Balloon Selfie Museum Director

Twists to Remember- Facebook Link

Modoc, IN

Mindy truly enjoys bringing joy to individuals of all ages. After 11 years of helping kids and young adults by working in the field of special education and behavioral therapy, she decided to utilize her gifts of creativity and organization to create a business in 2016, Twists to Remember, that helps design one-of-a-kind experiences and atmospheres for an individual's special day. She grew up helping plan events with her party throwing mom, and learned early on a unique unexpected touch was greatly appreciated by guests. Whether it involves creating an 8ft sculpture out of balloons or decorating an entire venue with romantic cascading floral and balloon garlands Mindy's goal is to create magical moments for her clients and their guests. Her enthusiasm and talents for her craft of creating unique art out of balloons has led her to work alongside other balloon artists to create large builds, teach at conventions, and now directing a large balloon build in her own county, the annual Balloon Selfie Museum. Mindy is beyond excited to work with the amazing artists volunteering their time and to provide her community with this unique immersive art exhibit using the medium of balloons.

Mindy has participated in and won the following:

*Big Balloon Build Indiana

*Team Lead Big Balloon Build Wisconsin

*Directed Balloon Selfie Museum 2023

*Instructor at Balloon Boss Summit 2023

*Featured balloon dress in Gothesque Jr. Magazine

* FLOAT 2022 Organic Decor Competition 2nd place

* FLOAT 2022 Milestone Event Winner

* FLOAT 2022 Photo Op Winner

Balloon Selfie Museum Assistant Director

Blue Bus Balloons- Facebook Link

Anderson, IN

When her daughter was little Annie started party and event planning. She always loved making the events one of a kind. At her corporate job she was on the events committee, and they had a balloon artists come in to decorate an event and that is when she decided she was going to learn balloon decor. Now owner of Blue Bus Balloons she brings the joy of balloons to many. Her business is named after her volunteer status with the Indy Honor Flight as she is the Blue Bus Captain. Helping with Indy Honor Flight is a passion of hers as she is on the Board of Directors, Bus Captain, & volunteer for this great organization that honors WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans. Beyond balloons and volunteering with Indy Honor Flights Annie is an avid concert goer and traveler.

Annie has:

*Participated in 5 Big Balloon Builds including one in London

*Participated in 2023 Balloon Selfie Museum

Balloon Selfie Museum Assistant Designer

Balloon Hype-Facebook Link

Macomb, MI

Balloons have always been a part of her kids’ and family’s birthday parties. One occasion she wanted to make a big balloon wall, so she researched and got obsessed with balloon decor. She joined a national networking group of balloon professionals where she continued to learn more and more about ballon decor and running a successful business. After 23 years she left her job as a Physical therapist Assistant for the entrepreneur life. Now, her business Balloon Hype designs and installs custom balloon decor for corporate and social events. She is thrilled to be helping people party in style.

Leah has participated in:

*Balloon Wonderland Orlando 2022

*Big Balloon Build Wisconsin 2023

*Balloon Selfie Museum 2023

Balloon Selfie Museum Logistics Manager

Blue Bus Balloons- Facebook Link

Anderson, IN

For the past 10 years Shannon has been organizing activities and events. A few years ago, her niece decided to include balloons into her events to add some pizazz and fun. This sparked her interest and there has been no turning back, she is hooked. Beyond balloons Shannon is a DIYer and crafter at heart who won’t turn down an opportunity to explore an antique shop and an upcycle craft.

Shannon has participated in:

* 2023 Balloon Selfie Museum

* 2023 Colorado Big Balloon Build

Balloon Selfie Museum Rigging Lead

Twists to Remember-Facebook Link

Modoc, IN

Josh permanently joined the Twists to Remember team when he and Mindy combined their lives and married in March of 2018. She introduced him to the crazy world of balloons. Now, he fabricates all structures utilized to support the unique one of a kind works of art designed by Mindy. A lifelong farmer and experienced professional construction crew member Josh brings a multitude of skills to the team. In his time away from work, he enjoys creating works of art from wood and scrap metal. He is excited to help Mindy bring her dream of the annual Balloon Selfie Museum to reality by combining his artistic and construction skills to help take a piece of artwork designed by the team to the next level .

Josh has participated in and won:

*Big Balloon Build 2022

*Balloon Selfie Museum 2023

* FLOAT 2022 Organic Competition 2nd place

Balloon Selfie Museum Character Design

Balloons by Misti- Facebook Link

Grand Forks, ND

Misti, Rebekah’s mom, has done balloons for as long as Rebekah can remember. When her mom finally started Balloons by Misti she needed an extra set of hands, so Rebekah started helping her about 4 years ago and is loving it. She has traveled to many conventions and continued to improve upon her skills. Now, she attends conventions and assist her mom in teaching others unique balloon decor and twisting skills. She is no stranger to dedication and hard work as she did gymnastics for 14 years and is a competitive gymnast.

Rebekah has:

* Participated in the Colorado Big Balloon Build

* Will be participating in the Ohio Big Balloon Build

Balloon Selfie Museum Character Design

North Shore Balloon Decor Facebook Link

Chicago, IL

Megan started out with facepainting and balloon twisting at kids’ parties. Her interest and talents have grown through the years, and she now owns and runs a business that specializes in creative balloon decor, North Shore Balloon Decor. Megan has shared her talents by competing and teaching at professional balloon conventions.

Megan has participated in and won the following:

*Big Build Kansas City

*Big Build Indiana

*FLOAT 2022 Foil Sculpture Winner

*FLOAT 2022 Centerpiece 3rd Place

* 2021 Balloon Boss Instructor for Betallic

* FLOAT 2020 Sculpture 2nd Place

*FLOAT 2020 Centerpiece 1st Place

*FLOAT 2020 Teen Decor Award

*FLOAT 2020 Twisted Decor Award

Balloon Selfie Museum Character Design

Lauralloons- Facebook Link

Duluth, MN

Laural started in balloons by taking a local “Beginning Balloon Twisting” class offered through Community Education. She just thought it would be a fun party activity and interesting skill to dabble in. Turned out she loved it and ran with it learning as much as she could about this colorful joy-filled world of balloons. She now is a full-time balloon artist that doesn’t use any Helium! Her entire business, Balloon Twisting and Decor in Duluth MN, is air-filled for long lasting fun! She strives to bring the very best balloon art to her local area and to use her balloon super powers to spread joy!

Laural has participated in and won:

* Several competitions at the renown twister convention Twist and Shout in 2019 & 2020

*Balloon Wonderland 2022

* Big Balloon Build Wisconsin 2023

Balloon Selfie Museum Team Communicator

Celebrations- Facebook link

Delphos, OH

As a senior in high school in 1990, Tammy took a class on flowers and balloons and ended up working for the instructor. When the instructor left the decorating business Tammy had the opportunity to take over and start her own business. Celebrations is a retail party supply store in Ohio specializing in balloon decor. Safety is always first with Tammy as she is the EMS Captain and Firefighter with her local volunteer fire department.

Tammy has:

*Participated in multiple large balloon builds including Balloon Town USA

*Won multiple awards for balloon decor and sculptures including Designer of the Year at the FLOAT Balloon Convention

Balloon Selfie Museum Team Communicator

Balloons by Twisted Sisters - Facebook Link

Portland, OR

Balloon Selfie Museum Team Communicator

AyrBalloons-Facebook Link

Belton, TX

Aryiel has worked with balloons for over 20 years and absolutely loves what she does! Back in early 2000s Ayriel started twisting balloons at a high school fundraiser and was recruited to work with a small entertainment company in 2004. She was working at Kid’s night events at restaurants and a few birthday parties on the weekends. When she moved to Orlando with her husband in 2011 she managed a party store and learned to create life size sculptures and classic balloon decor. Then, when she moved back to Texas to start a family, she worked with balloons as a hobby and for family and friends. Soon the word go out about her unique talent and she was busier and busier. From there she started her business AyrBalloons in 2019. Everyone always told her to “do what you love” and here she is now working with balloons full time!

Aryiel has won:

*Best in Central Texas in Family Fun 2023

Balloon Selfie Museum Crew

A Couple Things Created- Facebook Link

Warren, MI

LaDawn and Dexter are the owners, designers and certified balloon artist at A Couple Things Created. They started because Dexter, wanted to work for himself. He’s very artistic and a creative, so LaDawn encouraged him to learn how to work adobe photoshop. They took a photography class at Oakland Community College in 2012, so they already had the basics of working adobe photoshop. They started making things as a hobby and then realized they can make money doing a couple of different things, so that’s how they came up with their name, A Couple Things Created. From there they haven't stopped! They offer custom printing and decorating services, as well as balloons, to ensure that every detail for someone special day is perfect.

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Nhyema Shiree Events- Facebook Link

Old Hickory, TN

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Pretty Litt Events

Merrillville, IN

Valysha has always been fascinated with the beauty of balloons, the endless possibilities that balloons offer for creativity and expression. Even as a young girl she would attend events and think, “I can do that,” she longed to be the one to “make things pretty.” Her balloon endeavors started off as a hobby, creating designs for her friends and family. From there, her love for balloons continued to grow into a full business. She is honored that she is now entrusted in creating beautiful designs for many celebrations. Her company, Pretty Litt Events, specializes in luxury themed events from weddings to baby showers providing full scale event planning to balloon décor. She is excited to participate in her first big build with the Balloon Selfie Museum.

Balloon Selfie Museum Crew

Zippy Entertainment LLC- Facebook Link

Gilbert, AZ

For Zippy pursuing a career as a balloon artist and balloon decorator has been a lifelong dream of his inspired by his childhood visits to the state fair in his hometown of Albuquerque, NM. His mission is to now make dreams come true by bringing smiles to people’s faces through balloon creations and character experiences. Zippy Entertainment has it all from balloon twisters, real bearded Santa encounters, to custom T-shirts using DTF technology. In addition to his passion for balloon artistry, Zippy finds joy in diverse interests such as parachuting, scuba diving, horseback riding, attending live performances, and exploring different parts of the world. He also spends time supporting the Armed Services Veterans through his role as a volunteer Veteran Liaison at a local news channel in Phoenix, AZ. This dedication is rooted in his own experience as a veteran, as he proudly served for 10 years in the U.S. Army with the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division.

How did Zippy get his name?

During a Christmas float project with a local clown troupe in Phoenix, AZ he found himself distributing zip ties to those working on the floats. As he “zipped” around assisting everyone they started to affectionately call him “Zippy”. And from there on out he has been Zippy the entertainer.

Zippy has:

*Completed Linda Kiss Balloon Decoration course becoming a Certified Balloon Decorator

* Attended and honed skills at prestigious balloon conventions such as Blin Bling, FLOAT, Ballooniversity, and Florida Super Jam

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Balloon Pops- Facebook Link

Hope Mills, NC

Sandra always enjoyed how balloons looked at events she attended and wanted to learn how to arrange them herself. Now she owns Balloon Pops, an upscale event decor business where they provide creative balloon decor for celebrations, memorials, corporate events and bring that added “POP” to any event. If you see an event with that extra sparkle you know it was by Sandra she LOVES to BLING everything!

Sandra has:

*Participated in a Big Balloon Build

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Moes Moements - Facebook Link

Las Vegas, NV

Monique started doing balloons for family gatherings and parties. Then, in February of 2022 she took a balloon class hosted by her now mentor Jessica Washington of Vegas Valley Balloons. Monique has now started her event planning business. They coordinate and execute various events from weddings, gatherings, and parties. in addition to loving to create magical moments with decor she also loves a good jigsaw puzzle.

Monique has:

*AA in Tourism and Event Planning

Balloon Selfie Museum Crew

Mr. Nibs Magic and Balloons- Facebook Link

Kendallville, IN

As a child, a book at the school book fair on how to make alien balloons grabbed Jacobs attention. The spark of wanting to learn more about twisting balloons was then reignited for him around 2016 when he bought the DVD, Balloon School by Joe Montella. Jacob delved more into balloons and quickly found out that he was pretty good at twisting “pockets of air”. He learned more about the art of balloons through the magic community. Magic had helped him navigate and cope with the struggles of childhood and making friends at school and now has led him to another adventure and way to communicate with others while spreading joy. Jacob’s creative talents expand beyond the balloons as he helps spread smiles and make the world a better place with his magic shows and foam parties. He is excited to work with other professional artists at the Balloon Selfie Museum and create new friendships along the way.   

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Creation By Queen LLC-Facebook Link

Gurnee, IL

Emily loves celebrating people and spreading love and lifting the spirits of those who need it. So, no surprise during covid when her family wanted balloon décor for her grandmother’s memorial and had no one to order from, Emily sprang into action to make it happen. She ordered balloons on-line watched balloon décor tutorials on YouTube and create beautiful balloon decor to honor her grandmother. This unlocked a new passion for her and Creation by Queen LLC, her full service event planning company including graphic design and luxe balloon installs, was formed.

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Poppins Balloon Creations-Facebook Link

Pendleton, IN

Colleen was born and raised in New York and recently moved to Indiana to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters. in 2010 she had a wonderful job as a Paralegal in NY District Attorney’s Office. One day a coworker recieved a basket of flowers all made out of balloons. That’s when colleen knew she had to learn how to make that. She signed up for classes. A few days later she found out that she had a massive brain tumor and had to have emergency brain surgery. She spent weeks in the hospital and months doing rehab, and needed to retire at age 47. Fast forward 5 years and she saw a twisted balloon on You Tube and it triggered in her memory she was going to learn how to do that. She found a teacher who spent a few days teaching her and then she was off and running on her own. Poppin’s Balloon Creations was born. She feels it was the best decision she made, and she never looked back. She has traveled to conventions throughout the United States. This journey has introduced her to so many wonderful people from her customers to other attendees at conventions that are now lifelong friends. Although being a Balloon Twister was not in her grand plan for life, it turned out to be what she needed, and she enjoys it very much.

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Poppins Balloon Creations- Facebook Link

Pendleton, IN

John born and raised in New York was an Electrical Technician for 36 years. He recently retired and moved to Indiana with his wife, Colleen. He would drive her to and frome her balloon jobs and help carry the supplies. She encouraged him to start learning a few balloon designs since he was at the job anyway. He started with the basic sword and now he can do a large array of designs. Him and his wife do all the jobs together now. he enjoys the challenge and loves all the amazing kids and their families he has met along the way. This is not what he thought he would be doing in his “retirement”, but it turned out to a lot of fun.

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Purple Crayon Balloons

Olivet, MI

One day upon browsing social media Lynda happened upon balloon creations. She was taken aback by the beauty and artistry. There was such a breathless creativity and elegant color combinations. It looked like amazing fun! She is excited to get the Purple Crayon Balloons started. She has done several baby showers, birthday parties, and church & school decorations. She specializes in organic arches and columns and loves to do small tabletop decorations as well. When she’s not creating with balloons she is happy to hunt for unique and vintage finds and save them from the landfill.

Balloon Selfie Museum Crew

Vegas Valley Balloons- Facebook Link

Las Vegas, NV

Jessica started her balloon journey in 2018, attending the Balloon training institute in Tennessee. Yes, there is a balloon school, and she graduated in 2018. In 2019, she did her first full-scale event, and since then, clients have trusted her with their biggest moments, and she is nothing but grateful! She does it all at her full- service event planning business, Vegas Valley Balloons. She is beyond grateful for the warm reception she receives from her city as in 2018 she even received a proclamation of a day in her name from the City of Las Vegas.

Jessica has been a recipient of:

*Las Vegas 2023 Business and Economic Advancement Award

Balloon Selfie Museum Balloon Crew

Quirky Innovations- Facebook Link

Greenville, NC

Creative and Crafty, LaDonna joined the balloon industry to pursue her dreams of being a balloon artist. She has always loved creating extravagant parties for her children. When COVID happened, she was able to explore the world of balloon decor more. Born in Bamberg, SC LaDonna is a wife (Ivan), boy mom of 2 (Jordan and Tyler) and a dog mom of 2 Cane Corsos (Marley and Nova). Currently residing in Eastern NC, LaDonna continues to make a name for herself on the entrepreneurial journey. She loves how her business, Quirky Innovations, enables her to channel her artistic and imaginative side.

LaDonna has participated in:

*Tuftex Experience

*Balloon Coach Summer Road Trip