Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caroline Broadbent and Avery Wallace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caroline Broadbent and, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Both the owners of Float Franklin carry an official diagnosis of OCD. And while we run the risk of speaking too candidly for potential customers, we are committed to being completely transparent when it comes to Mental health and struggles with substance abuse. OCD can be incredibly destructive and debilitating, often rendering its sufferers unable to work or lead a “normal” life. Caroline worked as a nurse for 5 years until the mental health toll simply became too much, and she retired early. Avery’s battle with OCD led to addiction that was only overcome by sheer willpower. Avery and Caroline were both stay at home moms when Float Franklin was born. They dreamed of being able to provide for their families, create something from nothing, and become their own bosses. So, they found a detour to their dreams, around OCD, by way of balloons. Being their own bosses gives Avery and Caroline the freedom to set boundaries to protect their mental health, while still chasing their passions.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Float Franklin is in the business of parties- creating bespoke balloon designs for all celebrations! Float Franklin allows us to celebrate life’s victories every day with everybody! We grab some joy, tie it on a string, and then pass it around! We chose balloons because life is heavy, and we could all use a little helium. Why not tie some balloons to the happy stuff, and send joy floating? Caroline and Avery, the faces behind the business, are both stay at home moms born and raised right where the business now operates. Friends since grade school, they are opposites that meet in the middle to keep Float Franklin innovative and fun!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For the balloon world, creativity, drive, and adaptability are essential. The event industry has a lot of moving parts- a business must be able to think outside the box and continually adjust in order to execute the perfect party. For new balloon businesses- practice, practice, practice! The more comfortable you are with your art, the easier it is to complete the vision even in the face of adversary. And as is true in most fields, believe in your business and put it out there for the world to see! The internet is a great tool to get your brand in front of new eyes- continually seek new ways to drive business your way!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Market saturation can be devastating for any industry, and we are seeing some of that in the balloon industry. Too many businesses in the same area code offering the same services can mean income cuts and slower months. We do find ourselves getting nervous with all the new talent in our area, so we decided early on to try to bring something new to every job. Sometimes that looks like a new color combination, and other times it is an entirely new element. We want to be unique and provide a flare all our own, so that we stand out in a growing industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.floatfranklinballoons.com
- Instagram: @floatfranklin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floatfranklinballoons?mibextid=LQQJ4d
