Chamber Member of the Week: Up Up & Away Balloon Creations, LLC
Felicia Hardesty developed an entrepreneurial spirit during the pandemic, using downtime to brainstorm possibilities. Through a series of events, she decided on Up Up & Away and began offering custom balloon decor and party rentals.
“Up Up & Away was a fantasy idea I had when my son was younger,” Hardesty said. “When he was diagnosed with autism, everything was put on the back burner so I could find ways to support him on his journey.”
Those efforts led Hardesty to Dream Riders of Kentucky, where her son began enjoying equine riding classes, and she began volunteering. She created some balloon art for the nonprofit; the rest is history.
“I made some balloon art and got some really great feedback,” she said. “In return, I realized how much my son enjoyed watching and helping make the balloon creations come to life. I was finally able to make the business a reality last June, and we’ve been growing ever since.”
Hardesty offers everything from silly balloon people and basic decor to art installations, dynamic backdrops, and a bubble balloon dome that consumes an entire wall. She recently expanded to offer twisting services and concession rentals, such as shaved ice machines, cotton candy machines, and popcorn carts. She’s also added an assortment of inflatable rental options.
“Owensboro is a great market for creative and diverse businesses,” Hardesty said. “Everyone has been amazingly supportive. I can even officiate weddings tailored to a couple’s ideal ceremony as well as providing the balloon decor for their memorable day.”
You can catch Hardesty and Up Up & Away in action at BBQ & Barrels, where she will offer Mother’s Day balloon bouquets and twisting.
To learn more about Up Up & Away or to request Hardesty’s services for an event, email upupandawayballooncreations@gmail.com. More information is also available online at upupandawayballooncreations.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times