When six-year old Jeter walked into his baseball-themed birthday party and saw the ten-foot balloon decor snaking up the side of a Yankee-inspired backdrop, his eyes lit up. He couldn’t believe his name was plastered on a giant baseball balloon.
Nowadays, balloon decor and backdrops are a popular fixture at birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties and other kid-themed events for good reason—they make a big statement at every event and present an opportunity for beautiful photos, says Emily Marioni, owner of Ahwatukee’s very own Beloved Balloons.
As an artist, Marioni's favorite projects showcase her creativity, from transforming a piano into a barn for a Western first birthday to designing a lively 'Twincella' party for twins. Her custom creations also included a 'she’s the cherry on top' baby shower adorned with cherry fruit balloons, a school’s ice cream social with a custom-made ice cream truck, and even Corgi and fish-themed parties featuring special pets.
And it’s not just balloon artistry. When a client comes to her with a party theme or colors, Marioni meticulously researches and visualizes the design, considering the space’s wall color, flooring and lighting. Then she designs and paints the backdrops and customizes vinyl decals. She loves exploring colors and themes, gushing that she falls “in love with every event I am a part of.”
But Marioni didn’t always love her job. Once she was a burned out employee working a sales corporate job. She wondered if she could turn her hobby of making balloon garlands for friends and family into a full-fledged business. However, Marioni lacked a client base or social media following. “It really was nothing except a small dream,” she admits.
In 2023, Marioni launched Beloved Balloons with little expectations. She worked hard to build her portfolio and gain experience. These days, Marioni has clients throughout the valley, but Ahwatukee is her home base. She credits her success to the “incredible support from the Ahwatukee community,” and feels honored to be trusted with their events.
Marioni will launch her first-ever hands-on balloon garland training class in Ahwatukee this year. She’ll teach technique, where to buy materials and how to hang the garlands.“The class has been a goal for quite some time, so I am pretty excited to launch,” she says.
Owning a business comes with challenges, but Marioni is proud to persevere and continually improve her skills. She has this to say for anyone dreaming of entrepreneurship: “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect to follow a dream, just be bold and go for it... Life is too short…It’s hard, it’s scary, it might not make sense financially, but I would never recommend talking yourself out of taking a leap into the unknown.”
For Marioni, having a creative outlet has tremendously improved her well-being. She loves knowing that she makes each celebration a little brighter and that her work contributes to these memories. “Being a part of a family’s special occasions is truly such a blessing. I have had Beloved for almost two years, so several clients whose baby showers I have been a part of are now working with me on their babies' upcoming first birthdays! From weddings to babies to birthdays, there is so much to celebrate always!”
Follow Beloved Balloons on social media @belovedballoonsaz, or find her online at BelovedBalloons.com.