441. The library box that became free advertising
What if you could skip the whole balloon sustainability debate? Our guest in this episode does just that, and might be the first person to change my mind about how to actually implement practical sustainability efforts.
I'm chatting with Jen, owner of Wonderwall Event Co. in Maryland, and from the get-go, she made sustainability a core part of her business. Now, she has corporate clients looking past other decorators to hire her because of it.
She walks us through the branded pop and drop box she campaigned to get into her local library, the prepaid return mailers she leaves with corporate clients and how she weaves recycling into every piece of her marketing. She insists that the effort you put into sustainability practices has a lot of legs you might not have yet considered, so I hope this conversation sparks some fresh ideas for you, like it did for me!
In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one balloon stuffer makes it easier on herself.
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On the Bright Side Apple | Patreon
Owner
Hi there! I’m Jen Whitlock, Chief of Wonder and owner of Wonderwall Event Co., an award-winning event décor company based in central Maryland.
Wonderwall began as the creative outlet I desperately needed and grew into a full-service business offering balloons, backdrops, flower walls, and marquees. I’ve decorated everything from birthdays, showers, and weddings to corporate gatherings, school shindigs, and nonprofit events throughout Annapolis, Baltimore, D.C, and beyond. No matter the occasion, I want the décor to feel personal to the people in the room. Wonderwall has been named Best of Annapolis in each of our three years in business, which still feels pretty amazing to say.
I care a lot about what happens after the balloons come down. Wonderwall is Maryland’s only certified balloon recycler through Balloon Mission and participates in its 'Pop & Drop' program, with TerraCycle providing the recycling solution. I also love using Wonderwall to support local nonprofits and causes close to home.
Alongside Wonderwall, I work full-time in marketing and hold an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Outside of my two careers, I’ve been married to Albert for a darn long time, spent plenty of years mommin’ Jake and Luke, rescued a dog or two, and loved disco balls long before they returned to every Pinterest board. I’m the one with the big ideas (and big hair!), usually either hunting for more storage space or convincing Albert that I only need a few minutes of his help.
