What My First “Hire” Taught Me About Getting Help in My Balloon Business

When I think back on what it felt like the first time I was hiring help in my balloon business, I laugh a little because it wasn’t what I thought hiring would look like at all.

For the longest time, hiring help for my balloon business felt completely out of reach. In my head, hiring meant a full-time employee, a salary, benefits and a level of responsibility I didn’t feel ready for. Even though I knew most balloon business owners don’t start that way, I couldn’t get past the mental block. It felt big, expensive and permanent.

What shifted everything for me was a conversation with Erin from Young and Wild Balloon Company. Hearing her talk about hiring part-time help (just a few hours a week) made it much more approachable. When I did the math, it hit me: this wasn’t some huge leap. It was manageable, realistic, and it didn’t have to be all or nothing.

Why I Didn’t Start With an Employee

Even with that mindset shift, I still wasn’t ready to hire someone who worked for me week in and week out. That level of responsibility felt too heavy. Instead, I asked myself a simpler question: "What’s one thing I don’t want to do anymore?"

And the answer was easy: cleaning my shop.

After busy weekends, my space would be covered in ribbon, popped balloons, bags and half-unloaded supplies. Monday mornings felt overwhelming before I even started working. I spent more time looking for things than actually getting work done, and that constant clutter was draining.

Choosing the Path of Least Resistance

Could I have hired a high schooler or asked around for a cheaper option? Sure. But I knew myself well enough to know that if it required managing schedules, follow-ups, or reliability issues, I’d talk myself out of it. So instead, I hired a professional cleaning service instead.

I searched a local Facebook group, emailed a few companies and explained my unusual needs... popping balloons, organizing supplies, taking out trash. Two said no. One said yes. A few emails later, it was done.

For about $40 a week, I bought myself consistency, reliability and peace of mind. They were insured, they showed up and were professional. And most importantly, they removed a constant mental load from my week.

What That First “Hire” Taught Me

Looking back, this small decision changed how I think about hiring entirely.

I learned that:

• Hiring doesn’t have to start with employees

• Help can be task-specific

• Paying more for reliability can be worth it

• The easiest solution is often the one that actually gets implemented

That one cleaning service opened the door to a bigger shift. Instead of asking, “Who should I hire?” I started asking, “What tasks can I outsource to experts who already do this every day?”

That mindset eventually led me to get help with finances, systems and other behind-the-scenes work... and each one has helped moved my business forward.

The Real Impact

The biggest change wasn’t just a cleaner shop. It was how I felt walking into my workspace. Instead of chaos, it became a place to find focus much easier. 

I'm so glad I gave myself permission to accept help, even if only in small ways.

If you’re drowning right now, consider this your reminder: hiring help doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s just one simple decision that makes everything feel lighter.

You can listen to the full episode I recorded shortly after making this hire here.