations are pretty self-explanatory. Large arches, columns, helium, bouquets, and custom table centerpieces to name a few.
We call it Balloon entertainment because adults find what I do very entertaining to watch. So often it happens where a little Timmy wants his motorcycle and is so excited, but Mom is pulling him back saying let him do it! Simply because when the balloons are flying all around and people can’t tell what I’m making until the very end. People find it very enjoyable. I constantly have people of all ages from young to very old, standing and watching me for long periods of time.
The term being passed around a lot these days is, satisfying.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is integrity. Something I’ve always had. But I found owning your own small business, integrity matters the most. If I say, I’m going to deliver something, I deliver no matter what. I do not cut corners, and I’m constantly going out of my way to grow and become better as an artist and business owner. Personally, I’ve never satisfied in the place I’m at. That constantly pushes me to learn new techniques and designs and helps me grow in many ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amazingballoonsmn.com
- Instagram: amazingballoonsmn
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-nichols-2782876
