We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Looney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
I found myself jobless in the Spring of 2020 when nonessential businesses were closed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. I had spent over a decade as a hairstylist and my career felt like such a huge part of my identity. I had never considered the possibility of a different career path. I was confident and thriving in my field, both behind the chair and as a trainer, sharing my passion for the craft with other stylists. While I was thankful to have the time home with my family, I struggled to find a creative outlet and a sense of purpose outside of being a wife and mother. While planning my daughter’s 4th birthday in the midst of the pandemic, I stumbled upon my ability to create beautiful things with balloons. What started as a chore quickly became a passion. I made the difficult decision not to return to the salon and took a leap of faith. I decided to start my own business.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a full-time balloon artist. Seeing balloons transform an empty space into something that feels beautiful, elegant, and magical is very satisfying to me as a creative. The joy my work brings to others is very rewarding. Having gone through 2020 isolated from extended family and friends, I value human connection more than ever and understand the importance of celebrating events, both big and small, with the people we cherish. Being a small part of those events is special.
I take on any type of event, from wedding showers to corporate events. Just don’t ask me to make a balloon animal.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a small business owner, I have learned a lot about running a business and often found myself feeling in over my head. Some of the most valuable things I’ve learned, though, is that it is okay to say no sometimes. In the beginning, I found myself stretched so thin because I was afraid to turn away business, but it is important to acknowledge your limits and not sacrifice your own well-being.
Communication is everything. It is okay to ask questions and get clarification when needed. Whether it be with clients, your accountant, or other artists, when in doubt, talk it out.
And last but not least, practice your craft, learn new techniques, and surround yourself with a strong network of others in the industry.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is one who has a general idea of what they’re looking for but is also open to input and allows me some creative freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brookhavenballoons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookhavenballoons/
