Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Robinson.
Hi Patricia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been creative and had a passion for the arts which led to my participation in Morgan State University’s marching band, The Magnificent Marching Machine. As a working professional, I was seeking ways to fill my creative passion once again. That opportunity came from a need that arose during the Covid restrictions. Due to these Covid restrictions, The Ryan Cameron’s Annual Father-Daughter Dance was canceled. I wanted to recreate this experience for one father and daughter. Who knew that this would lead to the discovery of a hidden talent! This is what led to my company, StickUp Artistry & Design, moving into the balloon art and design space. Turns out, I really enjoy the ability to craft something with my own hands that can brighten any room and brings a smile to others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been some highs and lows. When I think of my struggles, I look at them from the perspective of an Entrepreneur and a Balloon Artist. As a young Black-owned business, I want people to know my name and retain my services. Finding the right balance between my available products, pricing, areas of business, marketing, and inventory can be challenging. Thankfully, the Atlanta balloon artist community has been supportive. Many people love balloons but do not understand the level of complexity that goes into balloon art and what they may deem as “just balloons”. Balloon art takes creativity, education, skill, time, and a lot of PATIENCE. Moreover, the type of balloons used for balloon art can be costly to achieve the desired aesthetic. This is an art form. There is a science to this art form, and one must have a vision, design and a technique to construct a masterpiece each time. For my clients, I provide memorable experiences through balloon art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
StickUp Artistry & Design helps clients celebrate all occasions by providing high-quality balloon art design products. What makes StickUp Artistry & Design different from other balloon art businesses is that I incorporate small elements of balloon twisting in my designs. I found that these added elements enhanced the balloon experience.
Balloon Twisting is a fun and versatile way to mold and bend balloons to take on any shape. Balloon Twisting allows me, as an artist, to express my creativity and open a kaleidoscope of structures in my designs.
My proudest moment to date for the company has to be creating a balloon art experience for the one year anniversary of Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer – Taffer’s Tavern. This was important for my company because Bar Rescue has been on TV for eight seasons, airing over two hundred episodes. Jon Taffer, with over 40 years of experience, is considered a leader in the nightlife industry.
In addition to my balloon work, I have been invited to participate and teach balloon twisting techniques at the first “Lou and Lee Events and Designs” balloon convention taking place June 24th – 25th. I am honored to participate, teach, and create for this major event.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Innovation and vibrancy are crucial to the balloon art industry. In the next 5 – 10 years, I see the industry continuing to push the envelope in developing different ways of highlighting eye-catching balloon art and build memorable experiences. As we hopefully look to put Covid behind us, balloon decor will dive deeper into new ways to astonish, captivate, and amaze customers with endless possibilities for special events and celebrations. Balloon salute!
Contact Info:
- Email: Stickupartistryanddesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @stickupartistryanddesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/StickUpArtistryandDesign
- Youtube: StickUpArtistryandDesign
Image Credits:
Kito Robinson/Patricia Robinson
