Meet Kathleen Fomunung | Founder and President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Fomunung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is the power of protection and intentional stewardship—not just of your brand or intellectual property, but of your people.
Your brand is more than a logo or an Instagram grid. It’s your name, your reputation, your story. And it deserves to be protected fiercely—legally, emotionally, and operationally. That means being mindful of how your ideas are shared, how your work is presented, and how your team is supported. At Cloud Nine Creators, our intellectual property includes not just the creative designs we produce, but the systems, relationships, and energy that bring it all to life.

Equally important is safeguarding the people behind the brand. Whether it’s clients, collaborators, or my team, I’ve learned that investing in people is the surest way to protect your purpose. I’ve built this company from the ground up, and I’ve poured into those around me with the same love and care that sparked it all. Because when you protect your people, your brand grows stronger. And when you stay rooted in integrity, community, and clarity, your vision becomes unstoppable.

That’s the lesson: protect what you’re building like it matters—because it does. Every client, every creative idea, every late night, and every team member is part of your legacy. And legacy is worth protecting.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been anything but linear—but that’s what makes it beautiful. I started out in the corporate world, working in strategic operations and data analytics. I loved solving problems, streamlining processes, and making sense of data. But even with the titles and the security, something was missing. I didn’t feel like I was fully alive in my work.

The turning point came when I planned my youngest daughter’s first birthday. I had a vision but not the budget, so I got creative. I made the balloon décor myself—and to my surprise, people loved it. That one event sparked something inside me, and before long, Cloud Nine Creators was born. What started with a single balloon bouquet has grown into a luxury décor and event styling business, serving clients across Dallas-Fort Worth with heart, creativity, and excellence.

What sets me apart is the way I blend strategy and soul. I approach every event not just as a designer, but as a data-driven problem solver. I’ve built systems, refined processes, and created a client journey that’s both high-touch and high-quality. But at the core, it’s about people. I listen deeply, I care fiercely, and I treat every client’s vision like it’s my own.

It hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced seasons of burnout, financial uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and moments where I questioned everything. But I pushed through—with faith, grit, and a whole lot of love. I learned to embrace my resourcefulness, trust my instincts, and lean on my community when I needed it most.

One of my proudest accomplishments is how far we’ve come while staying true to who we are. We’ve grown almost entirely through word of mouth, built authentic partnerships, and brought joy to hundreds of clients. I’m also proud of how we pour back into our community—mentoring up-and-coming artists, donating our services for school events, and creating job opportunities through collaborative growth.

What I want the world to know about Cloud Nine Creators is this: we’re more than just balloons. We’re memory-makers. We’re a women-led, heart-forward business grounded in purpose and excellence. Every shimmer wall, every install, every moment we create is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the magic of starting from scratch—and believing in what’s possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week that mixes the beauty of nature, the creativity of local culture, and the kind of soulful moments that recharge your spirit.

We’d start off slow—maybe a day at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve or Cedar Ridge Preserve to enjoy a scenic hike and soak in those wide open skies. There’s something grounding about walking through trees, hearing the crunch of gravel beneath your feet, and finding a peaceful spot near a waterfall or creek to just be.

Mid-week, I’d plan a little road trip—because my favorite places are always where nature takes center stage. I’d take them to Turner Falls or Palo Duro Canyon for a change of scenery. We’d chase waterfalls, go camping under the stars, and cook dinner over a fire—talking about life, business, and everything in between.

Back in town, we’d explore the local food scene. Brunch at Sixty Vines, tacos at Velvet Taco, or dinner at Mì Cocina with a legendary Mambo Taxi in hand. We’d support some small businesses, hit a farmer’s market or two, maybe even stop by a vintage shop or local makers market for some treasures.

No trip would be complete without a little bit of art and culture. We’d walk through Klyde Warren Park, visit the Dallas Museum of Art, or catch a live show at The Factory in Deep Ellum. For a fun night out, I’d take them to a rooftop bar like Happiest Hour or HG Sply Co. to toast to friendship, courage, and adventure.

The week would end with something simple but magical—like watching the sunset over White Rock Lake or having a picnic with views of the skyline. Because in the end, it’s not about doing it all—it’s about being present, embracing nature, and sharing moments that turn into lifelong memories.

And if there’s a rainforest, mountain, or waterfall nearby—you already know we’re going. That’s where I feel most alive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I could tell the story of Cloud Nine Creators without shouting out my village. First and foremost, my husband—who not only believed in me from day one but also used his digital marketing agency, Enrich My Brand, to help build the foundation of our online presence. He’s been my partner in life and in business, and I’m so grateful for his creative mind, steady support, and unwavering belief in what I’m building.

My daughters are also a huge part of this story. They were the spark that lit the fire. Watching me build this business, they’ve been my why, my motivation, and my reminder to lead with heart, resilience, and boldness.

I also want to give credit to the incredible team of creatives, assistants, and event staff who have joined me along the way—many of whom started as friends, family, or even clients. They’ve helped me turn late-night installs into joyful memories and busy weekends into beautiful milestones. I’ve learned that your people are your biggest asset—and I’m lucky to be surrounded by some of the best.

And finally, to the women in my community—especially fellow small business owners and moms—thank you for cheering me on, collaborating, referring, and reminding me that we rise by lifting each other. Whether through mentorship, encouragement, or a simple DM, your support has carried me further than I ever imagined.

Cloud Nine Creators may have started with me—but it’s been shaped by us. This shoutout is for the village.

Website: https://www.cloudninecreators.com

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Image Credits
Cloud Nine Creators owns all rights.