Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Mankowski.
Hi Kelli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We (my husband, Mike and I) started as a party rental and supplies company in 2004. We rented tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, inflatable games, etc. We quickly found that not many people want to get married under a tent, in MN, in the winter! As such, we were looking for a way to bring in additional income during the winter months. One of the vendors I order through, at that time, had a program called the “Certified Balloon Artist” class. It turned out to be a DVD package (this was before online classes!). Once you passed the tests on the DVD’s you went to an in person final exam. The closest one for me was in Mason, Ohio. That was also my very first attendance at a balloon convention! The final exam consisted of a written exam, oral exam and creating balloon decor in front of a panel of your peers. I did pass, and at that time, was one of only approximately 2,000 balloon professionals in the world with the Certified Balloon Artist title!
Over the years, I continued to go to balloon conventions, taking continuing education classes at all of them and always trying to learn new things.
In October of 2023, we decided to sell off the rental and retail portion of our business and just concentrate on balloon decor – and here we are!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh my, no! There’s always bumps in a road! Many/most of the struggles were employee related – employees late to work, not showing up, always trying to find additional ways to increase their wages, etc. Don’t get me wrong – we had many, many wonderful employees! They were just always something that was in the forefront of our minds! Of course, we had our share of “bridezillas,” THAT “mother of the bride,” the criers, the non-responders, the last minute requests. Our motto always was, “as long as we’re ready for tomorrow, we’ll worry about the rest as it comes!”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are the only company in the Brainerd Lakes Area (and probably within a 200 mile range) that has a Certified Balloon Artist on staff. We regularly attend balloon conventions and trainings so that we are always learning new techniques, know new colors coming out, learn about industry related events and news. We offer unique decor for every event! When you think of party, you always think of balloons and we can create some terrific decor to enhance any event!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am more intimidated talking to a group of two than I am a group of 2,000. And, I was a scuba diving instructor for 12 years 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BeBoldBalloons.com
- Instagram: PartyWorldBrainerd
- Facebook: PartyWorldBrainerd
- LinkedIn: Kelli Mankowski
