Aubrey Fournier shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Aubrey , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have had many organizations contact me about doing a balloon show that caters to larger audiences. We are talking a big theatrical performance with speakers and microphones. I am working on creating balloon magic tricks that the children will love and get a lot of laughs. I have always been the one to shy away from public speaking, and this is a new venture for me professionally. There is a huge learning curve with engaging a large crowd during a show and keeping them engaged past that 20-minute mark. However, I have always enjoyed bringing smiles to children’s faces so I am sure this will be a natural step in my career as a children’s performer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In early 2023, I made a very hard decision and left my job as a board certified behavior analyst to stay home full-time, as my youngest has some medical needs and I wanted to give her the best care I could.
My oldest daughter introduced me to twisting balloon animals, due to her persistence of asking for balloon animals for her birthday. I caved and bought some balloons to make her animals, swords, flowers… and BAM, I was hooked! I had so much fun bonding with my girls through making balloons for them. Weekly sword fights became our thing, and my days were so much brighter and happier!
In July 2023, Brie’s Balloons was born. I started twisting for birthday parties, community events, and then I quickly branched out to performances at libraries and summer camps. I offer balloon twisting classes and balloon twisting storytime as well. In 2025, glitter tattoos are now offered as a service and many birthday party packages available.
I couldn’t be happier, and I find that life is all about the simple joys and sharing happiness with everyone!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I spent a large majority of my life working my way up a corporate ladder. I used to believe that if you work hard enough and are willing to put in extra time, energy, and effort you will achieve everything you set your mind to. After a series of crushed dreams and imposter syndrome, I realized that the true value in life is happiness, good mental health, and placing my family first and work secondary. Switching careers to a balloon twister and glitter tattoo artist was something I never thought in a million years I would do. In fact, if you would have told me I would be a children’s entertainer five years ago, I would have laughed in your face and wouldn’t have believed you. However, it is the simple joys of bringing a smile to a child’s face on their birthday, bringing the beauty of balloon art to others, having more family time with my husband and daughter’s, and having the flexibility of a self-employed lifestyle that it something far more better than a large paycheck!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to not take life so seriously. Do what makes you happy and the career path you should take will follow. For most, the profession you fall into is an offshoot of your degree. Meaning, it’s more rare for someone to stay in the same career path as their college degree. I have an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and a master in education with a certification in applied behavior analysis. All of this has prepared me to work well with children and families in many settings.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Brie from Brie’s Balloons is an authentic version of myself. I am a mother to two vibrant girls and the way I interact with other children is the same as I do with my own. I enjoy being creative and you will find me engaging in crafty projects at home. I have to say that Brie is the most authentic version of me I have known. This is the happy, carefree, loving, and artistic version of me that I have always dreamed of and am never going back to the old version.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope that other’s tell about me when I am no longer here is one of love. That I lived a life focused on bringing joy to others through my artistic talents and that I prioritized my family above all else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.briesballoons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bries.balloons?igsh=MXc0eXQ2amd4Mm5weg==
Image Credits
Black & white photo and the one of me holding the balloon up high to twist it were taken by Lauren Hourihan Photography
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