Meet Amanda Armstrong

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Armstrong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, why did you pursue a creative career?
One of the main reasons for that I chose an artistic career was because of the variety involved in creating designs that are unique and personal. Each artist has their own technique and wondrous eye to look upon their individual designs. I think that is also why our clients keep coming back to us because they love what we do. We also recreate designs from other artists but each design is still unique and tailored to meet our clients specifications, ie color, theme, texture and form.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business started out in 1998 as a home-based business. I worked in the corporate industry for over 16 years when I decided to start a family and was looking for a business that I could not only make money but be there for my children as they grew up. The challenges were many, mainly advertising and getting my brand out known and recognized as a quality business.

It was slow to start but having a plan and working on it daily was a major key to my success. The pride that I took in my own business and maintaining high standards for not only my creative designs, but for being punctual, attentive to my clients and their needs, and making sure that my clients were totally satisfied was key to growing my business and keeping the quality reputation that lead to more and more word of mouth clients, many of whom I still have today (27 years later).

One of our biggest challenges 27 years ago was advertising. We didn’t have social media and it was hard getting recognized. Phone book ads, advertising in papers, even radio was the only place where many business’ had to go to get noticed and it was expensive. Now social media has become the norm in advertising and although much less expensive than what we had to pay previously with in the past, it is not without its downfalls. SM is a maze of platforms, formulas and competition that must be kept up and focused on in order to get any results, and that too requires time, effort and capital.

I’ve learned many lessons over the years. One of many, is learning how to treat customers with respect and courtesy but also setting your own boundaries to maintain your personal sanity because you can’t be hospitable if you’re hostile. There are many checks and balances in owning your own business and one of the biggest is knowing when to delegate functions to others and still maintaining the same quality and high standards for your self and your business.

It takes time to build relationships with clients and retaining them is just as much work as finding new ones, so always put in the effort and be your most authentic self. People appreciate that you take the time for them, so connect and create a bond with them. They will repay you by becoming an advocate for your business and word of mouth is the best free advertising that you can get, hands down.

I’ve always have taken pride in my work as an artist and as a business owner. There have been many obstacles but also many rewards. It is always worth taking the risks, for better or worse. If your endeavors don’t always pan out, the positive outcome is that you have learned what not to do and move forward with other ideas that will eventually lead to your success. I think that is true in not only business but life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would invite my friend to stay and hang out and talk over drinks and great food.
I love the coast. Laguna Beach is always a favorite and the quaint, eclectic restaurants and shops.
I’d take them roller skating in Dana Point and golfing at the many lovely golf courses along the coast.
Every night we’d check out the music scene at the multitude of venues/bars in the area with live music.
I love musical plays, riding horses, karaoke at Hennessys in Seal Beach.
I would try something new because there is ALWAYS something to do in Orange and LA counties. That is what I love about this state.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to say that the Pioneer Balloon Company (which unfortunately, just this year, after 110 years in business, has just folded) helped to establish my career and supported me as an individual balloon artist through mentorship, education and career placement. They were an inspiration and motivating force behind many balloon decor companies and they will be missed.

Website: https://www.tophatballoonwerks.com

Instagram: top_hat_balloon_werks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tophatballoonwerks/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/top-hat-balloon-werks-mission-viejo?osq=Top+Hat+Balloon+Werks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tophatballoonwerks1879