Meet LaQuetta Allen | Educator & Balloon Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaQuetta Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaQuetta, what inspires you?
I am most inspired by all of the Women in my life who are Bosses in their own way. I look up to them and just want everyone to win! I love that we can do all the things….work full time, run businesses, be mothers, wives, and keep it all together. It isn’t easy but I have been lead by the best examples and definitely do believe that women run the world!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Middle School Educator by day and a Balloon Artist by night! I love to create beautiful balloon designs that wow clients and their guests! I use only the highest quality of balloons and I am always prompt and communicate with my clients. I believe that my professionalism and customer service sets my business apart! I also truly want to be sure that I am bringing my clients visions to life while exceeding their expectations.

It was not an easy task to get where I am today and there have been many moments where I have considered closing up shop but God always finds a way to show up and show out! Profit margins have been my biggest challenge. Yes I need and want clients but I also have to remember that I use expensive supplies in order to guarantee my work. Overhead cost can be pricey as well with insurance, travel, storage, and even replacing equipment. I have had to learn that I can’t change my prices to fit my clients needs, I have to price based on what will help my business continue to run without going into a hole.

I want people to know that my brand is all about bringing happiness to your event. We are owned and operated by a family of 5 and we love to bring joy and cheer to others. Our story started in a dark place and we have faced many obstacles along the way but we persevered and could not have done that without out loyal clients and supporters.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a really small town and we usually have to drive to Raleigh, Durham, or Danville, Virginia to have the most fun. In my little town though, Palace Pointe Theater is a one stop shop that meets all of our entertainment needs. There is a movie theater, bowling, skating rink, arcade, a nice bar, and restaurant all under the same roof! If you are looking for a good time for yourself or family, I suggest you all head to Palace Pointe in Roxboro, NC!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this Shoutout to my big cousin Tasha! She may not know how much she means to me or how her simple efforts pushed me to not only attend College but to Graduate! My mother passed away when I was 13 year old and this was a time that I felt like I needed the most direction from her as I was growing into a young woman. I felt like I had no direction after she passed no matter who was there and who was trying. I felt lost and alone but I wasn’t alone! I had an amazing village and Tasha was apart of that village. She took the time to take my sister and I to visit colleges and give us exposure to College Life which was not something that I had seen or even thought much about. I’d always had good grades but never really considered life after High School. I remember spending a little time on North Carolina Central University’s campus and falling in love immediately but then she took us to visit WSSU which became my new obsession. Without the exposure, I would not have become interested in College at all and definitely would not have found the connection I didn’t know I needed with North Carolina A&T State University which is where I Graduated! I truly do not think that I would be where I am today without my big cousin being as influential as she was. I also want to shoutout my Aunt Cindy who told me I’d be a teacher before I knew I wanted to be a teacher! My entire village deserves credit for sure but I definitely wanted to express just how much those two have contributed to my story!

Website: http://www.balloonishnc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloonishnc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balloonishandmore/

Image Credits
Lisa Rogers Photography