I have always been absolutely fascinated by balloon decor and art, so I was thrilled when Aurelija of Balloonista agreed to be interviewed and share some pics for this month’s supplier spotlight feature! Her work is insane and I’m a massive fan. She manages to combine the best amount of fun with sheer elegance too in her aesthetics – which is sometimes tricky with balloons I think!
So, here’s Aurelija, to tell you herself about her and her biz in my latest Supplier Spotlight!
Please introduce yourself:
Hello, My name is Aurelija Meakin and I am the owner and founder of Balloonista Ltd. I like to call myself a Balloon Architect who, along with a great team, creates bespoke modern balloon displays for the most memorable celebrations in the world.
Your business…
1. What made you want to set up your business?
Since a very young age I wanted to be “my own boss” therefore throughout my life I always created opportunities to make my own money.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
Definitely the creativity aspect of it and being able to make my own strategic decisions. Having disliked balloons as a child, a few years ago I really fell in love with them and now I live, sleep and breathe them!
3. What’s the worst part of your job?
Being a solopreneur can be tough when one is a social butterfly…!
4. What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever had from a client?
I have not had any weird requests really. The ones I class as “weird” are when a potential client sends me a photo of another artist’s display and asks me to “beat” their price. Absolutely ridiculous, on many aspects.
5. What’s been your favourite ever wedding you’ve worked on/at?
Definitely the Mary Poppins themed wedding with a huge balloon ceiling installation, kites, umbrellas, paper flowers and lots and lots of colour!
6. You’re surrounded by beauty in your job, what do you find beautiful?
I find beauty in everything around me as long as it is balanced; people, flowers, blossom trees, my 5 year old daughter’s paintings… I used to paint on silk and make my own special dresses therefore I always find silk paintings beautiful too.
7. Best piece of advice to offer to those getting married?
Carefully choose the suppliers you like and can trust. Allocate the min budget and book early (detail can be finalised later) to avoid disappointment. Make sure you let creative ones be creative for you – after all, you chose them because they are the best, right?
8. Anyone you particularly admire in the industry?
There are a couple of balloon artists down under whose work I really admire, as well as a friend in UAE who runs a very similar business and who inspires me.
9. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Difficult one – I can think of so many! “Be and love yourself” and “Every day is a school day!”.
10. What was your career plan B?
Make it work. My plans A, B and all the way through to Z was to make it work. I have done a fair share of being a small cog in someone else’s machine, and now I have my own growing machine where I am the main gear box!
You…
11. Where do you call home?
Originally from Lithuania, now my home is the UK. The London/Kent border to be more precise, which means I have easy access to anywhere in London and the South East.
12. What’s your favourite shop?
Of course, my online balloon shop! On a serious note, I love the boutiques and quirky shops on Kings Road (Chelsea, West London).
13. Favourite restaurant?
Benares in Mayfair. I love Indian cuisine; this place is one of my favourites.
14. Who would you have play you in a movie about your life?
My daughter Anastasia. She is such a carbon copy of me. She even had her hair cut the same as mine!
15. Cocktail of choice?
A good mojito made by me. My secret – replace soda with champagne to get the best mojito in the world!
16. Your biggest extravagance?
Easy one – Louboutin shoes, and my new 7 series BMW if that counts?
17. Do you collect anything?
Great memories – happy and smiling clients and beautiful family moments are priceless. When possible, my daughter, husband and I go on day trips to beaches, have long walks in beautiful parks and enjoy nature.
18. If you could buy any building, which would it be?
Burj Al Arab (one of Dubai’s most iconic buildings). Its in a perfect spot with perfect weather, food and views.
19. What’s the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for you?
My husband proposed to me at the Trivi Fountain after a long weekend in Rome. Totally loved it!
20. Where do you go to let your hair down?
I love a great glass of wine with a good view, so my favourite is definitely the Shangri-La at The Shard.
And finally…
21. Tell us something surprising about yourself!
I got married in a cathedral.
22. Invisibility or flight?
Invisibility – there are so many things I’d like to know!
23. Any regrets in life?
It depends how you look at it. Every day could hold a regret of some sort, so I choose to treat everything as life lessons and not regret anything.
24. Tell us your favourite Instagram accounts at the moment!
@harrods, @thebridalbeautyfestival, @luxebyminihaha. @bysophieamor.
25. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I’d make sure everyone is happy and content – there would be enough of everything everyone needs and desires to live fulfilled and happy lives.
Thank you so much to Aurelija of Balloonista for taking part! I like her outlook on life! And must try that mojito recipe… sounds like a winner to me! ❤️
Find Balloonista on her website here, and on Instagram here.
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Please email any hellos or enquiries to laura@devinebride.co.uk
