Rising Stars: Meet Amanda Vezendy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Vezendy.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
My story starts way back when I was only in the 3rd grade. My parents wanted to be better Sunday school teachers, so they attended a seminar and learned two simple balloon designs and a couple of magic tricks there. My family would spend the afternoons practicing balloons and watching VHS tapes showing new designs. We never intended to turn these fun skills into a business, but soon, people requested us to work birthday parties. My parents created a successful small business and showed me the potential. They taught me all the skills I needed to become a creative balloon artist and entertainer. Once I moved to Atlanta, I decided to start my own small business and have honed my craft and style over the years. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No memorable journey is a smooth road. Luckily, no moment has been too difficult to overcome. Most of my struggles have been in my own brain. When I design something new, and things don’t go according to plan, it can feel like a huge failure. I have limited time to try to create what I promised to the customer, and if my vision doesn’t match reality, I can get really stressed. Luckily, I have my husband, who always calms me down and helps me reevaluate and pivot as needed. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am best known for all things balloons. I make extravagant balloon animals for people of all ages and custom balloon garlands for events. When it comes to decor, I believe there are many other just-as-talented artists here in Atlanta, but I make sure I customize to exactly what the customer wants. I give customers a digital mockup to ensure we are on the same page before the event, and for larger events, I give multiple designs to show the customer options. I think what truly sets me apart is my balloon animals. I have been twisting for most of my life and can typically make new designs on the spot. Plus, I have a great way of reading people and picking designs that fit their personalities. When I am twisting at events, I am not just making balloons, but I am entertaining the people around me. 

I am trying to expand my balloon works even further and include art made from balloon scraps to be sustainable and have art that is long-lasting, as balloons are short-term and wasteful. The goal is to be able to turn wedding arches into coasters, baby shower backdrops into wall art, twisting scraps into purses, etc. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I use Instagram to stay updated on trends, styles, and inspiration for my art. Regarding books and podcasts, I typically stick to mystery and thriller books because I’m partial to puzzles. 

Pricing:

• Balloon animals $150/hr
• Decor is custom to event

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amplifiedballoons.wixsite.com/amplifiedballoons
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplified_balloons/