Today we’d like to introduce you to Millicent Hall.
Millicent, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a creative. I love making things and making them pretty. I think I get that from both my mom and my dad. My mom is a master cosmetologist (as well as some of her sisters) and my dad is a carpenter. So, I think making things pretty has always been my jam. I started out selling different items decorated with vinyl on Etsy. Namely, balloon decals, cups, water bottles, and from time to time, I make custom t-shirts and sell them locally. After that part of my business had gotten started, I ventured more into the balloon world.
My niece was graduating from high school and my sister asked me to decorate the party for her. I decided I would make “one of those balloon things.” Thinking it would be easy, I looked at a few YouTube videos and I tried it out. Needless to say, it was absolutely horrible. I hated how it turned out but most people around me thought it was very pretty.
Because I was so unhappy with the way it turned out, I decided to do whatever I could to better learn how to execute the infamous Organic Balloon garland. The more I learned the more I became intrigued by the Balloon Business and the rest is still being written.
Today, I am still learning – forever learning – growing and doing my best to deliver the best quality work to my clients. I absolutely enjoy what I do!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth… Ha! Is there really any business or creative’s story who can say they had a road with very few bumps? The road for my business had definitely had ups and downs. But in the words of one of the top balloons artists in the States, “You have to be willing to pivot.” I have been on installs where nothing seemed to be working but my client would NEVER know it. I have underpriced my work (honestly – still working on that) and had to use my own money to give everything I promised a client. I have had people discourage me telling me that I charge too much or compare my prices to the next person or the national chain party store we all know and often visit.
The bumps go on and on. But I make it a point to be flexible, to be communicative, to be willing to do what is necessary for that “OMG! This is beautiful” moment from my clients – while still holding my values and my worth at the forefront.
Please tell us about Peaches and Pine Balloon Decor and More! – what should we know?
I specialize in Bespoke Balloon Decor and balloon decals. I love every single moment of it. The loud moments during the inflation process, the sleepless nights the early mornings, the stuffing of balloons in a vehicle to get to a venue. I. LOVE. IT. ALL!
I am most proud of doing work and sometimes shocking myself and saying ‘wait, I did that?” I am proud that people can actually trust me with their decor jobs. Even more proud of me pushing past my doubts and negative self-talk and doing my business. With every event, styled shoot, marketing event, I make myself more and more proud.
But nothing tops how my mom talks about how proud she is of me for starting my own business and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Melts my heart.
What sets me apart from others is customer service. I try to give my clients a complete experience. I am accessible and very communicative. My client experience means the world to me. Also, this is fun for me. I try to be fun to be around on installs. Nothing sucks more than someone working with balloons – literally one of the most fun things on earth- while being uptight. I am not a clown but balloons sure make me happy. Winnie the Pooh said it best “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom for sure! She inspires me. The sheer strength she exudes inspires me to strive for nothing but the best. I want to give her everything she deserves and more!
I also have a few friends and even family who have encouraged me along the way. My friends try whenever they can to support my business – helping at installs when they can, talking late at night with me when I am frustrated, telling me industry secrets and putting me and my business in front of people I should know in the industry.
I literally wouldn’t haven’t gotten where I am without the support of my friends. I’ll forever be grateful to my friends and my family for being the BEST hype people anyone could ever ask for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peachesandpinega.com
- Phone: 404.725.7526
- Email: hello@peachesandpinega.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachesandpine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeachesandPine/
Designer/Model ShawnDenise of Paint by Shawn Denise Photographer Kurt Holder
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
