Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Garrett.
Hi Tamika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I came up with the idea of starting Cloud9 Inflatables and Events after having surgery in 2020 and I couldn’t leave my home due to recovering. It was my son’s 10th birthday and I had to figure out what we could do for him that didn’t require me leaving my home. Well, I decided on renting a game truck and my son loved it! The look on his face when the truck pulled into my yard I will never forget! So, in 2021 an opportunity came along, and I was going to purchase my own game trailer and the previous owner also had inflatables that they rented, so a deal was made, and they sold 3 of their units to me along with the game trailer. I decided that I didn’t want to have the game trailer in my inventory because it was a lot of work driving it around town, so I took the inflatables and added inventory to build the amusement side of Cloud9 Inflatables and Events. We have Inflatables, Giant Yard Games, A Movie Screen w/Bluetooth speaker, Concessions and more! What I noticed quickly was we were putting smiles on everyone’s faces but we left out the little babies ages 1-5. So, I came up with Cloud9 Mini’s that consisted of smaller inflatables and soft play toys. Soft play has a lot of benefits to children for example Cognitive development, Motor Skills, Sensory Skills and Imagination with our building blocks that are provided. It also is just a beautiful add on to any event or party! Cloud9 is a new company that is here to stay so get used to seeing us all over GA!
Alright, 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?
The start of my business hasn’t been a smooth road because I didn’t realize what it took to start this business. I had no idea how heavy the inflatables were and it was just me and my daughter loading and unloading products. I know have help from my family so everyone pitches in on deliveries and pickups. I also didn’t know what items to buy in the beginning, so I spent money on things I didn’t need so that was a struggle and now I am in the process of selling those items that I don’t need or won’t use.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a family-owned luxury inflatable company that specializes in Inflatables and Soft play for kids. I am known for my soft play for Cloud9 minis from ages 1-5. My inventory goes with any theme a family comes up with to celebrate their little one. So, my equipment is in a lot of homes and event spaces. I have met so many people along this journey and have learned so much from each individual. This business is so rewarding we’re able to provide that same smile to families that my son had when that game truck pulled up in our yard. What sets us apart from the rest is my family is always on the job site dressed in their Cloud9 uniforms down to my little nephew who is eight years old! We show up on time, our units and inventory are clean and sanitized, we answer the phone, and we provide consistent quality service for each and every person who rents from us. I am most proud of my family who helps and supports me daily! They are the reason I can do this daily, and this is a company that I am building for my daughter and son to run once I am done.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that I have that is important for my success is I am very approachable. I treat people as I have known them for years, so they feel comfortable with me. I also believe in being early and able to be reached at times of urgency this gives them a sense of calm when it comes to one of the most important times of their lives. I want them not to have to worry about that part of their event even if it’s chaotic on the rest.
Contact Info:
- Email: c9gamesllc@gmail.com
- Website: Cloud9gamesatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloud9_atl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cloud9gamesatl
