Today we’d like to introduce you to Chances Gray.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chances. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Chances Gray, and I’m the balloon stylist, and owner of Desire’d Decorations. I’m currently also a nursing student at UAH, and I’m 23 years old. I first opened Desire’d Decorations in July of 2017. I wasn’t trying to open a balloon decor company at the time. I was 20 years old and had just got accepted into nursing school. My little sister, Michaela, was 3 years old at the time and I wanted to help my mom with her party. I’ve always been creative and liked colors and abstract things. One day I saw a balloon column on Pinterest and thought it looked interesting. I took a shot at creating one and received a lot of feedback from Facebook. There were so many messages at the time and I wasn’t answering any because I never planned to start a balloon decor business. Finally, it dawned on me that I wasn’t going to be able to keep two jobs while being in nursing school. So, I started researching the balloon industry and reaching out to other balloon artists in other states. I prayed about it and every door that I needed opened. I learned how to design by investing in training. I currently train every year because I like to stay on top of all of the trends with balloons. I fell in love with balloons. I love how I still get to express the creative side of me and impact people. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It all started with a balloon column at a three year old’s birthday party and now we create for events in other states including Atlanta! We’re currently located in Huntsville and serve the surrounding areas.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth ride. Starting a business takes hard work and investing in yourself and your business. There were times where I had to pray and keep pushing myself. I remember when I first started the business and didn’t have a client for four months, but the key was that I kept going and never gave up even when I wanted to return back to my old jobs. I’m so thankful that I kept going. My boyfriend Cj has been behind me every step of the way. He’s always believed in me and my business. He helps whenever I need it. I’m grateful because one thing I do know is that although you may be struggling, you’re growing at the same time. Success doesn’t come overnight. There will be some struggle in becoming who you’re destined to be. You have to never lose sight of who you are and what you want. It was all on me at the end of the day. I knew as long as I stayed dedicated that it would bloom into what I envisioned. Well, scratch that it’s exceeded it.
Please tell us about the company.
Desire’d Decorations is a balloon decor company located in Huntsville, Alabama. I’m most proud of how creative we are with balloons and our ability to be able to serve any client. We’ve done events as small as baby showers to large events like grand openings. We work with celebrity clients and all. No event is too big or too small. I would say that my creativity and customer service is what sets me apart from others. I genuinely want my clients to have the best of the best. I’m willing to work from sun up to sun down to give them that. I don’t just provide balloons. I create art and enhance their events to the next level. It’s an experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are so many. My favorite childhood memory would have to be reciting movie lines with my younger siblings, Idea and Jewels. We loved to watch movies and act them out. There’s never a dull moment with them. They also keep me going.
Pricing:
- Our event minimum starts at $200 plus tax and delivery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.desireddecorations.com
- Phone: 256-829-8180
- Email: desireddecorations@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireddecorations/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DesiredDecorations
Image Credit:
@Brittney Jenkins Photography
@B. Nicole Photography
@Rachel Ann Photos
@Rachel Skipper Photography
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