We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Calista Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Calista , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I decided to take my business past a hobby phase and turn it into a true business I started practicing my craft everyday. Trying a new design or a new way to twist and put balloons together. I watched so many tutorials and videos and I got multiple jobs and then a few months in I decided to take a class from this amazing balloon artist and during the class I realized I knew almost everything she was teaching and it was at that moment I realized how I was really good at what I do and that I do belong in this industry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the owner of Irene’s Balloon Wonderland. I strive to bring my clients vision to life whether it’s an extravagant setup or something smaller and more intimate. I love working with people and being able to bring a smile to someone’s face, to me it’s so much more than just balloons or a backdrop. Celebrating others is a true passion of mine and I’m so honored to be a small piece of someone’s special moments. I put my heart into each one of my creations.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Running a business is definitely a learning curve and I’m still learning more and more everyday. You have to have an open mind and I’m very much a people person which has been a great skill to have when communicating with clients. I’ve always been creative and artistic but honestly tools like YouTube and TikTok have been amazing when trying new techniques within balloon design, it doesn’t always have to be expensive classes but I definitely recommend doing research in your field and always continuing to learn and to keep practicing.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth these past months has actually been more on the social media and marketing side of things. I have been able to get our name out there a lot more which in turn brings you a lot more clients which is essential in this business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://irenesballoonwonderland.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAdGRleANSJnpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpyhM0KhAePvZkytyRq-GgYCfOzu7lvoRM2K7ueEU2N-JMyhvsgwYeKwEWY4v_aem_1RaFd3684xA23bLddv5wyg
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/irenesballoonwonderland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17CSmBL2Zy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenes.balloon.wo?_t=ZP-90M84QIMqL8&_r=1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
