Q+A: Balloons, &c.

Q+A Balloons

Bianca Samuel hated balloons. Not a fan. Birthday parties are fun, but dealing with the balloons? Hard pass.

So it makes sense that she’d start a business centered around … you know what.

We caught up with Bianca to talk about how and why Balloons, &c. LLC. came to be.

What was the inspiration for your business?

Like most parents, my daughter was and is my inspiration, which is where my company’s name comes from (ETC, her initials). For her first birthday, we threw her a kemem, a first birthday in the Marshall Islands, where we are originally from, and it is equivalent to a quinceanera or a sweet 16. 

At the time, I did not know I would work specifically with balloons, but I knew I wanted to work in the events industry in some sense. What’s funny is that before I was searching for birthday inspiration on Pinterest, I absolutely hated working with balloons. But her birthdays have become a creative space for me to bring any balloon creation that I have been wanting to try. 

Why is Pittsburg a good place to start and own a business?

While Pittsburg is considered a small town, in recent years it’s been attracting more small businesses and larger companies alike, and different kinds, too! Balloons, &c. was born simply because there were none like it in the area. Not only is this town home to many companies that have been around for years, but it also welcomes new businesses. 

What is something people may not know about your business? 

We are more than happy to travel for your events! We have booked events in the Northwest Arkansas area, Missouri, Oklahoma, and even have some events in Texas at the beginning of 2022. However, all Pittsburg and SEK events hold priority to any out-of-state ones. 

We do not have favorite clients because it has been a joy working and servicing each client’s event, but we do love working alongside small businesses in Pittsburg and surrounding areas. We also provide services that we believe complement balloons, like backdrops, an all white bounce house, and more!

How would you describe Pittsburg today?

Lively. Between Pitt State sporting events, the thriving downtown business community, and the growing population, there seems to be more going on in Pittsburg today than in previous years. 

What makes Pittsburg a great place to live and work? 

Growing up, I did not see myself planting roots in Pittsburg. I was born and raised here for a few years, before my parents relocated us to the Marshall Islands when I was 8 years old. The goal was to expose us to our roots and culture, but eventually I moved back for a year of high school and then transferred to Washington state the next year. 

While I enjoyed living in different places, I’ve come to find that I gravitate toward the community here. Pittsburg feels like home.

Balloon display
Mom and daughter balloons