BALLOON PLACE

Balloons are often connected with celebrating life’s special moments and helping to elevate moods. With these objectives in mind, Tammy Still opened Balloon Place, as no other store of its kind existed in the area. As a bonus, her personality is as cheerful as the balloons she sells.

Over the last six years, Balloon Place has moved three times within the same building on First Avenue near Bayview Street. Six months before the pandemic, the shop settled into its current location and has almost doubled in size. The new shop is visible from the street; customers can see through the glass door, whereas the previous store was tucked away. Another advantage is the new storefront has a high ceiling which is integral to building high floating bouquets and large arches.

When Tammy’s nephews were young, she wanted to throw them elaborate parties, so she learnt the art of balloon arrangements and discovered she had a talent for it. She attended balloon school in San Fernando, California. Tammy also took courses with Qualatex Balloons, where she learned about helium and other gases, balloon arrangement, colour charts and designs to become a balloon artist. Tammy furthers her knowledge with continuing education courses.

She previously worked as a realtor in her native Los Angeles. After relocating to Calgary, Tammy continued to work in real estate until the market slumped, and she headed to the Lower Mainland to work in strata management. Realizing that career was not for her, she followed her passion and began working with a Vancouver-based balloon business until she opened Balloon Place.

Tammy has resided in Steveston since 2007 with her husband and business partner, Steve Olson. She mentions, “I am ecstatic to be here. I have always wanted to be part of a small and special community.”

“I am a workaholic who forgot to have kids,” says Tammy. She may be the biggest kid of all, and owning a business that makes people happy is her driving force.

Balloon Place carries over 5,000 balloons.

Tammy remarks, “Customers are shocked at the choices and say they haven’t seen anything like it. I have approximately 50 racks of balloons. There is something for everybody.”

Orders of any size are possible, from a single special balloon to a bouquet that can fill a room for a special event. Whether you are celebrating an engagement, a baby reveal party, a birthday, graduation, marriage or retirement, balloons add the crowning touch. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day and Canada Day are made more special with the addition of colourful balloons.

Balloons have a way of brightening someone's day.

Tammy admits the pandemic was a difficult time for her business. With so many events cancelled, she lost conventions, weddings, graduation ceremonies and parties. She is extremely grateful to her clients who supported her by ordering birthday balloons, which kept her afloat. Adult children put extra effort into Mother’s and Father’s Day by sending balloon bouquets when they couldn’t visit their parents in person.

In addition to the pandemic hurdle, the cost of helium has increased globally, which has caused Tammy to raise her prices slightly and look for more options.

A new alternative is AirLoonz; these largescale free-standing air-filled balloons feature many characters, such as unicorns, dinosaurs, birthday cakes, and many seasonal favourites. They range from four to five feet in height. Visit Balloon Place’s website to view the wide varieties available.

If you can imagine it, Balloon Place can make it.

Putting gifts inside balloons is making a comeback. Tammy can put a small stuffed animal, money, a grad present, baby clothes, or even a boxed engagement ring inside an eighteen-inch air-filled balloon. Customers are welcome to bring their own soft items, although candy and anything with LED lights are not possible.

Some companies water down their helium with nitrogen; however, Balloon Place uses 99% helium in latex balloons. With the addition of high-float, balloons will float three days longer. Foil balloons will float for seven days and are refillable. Tammy suggests not releasing the helium as some will remain inside, and it will cost less to refill it next time.

Customers come into the shop to pick up their balloons, or Steve will make deliveries for a fee. Tammy says, “Steve is the best arch and column builder.” These items can also be delivered in their delivery vans.

The shop’s busiest time of the year is high school graduation. She and Steve will often work 16-hour days building arches and bouquets.

Tammy recalls an occasion when balloons saved a relationship. She was at home in her pyjamas when she received an after-hours call from a fellow in a panic. He was standing outside the shop, having forgotten to get a birthday bouquet for his significant other. Tammy drove to the store and bailed him out.

Tammy says, “I am so grateful to my customers; they are super sweet and supportive. This is such a happy and rewarding industry. The best part of my job is when customers come in to pick up their bouquets, and I witness their excitement and smiles. I love spreading happiness.”

Balloon Place

100-12211 First Avenue

Richmond, BC V7E 3M3

Phone 604-284-2565

www.balloonplace.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon, February 2023