Two Years of Inflating: A Balloon Journey & Exciting Changes Ahead!

Two Years of Inflating: A Balloon Journey & Exciting Changes Ahead!

Katie Harris

Wow! It’s hard to believe that it’s already been two years since I officially launched my art business. What a ride it’s been—filled with highs, lows, and a whole lot of learning (mainly highs though!). As I get ready to celebrate my two-year business anniversary, I want to take a moment to look back on where it all started, share how this journey has evolved, and give you the inside scoop on some exciting changes ahead.

Buckle up, grab your favorite drink (coffee, tea, maybe even a glass of wine😉), and get cozy, because this story has been years in the making!

Where It All Began
Six years ago, I was creating in a tiny little corner of my family room, and honestly? I loved it. I started out known as "Painted Avenue" (still a fan of that name, BTW) and was challenging myself to complete 100 days of painting. Why? Because I needed consistency—and wow, did it work! After 100 days, I had built a solid habit of creating, and more importantly, I learned how to work through the distractions.

The funny part? That challenge sparked something much bigger than I could have ever imagined. It was my final painting of a "100" mylar balloon numbers that opened up a whole new world of art for me.

From Tiny Corners to Big Ideas
I didn’t start out painting balloons, believe it or not. The shift happened when I was asked to participate in a community project where artists were given 3-foot steel dog cutouts to paint. After a few sketches, the wild idea hit me: "Why not paint a dog balloon?" It seemed impossible—I mean, no one makes mylar dog balloons quite like the cutout—but I got creative and built my own balloon dog using a '1' large balloon and two '1' mini balloons.

Then, something unexpected happened. On my way out of the store, a woman stopped me and scolded me about how bad balloons are for the environment and I shouldn't be buying them, all in front of my kids. I was taken back by her passion (to say it nicely) and didn’t know what to say in response. I went home with my balloons and started painting my dog balloon... and looking back; that’s when my obsession with painting balloons had officially begun. But, I've never forgotten that woman and what she said (but that's for another day).

    

Fast-Forward to Today
Now, fast forward from that tiny family room corner to... well, a slightly bigger corner! 😂 I’ve taken over our dining room with my ever-growing balloon collection and transformed it into my very own art studio. My art focus is mylar balloons, I consider it my 'art style'. I love capturing every highlight, every crease—everything that makes them look like they’re about to float right off the canvas.

Looking Ahead: Big Changes, Balloon Drops & More!
So, what’s next? Here’s the exciting part! I’m making a huge change to how I run my business. On my 2nd business anniversary, I’ll be launching something special—a Balloon Drop! 🎈 My online store will close on Friday, September 13, for a few weeks, and then reopen for just three days—and yes, it’s going to include new balloon art, limited-edition pieces, and new stickers and sticker packs!

Balloon Drops will continue every 1–3 months, depending on new works and product releases, giving me more space to focus on creating unique pieces you’ll love. And for those of you across the globe? I’ll be offering international shipping for the very first time! 🌍

The Next Chapter Is Starting
As I move into my third year of business, I’m beyond grateful and blessed for every moment, every lesson, and every bit of support you’ve shown me. This balloon journey is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what’s next and where these balloons go.🎈 Thank you for being here with me—it means the world!

Stay tuned for more balloon magic and mark your calendars for my first Balloon Drop!

xoxo,
Katie

 

Back to blog