Farmington Small Business Spotlight: Balloons Above

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Balloons Above
• Owner: Kelly Caiaze
• Website: www.balloonsabovect.com
• Address: 6 Elizabeth Road, Farmington

How did you come up with the name? I purchased the business, which had already been operating successfully for 20 years, 13 years ago. To ensure a smooth transition for the existing clients, I decided not to change the name.

Why start a business in this town? In this business we travel all over the state and sometimes out of state. Having a home office in Farmington is so convenient to the highway and many surrounding towns where a good majority of my work is done, especially Hartford. All of my work is done on site where the event takes place.

What business are you in? Balloon Decorating. We decorate for all events, large or small. These Events include Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, bridal/baby showers, birthdays, graduations, weddings, proms, corporate events, grand openings, New Years Eve, balloon drops, etc. Balloons add life to any occasion!

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? The most difficult challenge I face are on the days when I have multiple events. Timing becomes very crucial. I need to make arrangements with each venue as far as set up time and space which can become an issue if the venue is double booked. Other than that I love my business and my clients and I welcome any creative decorating challenge.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? I feel very fortunate that I have been a part of many major events in and around Connecticut. Some of these include the grand openings of the Hartford Convention Center and the Hartford Marriott. I have decorated for Governor Rowland, Governor Rell and all of Linda McMahon’s conventions. Other major events have included The Big East Women’s basketball tournaments, the NCAA Tournament, the new FASTACK Bus Line, Wolfpac events and many, many more. It is very rewarding to be involved in these important, and often historical, events that take place in our state.

How does your business give back to the community? Being in the industry I receive many calls for donations and I have given back to the community in many ways. I donate my time and services to a UNICO event each year. I give discounts to school fundraising events across the state. I have done fundraising events for people who have had personal hardships in their lives, they will often have fundraising diners in a social hall which I will donate my time and services to. I also donated my services to Sandy Hook.

How did you come up with the name? I purchased the business, which had already been operating successfully for 20 years, 13 years ago. To ensure a smooth transition for the existing clients, I decided not to change the name.

Why start a business in this town? In this business we travel all over the state and sometimes out of state. Having a home office in Farmington is so convenient to the highway and many surrounding towns where a good majority of my work is done, especially Hartford. All of my work is done on site where the event takes place.

What business are you in? Balloon Decorating. We decorate for all events, large or small. These Events include Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, bridal/baby showers, birthdays, graduations, weddings, proms, corporate events, grand openings, New Years Eve, balloon drops, etc. Balloons add life to any occasion!

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? The most difficult challenge I face are on the days when I have multiple events. Timing becomes very crucial. I need to make arrangements with each venue as far as set up time and space which can become an issue if the venue is double booked. Other than that I love my business and my clients and I welcome any creative decorating challenge.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

How does your business give back to the community? Being in the industry I receive many calls for donations and I have given back to the community in many ways. I donate my time and services to a UNICO event each year. I give discounts to school fundraising events across the state. I have done fundraising events for people who have had personal hardships in their lives, they will often have fundraising diners in a social hall which I will donate my time and services to. I also donated my services to Sandy Hook.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.