Today we’d like to introduce you to Gennie Crum.
Gennie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t originally set out to become a balloon artist—this path found me in a very unexpected way. I began doing balloons for my mom’s event business, which specializes in full event setups. When she asked me to learn balloons to complement her services, I was honestly terrified. Balloons intimidated me, so I decided to take a class simply as a way to conquer that fear.
What I didn’t expect was to fall completely in love with the art of balloons.
I was truly mind-blown when I realized that balloon décor wasn’t just for birthday parties—it was a legitimate, creative business and that luxury balloon installations could be a real career. Once that clicked, I was hooked. I poured myself into learning everything I could. I would stay up late into the night watching YouTube tutorials, practicing techniques, and teaching myself the craft—often with my baby sleeping in a playpen right beside me until the wee hours of the morning when I would then have to get ready for my 9-5 job
As my passion grew, I invested in myself by attending professional classes and industry conferences like Float and Tuftex Experience, learning from some of the best balloon artists in the business.
These days I am working hard to build a name for myself in the city of Jacksonville Florida. I have found my own lane focusing on corporate balloon design and luxury events
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe I thank God for the struggle because it has shaped me into the business owner I am today. Like many entrepreneurs, I built my balloon décor business while working full time, which meant long days, late nights, and learning how to manage my energy as much as my schedule.
As a woman business owner, one of my biggest challenges was learning how to manage work life balance. Juggling a career, a marriage, and raising my son—while trying to build a business—required constant adjustment and sacrifice. At some points I felt like I was neglecting my family and friends to chase my dreams. There were also growing pains in stepping out from under my mom’s established event business to build my own brand, voice, and identity in the luxury balloon décor space.
Another major hurdle was confidence—both personally and professionally. I had to push through social anxiety to put myself out there, network, and confidently communicate my value to clients. Learning my niche, trusting my artistic eye, and believing in my work enough to charge what it’s truly worth was a journey in itself.
The list of challenges could go on, but what has kept me grounded through every season is my faith in God. I truly believe that my purpose and my business are guided by Him, and that faith gives me the courage to keep going, even when the road feels uncertain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a balloon artist specializing in luxury and corporate balloon décor, with a strong focus on organic balloon design. I’ve always been creative, and balloon art became the medium that truly fit me. I often say balloons are my paintbrush and design is my canvas—especially since I’m the only one in my family who can’t draw. Through balloons, I create installations that transform spaces.
What I’m known for is my work. No two balloon artists are the same, and every design I create is customized and thoughtfully built for the client and the space. One of my proudest accomplishments has been breaking into the corporate market, including creating a grand opening installation for Total Wine & More and balloon arches for brands like European Wax Center.
What sets me apart is originality, consistency, and growth. I’m constantly refining my craft, building strong industry relationships, and pushing my work to the next level.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the balloon industry continuing to mature and professionalize. Balloon décor is already shifting beyond parties into corporate branding, large-scale installations, retail environments, and experiential marketing—and that demand is only going to grow. With that growth will come a need for stronger business systems, logistics, and scalable models, not just creativity.
That’s one reason I made the decision to go back to school for business and logistics. While I’ve spent over 20 years in healthcare, I realized that building a sustainable company—one with employees, infrastructure, and long-term growth—requires a solid foundation. I love balloon art, but I’m also realistic. Right now I am 45! I don’t see myself climbing ladders and tying balloons forever, and I don’t want my business to be limited by what I can physically produce.
I see myself expanding beyond installations into education, distribution, and product development within the balloon industry. My long-term vision includes teaching classes, becoming a balloon distribution company, and eventually manufacturing products that serve other balloon professionals. I also want to explore ways to use my craft to give back and connect more deeply with the community.
Ultimately, the next 5–10 years are about growth, scale, and legacy. I’m building something that can evolve with me—and something meaningful that I can one day pass on to my son.
Pricing:
- Columns- $110(Basic 6ft) $175(organic7ft) $200(branded logo 7ft)
- Arches-$250 classic $500 organic
- Bouquets $50
- Garlands range $25-30 a foot
- Delivery $50 in town
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaxballoondecor..com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jax_balloon_decor?igsh=MWRvYWJyajk5YzlxdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AG6dKGbmt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennie-crum-7171b4301?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
