What started as a way to stay busy during COVID has grown into a creative business helping people celebrate life’s biggest moments. For Ryan Bates, owner of Balloons & Beyond KC, working with balloons began with a simple kit, an air pump and a desire to make her daughter’s first in-person Girl Scout event after a year of virtual gatherings feel special.
“I remember the reactions of the parents and the girls at this event,” Bates says. “Their faces lit up with smiles and it made me want to make something else for the next event.”
Bates began practicing, watching balloon tutorials and creating designs in her basement. She donated them to Girl Scout troops and community events, eventually becoming the person friends and family called the “balloon lady.” Along the way, she discovered a creative side she had not known was there, developing her own techniques and “recipes” for balloon installations. She soon realized the hobby could become something more.
In February 2023, Bates officially launched Balloons & Beyond KC LLC. Still working full time, she joined a local business networking group and left her corporate career by the end of May to focus on the company. Her husband, daughter and son became her first unpaid employees, helping wherever needed. Today, Andrea, Veronica and her daughter Kendall work alongside her, while her husband and son remain on call for heavy lifting and anything requiring extra reach.
The business has expanded from small celebrations into a wide range of events. Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and showers remain popular, particularly first birthdays. Bates also creates décor for graduations, weddings, holiday gatherings and Kansas City Chiefs and Royals events. Corporate projects include convention center events, expos, grand openings, office celebrations, luncheons and client appreciation gatherings.
“Balloon décor makes celebrations fun and memorable by their versatility and customization,” Bates says. “Balloons create focal points and photo opportunities.” Color, texture, florals, props, lighting, names and logos can transform a basic balloon garland into a personalized installation.
Current trends favor organic, asymmetrical designs featuring different balloon sizes and a mix of matte, pearl and metallic finishes. Earth tones such as sage green, terracotta, dusty rose, mocha and butter yellow are popular, while neutrals paired with gold, champagne or chrome create a timeless look. Personalization is also important, with custom names, hashtags, logos and LED balloons adding visual interest.
Every installation begins with listening to the client. After submitting an inquiry, clients share details about their event and can provide inspiration photos or a vision board. Bates uses those ideas as a starting point, adding her own creative perspective rather than copying another design.
“Once the deposit is received, the date is blocked on our schedule and we start designing mock ups for the event,” Bates says. “We will keep designing until the client’s vision is reached.”
Most designs begin with a basic balloon garland, customized with smaller balloon clusters, florals, feathers or lighting to add dimension.
One of Bates’ favorite projects was a holiday backdrop for Bair Excavating’s company party at The Mint. Given complete creative freedom, she created a Christmas display featuring a boxwood backdrop, red, white and green balloons, specialty bow-shaped balloons and a coordinating balloon Christmas tree. The backdrop featured the company logo, and the client took the balloon tree back to the office to extend the holiday spirit.
Although finished installations may look effortless, Bates wants clients to understand the work involved. Quality materials, design time, inflation, assembly, transportation and installation all factor into the final product.
“We take the stress of the décor off our client’s plate,” Bates says. “We take their vision and turn it into a memory they can cherish forever.”
With graduation season already booking into spring and summer 2027, planning ahead is important. Smaller designs and pickup orders should be booked about two weeks in advance, while personalized or luxe backdrops are best planned at least three weeks ahead. Some clients book four to five weeks in advance, while others reserve dates six months ahead.
At its heart, Balloons & Beyond KC is about more than balloons. It is about creating a setting that makes people stop, smile, take a photo and remember the occasion.
“I love that I can be a mom and a boss babe at the same time,” Bates says.
What began as a basement project has become a family business and creative outlet, bringing color, personality and joy to celebrations throughout Kansas City.