Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Alston.
Hi Steven, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Party Balloons by Q was started in the middle of the pandemic. I used my stimulus checks to purchase a website and balloons. I was nervous about the future and wanted to be closer to my biological family with whom I had just met.
So, I started commuting to Raleigh to do balloon orders on the side, my family would help out as much as they could. Mind you, I’m doing this while working full time at a Balloon company in Charlotte, NC. The hours driving back and forth were grueling, but I had to do it. Party City closed down for a few months and I knew that was an opportunity to get exposure.
One day, I started getting orders like crazy, and decided, why not give this a shot, because, when we come out of the pandemic people are going to want to celebrate. Our one year of business was October 1st!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ll be honest, it has really been somewhat of a smooth road for me. The only challenge, in the beginning, was logistics. The orders started getting bigger and bigger and I did not have a van to transport the orders. So, I spent a ton of money at UHAUL and Fluid Truck Service. Sometimes, they would not be available.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional balloon artist, I specialize in Classic and Custom Balloon Decor. I have a particular eye for detail in my work. I am most proud of having the mindset to take a chance. I like to think of my work as art, I try to not make the work look too balloony, If that makes sense.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always doing something geared towards the arts, I was very talkative and spoke my mind. I had so many interests and was fortunate enough to go to a junior high and senior high school that offered us those outlets.
I was in Band, Drama, Chorus, Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising & Marketing, Cosmetology. I thought I would be a singer but ended up being a hairstylist for almost 20 years.
Contact Info:
Email: partyballoonsbyq@gmail.com
Website: www.partyballoonsbyq.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonsbyqnq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balloonsbyq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf0ra76CAUReeTtKzWS-JOw
Suggest a Story: Voyage Raleigh is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
