Meet Sheila A. B. Tsan | Balloon Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheila A. B. Tsan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila A. B., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never thought I would have my own business. A few people close to me encouraged me to sell my time and creative labor for creating balloon decorations, but I didn’t immediately see myself as a business owner. What began as a fun hobby turned into something more. Creating organic balloon decor became my therapeutic escape. Working at my own pace and having the flexibility to be creative in my own way, provided relaxation and relief from my everyday pressures and stresses. When I would complete my balloon setups, I saw the reactions from family and friends, and I realized the joyful impact my balloons had on their special day. I was bringing decorative joy to events. 😄 I just needed a bit of confidence in my craft and a little encouraging nudge to finally take the leap of starting my own business. Feeling like I was stuck on a roadblock in my life, creating Pretty Balloons felt like the perfect opportunity. Now, I’m driven by the excitement of helping clients transform their decorative visions into reality and bringing smiles to their faces.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Balloon Stylist, I provide organic balloon decorations for all sorts of events and celebrations. I use professional grade balloons available on the market and have different methods of how I create my balloon garlands. I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all when it comes to balloon decorations and every balloon artist/stylist/enthusiast has their preferred way. I use different sized balloons to achieve an organic yet cohesive look.
I think what sets me apart from other balloon stylists is the fact that I’m still afraid of balloons. LOL! I love the look of balloon decoration and think they’re so much fun, but I still get scared of them popping – I just put up a brave face.
I’m proud to say that I’m self-taught (I should probably take a class or two though) and the fact that I’m even doing this. I never thought I would be working with balloons or have my own business, so I’m excited to see where I go from here.
I’m not a big risk taker and usually like to take the safe road. I have always appreciated routine, itineraries, and having guidelines. Stepping out of my comfort zone to be where I am today was difficult for me. I still struggle making decisions regarding Pretty Balloons because I don’t want to mess up. I don’t like to fail or feel like people are judging me or my work. Luckily, I have the best husband and people behind me that want to see me succeed, which makes it helpful for me to move forward.
A lesson I have learned and am still getting use to is the fact that I am my biggest critic. I am still learning to embrace my mess ups and imperfections as part of my balloon journey and my life.
Pretty Balloons is big on having excellent customer service. It’s important for me to communicate with my clients so I could provide quality work. I don’t sell empty promises. I want to provide more than what they ask for. Just providing a little extra something in return for their excitement and smiles when they see the balloon decor I’ve created for them is the best feeling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show her the best time ever around my area, I would take her to places I enjoy. I usually keep a mental note of where I want to go and then wing it from there.

Coffee – Rad Coffee in Covina (Cool vibes with a pinball waiting area and tasty coffee drinks. My favorite is Cookies N Scream.)

Breakfast/Brunch – Broken Yolk Cafe in Glendora (Breakfast diner with a bar.); Stacks on Route 66 in Glendora (Pancake House. My favorite is Stuffed Strawberry Pancakes.)

Lunch/Dinner – Bread & Barley in Covina (Pub with yummy food.); Georgie’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Covina (My go-to when I want chicken kebabs.); Thumblings in West Covina (Delicious authentic Chinese food.); Tony’s Barbecue in West Covina (Filipino food stand. My usual is bbq sticks with garlic fried rice.); The Vox Kitchen in Fountain Valley (Asian fusion food.)

Dessert – Scoops On Tap in Covina (Tasty and creative ice cream flavors with a bar.); Ice Cream Chef in West Covina (Ice cream shop that serves rolled ice cream.); S’Moreology in West Covina (Scheduled pickup only – everything smores.); I Like Pie Bakeshop in Claremont (Sweet and savory pies. My favorite is Strawberry Shortcake Jelly Jar and Chicken Pot Pie.)

Things to do – Glendora Gardens Nursery (Local garden center for plant lovers.); The Stkr Store in West Covina (Stationery and sooo many stickers); Regal Edwards in West Covina (Movie theatre because I love watching movies.)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I have the best husband and people behind me that encourage my balloon adventure. I want to give a shoutout to my hubby (Eric) for being the most supportive, encouraging, and loving person in my life. Also, if it wasn’t for my cousin (Gee) pushing me to turn my craft of creating balloon garlands into a business, it would have never crossed my mind.

I also want to credit the following peeps:
Iris, Colin, Gee, Sissy, and Kristy – for being by my side at one point or another assisting me to make my balloon beauties
My sisters and Deo – for letting me vent when I was stuck
Jennifer and Zena – for being a great bestie and keeping me sane outside of balloons
@CicisHustle and Youtube (lol) – for all the balloon wisdom

And finally, thank you to all my clients who trusted me to be part of their special occasion.

Website: https://www.prettyballoons.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyballoonsbysheila

Other: (co** not com)

Website: www.prettyballoons.co

Email: sheila@prettyballoons.co

Image Credits
File: kidscreationlab-ahp-057.jpg (Mint green balloons) photo credit: @alyssahunterphoto