Local StoriesAugust 31, 2022

Check Out Leela Dunn’s Story

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leela Dunn.

Hi Leela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Leela Dunn I am 24 years old and so obsessed and passionate about my business! The way this business came about was not as one would think! I started volunteering to help decorate the showers at my church! From that a friend asked me to decorate her reception, from that I got a wedding gig and it slowly started to build from there! We had a family coming to our church and the kids had never had a birthday party before, so my preacher asked me to throw them a party and make sure there were balloons!! After I did those balloons, I became fascinated with balloon decor. So I ordered a kit ( I had no idea what I was ordering ) and starting making balloons at home! I showed my friend and she had the idea for me to do a balloon backdrop for my church’s academy formal, so I did! I started dabbling here and there with balloon mosaics and garlands! Around July, a friend of mine was talking to me about balloons and suggested I enter our town’s 4th of July parade! So, I did, the week before! I had a small float with a balloon-filled Lady Liberty, and as many balloons as I could use! I entered to get my name out there since I was just doing small jobs on the side. Not only did I gain recognition in my community but, I won first place for the best float in the whole parade! After that, I haven’t slowed down! It was a side job for a while until, it turned into my full time job and passion!

In the present, I am running a full-time event decor business that specializes in luxury balloons. I have DIY kits online, rentable items, and in the beginning of September, my warehouse will officially be open as small event center & storefront, offering luxury DIY Kits, party supplies, rentals , seasonal photoshoots, and West Georgia’s first Balloon Bar- serving up the finest balloons around! There is no way I could be were I am today without the support and many late hours put in from family & friends. I always say “ I am living a dream I never knew I had”.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?

The artistic side of things seemed to flow naturally for me. Running an actual business was and is the biggest obstacle, I have never ran a business before so there have been many challenges. Getting the brick and mortar store up and running has taken months. I have had to learn to be patient and to not make hasty decisions without looking at things from every angle!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an event creator and designer. I specialize in luxury balloon decor, and that is also what I am most known for. It is hard for me to pick what I am most proud of because I put 100% into every installment that I do. The couple that pop in mind would be my brother’s wedding, balloons that scaled a building, and last year’s Christmas installments that included: 7FT Balloon Christmas Trees, life-size Nutcracker Mosaics, and floating balloons ornaments. I would say my eye for color, detail for design, my enjoyment to be a part of your celebration, full-service party and event planning, and my passion for doing what I truly love and enjoy set me apart from others.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Atlanta knows how to celebrate and knows how to celebrate big!!

Contact Info:

Website : www.sweetmagnoliapartyco.com
Instagram : @sweetmagnoliapartyco
Facebook : Sweet Magnolia Party Decor
Other: Etsy: SweetMagnoliaPC
Pinterest: Sweet Magnolia Party Co
Storefront address: 106 Sue Ave. Suite C Bowdon, Ga 30108

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