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5:02 PM Thursday, March 16, 2023
A Brooklyn Park woman’s balloon business has really taken off thanks in part to a Hennepin County program.
Erin Aarestad is a benefactor of the program called Elevate Hennepin, which connects local entrepreneurs to resources and advisors for free.
The advice Aarestad’s received has helped turn her dream and hobby into a full-fledged business.
Erin Aarestad Owner/Balloon Stylist at Balloon Fancy in Brooklyn Park.
Known as “The Balloon Lady,” Aarestad spends her week preparing balloons for her creations that grace graduation parties, baby showers, large group events and everything in between.
“It’s a pretty good bang for your buck, in the sense that balloons take up a lot of space and add a lot of color to a space,” said Aarestad.
Aarestad got into the balloon business after realizing there was a niche that needed to be filled.
“It was my daughter’s 7th birthday at the time,” said Aarestad, “And I saw a balloon arrangement on Pinterest and loved it. And I called, and I couldn’t find anyone locally to make it, so I said okay, let me give it a try.”
Soon she was getting lots of calls for her creations.
“It just has snowballed,” said Aarestad.
Aarestad at work in her Brooklyn Park office.
When she realized that her side-hustle was blowing up, she was ready for a career-change, but not sure about all the logistics to starting a business.
“I was a mortgage lender, so that’s quite the jump,” said Aarestad.
That’s where Elevate Hennepin came in to help.
“People come to Elevate, and I help them as a WomenVenture business consultant,” said Tammy Dahlvang, “And they typically come with a really good idea. And they may or may not have a business plan, but they have the passion, or they have something that they want to do. So, I help them design a business plan.”
Along with getting help building a business plan, Aarestad also worked with other advisors that provided tax and legal know-how.
With the help, Aarestad has been able to soar to new heights faster.
She went full-time this year with her business, Balloon Fancy, thanks to the support.
“All of framework they are providing me with is putting me way ahead of where I would be without them,” said Aarestad.
Aarestad would like to open up a warehouse to store the balloons and space where people can pick up here arrangements.
She is looking forward to continuing her relationship with Elevate Hennepin as Balloon Fancy grows.
Brooklyn Park
Business Matters
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