Meet Mayra Zuniga

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

Hi Mayra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I decided to start my own balloon business as a means to bring in additional income, and as a reason to bring joy and celebration to families. We were in the middle of a pandemic, and many people missed out on celebrations, which led to an increase in balloon deliveries. With much of the world in lock-down and suddenly having extra time on our hands to explore new hobbies, I found the the craft of Luxury Balloons! I immediately began learning as much as I could and in the process found that I truly had a passion for it. Balloons bring lots of joy and big smiles, which is instant gratification for a Balloon Artist! Working with balloons has allowed me to create enjoyable and memorable party experiences, and a means to deliver happiness to my clients!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Balloon Artist I create unique and intricate balloon décor, designs, and sculptures for events and parties. Anything from a small table – top balloon arrangement, to wish someone a Happy Birthday, to large scale events such as baby showers, bridal showers, quinceaneras, birthday parties, etc. I offer a full array of services to meet the needs of every client.

The creative part of this business came naturally to me, probably because I have dabbled in different arts and crafts starting at a young age. Once I found that I had a passion for balloon décor, I attended balloon conventions and took several online courses. This enhanced my creativity, skills, and experience with balloons. It also exposed me to the entrepreneurship and business side of this industry, which was not as easy or fun! A successful balloons business depends on many factors, including: product quality, market research, staying on top of trends, and knowing your business numbers such as material cost, labor costs, profit and overhead costs.

One of the areas that I struggled with the most was with my own confidence in the services that I was offering. Often when I provided a price quote the reply back was, “Why so much? It is just balloons”. It is normal to feel disheartened by this reply, making you question your abilities and presence as a Balloon Artist. Through education, mistakes, failures, and little positive pep talks, I quickly understood that I was NOT just offering balloons. I was offering love, joy, celebrations, unforgettable memories, smiles, laughter, and SO MUCH MORE!

Something that I am truly grateful for, that this business has provided me with, are the amazing clients, some now friends, and a supportive community of friends, colleagues, and mentors – from all over the world – that share the same passion and love for Balloon Art!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So many places in Los Angeles that I love! First and foremost, take a stroll at the Malibu and Santa Monica Piers, Venice. Catching a bite to eat at Duke’s Malibu, Malibu Farm, Geoffrey’s or Tocaya Organica. Making our way to Santa Monica Third Street Promenade for a shopping haven! Grab some dinner at 1212. Visiting the Getty Villa and the Getty Center is a must.

Visiting Beverly Hills: Beverly Hills Sign, Rodeo Dr, The Beverly Hills Hotel, LACMA and Melrose Ave is definitely on the list.

We can’t forget the Warner Bros Studio Tour, Hollywood Sign, Griffith observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Some of my favorite restaurant in Hollywood/ Los Angeles areas are Mr. Tempo Cantina, Guelaguetza, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, LA Cha Cha Cha, Inn of the Seventh Ray, and Cafe on 27.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family for their love and support! With an increase in balloon orders our living room and dining room were simply storage spaces for balloons, for weeks at time. Not once did they complain. To my family — thank you for all that you do. Your support means the world to me.

Instagram: @elevated_bouquets

Facebook: Elevated Bouquets

Image Credits
I’m the photographer, they are my photos – Mayra