Conversations with the Inspiring Danielle Sheridan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Sheridan.

Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started a few summers ago when I worked for Hannah Howard of Ink + Root. She was hosting a Galentine’s calligraphy workshop last February and wanted to do something with balloons but didn’t have the time (that girl is busy!). So, she asked me if I could figure out how to make a balloon garland, and the rest is history! I started getting orders one by one and it really took off from there. Since the Galentine’s workshop, I’ve done more than 50 garland installs– baby showers, weddings, birthday parties and more! I consider myself a creative (though not in a traditional sense) and have had SO much fun with it. Every single garland is unique and it’s been such a blast to create and problem solve through each one.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of my biggest struggles with being a one-woman show has been consistency. I work a full-time job in the school system and am in grad school to become a Speech Language Pathologist. So, it’s been difficult to remain consistent in taking balloon orders because ya girl is busy! But I have a little bit of a hustler’s mentality and have been able to still take orders here and there. I swear getting that creative energy out keeps me sane amongst all the other things I have going on.

My advice to other young women starting on their own creative journeys is GO. FOR. IT. It can be really scary starting out, without knowing what the future holds, but you won’t know unless you try! I am so thankful for the encouragement of the women around me when I made my first few garlands. They were like, “Ya know…you could really make a business out of this.” If it wasn’t for that, I likely would’ve never taken the leap to get started beyond the first install. Surround yourself with motivating women. GIRL POWER baby! My other advice is don’t forget about social media. I’ve grown my business pretty much strictly on Instagram which is crazy, but true. It’s 2019 and the power of social media marketing cannot be ignored!

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating custom organic-flowing balloon garlands. I start with a consultation and
am proud of my ability to work closely with my clients to help bring their vision to life (puttin’ those people skills to work!). Collaboration is key and I am sure to include the client in each step of the process to ensure every detail is as perfect as can be! I love including fresh greenery and florals to take my garlands to the next level. There’s nothing better than seeing the finished product blend seamlessly with the rest of the event’s decor.

I’m most proud of my ability to connect with others. Beyond creating something beautiful, that is one of the best parts of being involved in people’s big events!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Traditionally, expectations for women are high. We’re expected to earn a living while simultaneously caring for our families and homes. That said… we’ve adapted to being able to juggle competing priorities which makes us well suited to jobs in every field! But I think there are huge opportunities for women as creatives and entrepreneurs. A mix of soft skills that allow us to connect with humans, but the drive and ambition to handle our business and get the job done.

Contact Info:

• Email: balloonsbydani@gmail.com
• Instagram: @balloonsbydani

Image Credit:
Chandler Kim Photography
Lindsay Sevec Photography

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