Actually taking a beloved hobby and making it into a successful business is something of which dreams are made. As the proud owner of Ballooneers (formerly known as Lizeidy’s Balloons and Events), Lizeidi Nieves is living that dream! 

Liz began creating balloon art for her church when living at home in Puerto Rico many years ago. After college, she went on to become a civil engineer, working in Alabama and then Georgia for Georgia Power. It was after the birth of her first son and an extended leave of absence that allowed her to think about making the leap to start Lizeidy’s Balloons and Events in 2016. Liz was the sole employee and, since then, the company has grown to include her husband and four balloon artists (including herself). 

In January 2024, Liz officially launched the new name of Ballooneers. This name fit as both Liz and her husband Juan are both engineers with a love of balloon art.  “You are hiring a balloon artist but getting two engineers in the package,” says Liz, with a smile.

Ballooneers can help with anything from birthday parties, gender reveals and graduations to weddings, school and corporate events. “We specialize in creating unique and awesome balloon decorations that stand out and are enjoyable for everyone,” says Liz.  They also offer large, lighted marquee letters.

The company’s busiest months are May because of graduation celebrations and early December with holiday corporate events. The weekdays are full with many corporate and school happenings and the weekends with birthday parties and other events. When asked what has been her favorite Ballooners’ event so far, Liz says she just cannot pick one. “Almost every weekend I am in love with our events – it’s too hard to choose just one,” she adds.

The process for hiring Ballooners is pretty simple. A potential client can call Ballooners directly or fill out a form on the website describing the party. Liz wants as much information as possible to get a vision for the event. From there a quote is drawn up, and once approved, the contract is sent.  Liz and her team will do the rest from installation to breakdown. “For me, customer service is vital,” she says. “We do these events every week, but we want to remember this could be the client’s only baby shower or special first birthday party – it is something very important to them so we want to give them the best customer service.”

In addition to the new branding, Ballooneers is also creating an improved website where customers can place orders online with delivery as an option. This is a great service for people out of town who may want to send something for a birthday or new baby, according to Liz. “At the heart of our business is making celebrations easy and enjoyable for all,” says Liz.

As for her latest project, Liz is currently working on the launch party for The Scout Guide Augusta Volume 5.  She has been working with Editor Ann Knox to pick just the right colors to match the branding of the guide. “With this information, our team is ready to bring Ann’s vision alive on the big day,” she adds. 

Be on the lookout for Ballooneers at the Volume 5 Launch Party at Sacred Heart Cultural Center. It is sure to be fabulous! The new issue will be coming out Friday, March 22 so stay tuned to The Scout Guide Augusta’s social media to find out more about the launch and event…