🎈$150K/Year Blowing Up Balloons

I just got back from Florida, and like most of my trips, I stumbled upon a unique business.

It was Kentucky Derby Saturday, and while we were out to lunch, I saw a young couple — probably in their 20s — setting up an elaborate balloon horse and balloon archway.

At first, I figured they were hosting a party.

But after a couple hours of setting everything up — they packed up and left.

Turns out, they weren’t the hosts… they were in the balloon business.

That little moment sent me down a rabbit hole.

So today’s business?

🎈 Balloon arch installers

Yup. There are people making six figures a year installing custom balloon decorations:

• Baby showers

• Bridal events

• Instagrammable birthday parties

• Brand launches & pop-ups

One example I found is The Balloon River — and apparently they’re booked solid.

🎉 How It Works:

They create big, dramatic balloon arches and backdrops (the ones you see all over Pinterest and IG)

Clients book online, choose colors, size, and add-ons (like neon signs or shimmer walls)

Balloon artist shows up day-of, installs the display in ~1–2 hours

📦 Then returns after the event to remove it (or offers a “no tear-down” option)

💰 The Numbers:

• $300–$800 per setup is typical

• Premium installs can hit $1,500+ (for brand activations or large events)

• 4–6 installs per weekend is standard for a solo operator

$600 average × 5 jobs/week = $3,000/week = $150,000/year

Low overhead, high margins.

🛠 Startup Costs:

🎈 Basic balloon supplies: $500
🛻 Reliable vehicle
🪜 Ladder, pump, design templates
📸 Portfolio for marketing (just 3–4 good examples to start)
📱 Website + Instagram = your whole sales funnel

📈 Why This Works:

✅ Everyone wants Pinterest-worthy events
📸 It’s made for social media (clients share pics = free marketing)
📍 Easy to dominate locally with SEO + IG + word of mouth
💸 Clients are often spending with emotion, not logic

🚀 Could You Copy This?

Yes — especially in suburbs and mid-sized cities where there’s demand but low supply.

• Make a simple site and IG page

• Practice building 3–5 installs at home (film them)

• Reach out to event planners and venues to partner

• Run targeted local Facebook ads, post examples on Facebook community groups

You could be up and running in a week and profitable by your second job.

This is the kind of small, creative business I love — minimal risk, lots of upside.

Have a great Tuesday!

– Tim