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

Hi Laura, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
They are not just balloons. It’s not just blowing them up and putting them together. Professional grade balloons are NOT cheap. So many factors go into effect when it comes to each set up, we have to consider the weather, the surface it’s going on, if there is one, sun exposure and so many others. It takes a lot of time and patience to find the right color to match the theme. Matching the colors is only the first step. Now blowing them up to the proper shape and size and arranging them is the next hurdle. But the final result is always worth it to me! It’s not as easy as it looks!

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.
I’m a balloon artist! I set up parties for a living and love every bit of it. I now have the job I dreamed of since I can remember! Like many entrepreneurs I second guessed my decision when I left my office job especially because I was a single mom of 3! But my kids believed in me and encouraged me to do it. It all became real when my local school board hired me to do the end of the year party for 400+ staff members!! I could not believe it… I’m still in disbelief they chose me over several other local artists. Dreams come true if you work hard and do not give up!! I have knocked many doors before trying to always sell just about everything from shoes to cakes, to couponing and reselling discount items I would find; just trying to stay a float and feed my kids. My kids have always been there… helping sell shoes from my trunk, spending endless hours couponing, sustaining ugly looks and sometimes ugly comments because we were using coupons to pay. My stories are endless it seems like, but today, today we are far from where we were a couple of years ago. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, it takes discipline, perseverance and lots of sacrifices. Behind BALLOONS & MORE there is just a working mom, trying to make my kids proud!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Bonham has so much to offer… we could visit the Bonham State Park, Bonham Lake or the North Texas Safari Park . Lets not forget we also have the Fort Inglish Museum, The Sam Rayburn House Museum and The Sam Rayburn Library to tour too. For lunch and dinner options the Bonham square offers a great variety of local restaurants. Now when it comes to having a drink or two what more than Neighbors Winery, the atmosphere and setting they offer is great for hanging out and relaxing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family… from my kids, to my sister, cousins and aunts!! Thank you for believing in me; for encouraging me to do more and be more than I can be. Also, I could not leave my Gio out! He makes my visions a reality! I draw it, he makes it.. from custom backdrops to building my own self serve elote and paleta bar carts! He can make anything!!

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