A balloon stylist from Wirral is helping people celebrate their special events by creating bespoke balloon displays.
Katie Jelley is a self-taught balloon stylist who created her business Hufff and Pufff during the pandemic in 2020.
Katie creates all kinds of balloon displays for every occasion, including birthdays, christenings, weddings, hen parties, gender reveals, baby showers and more.
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Hufff and Pufff brings customers’ visions to life by working with them to ensure the colour, theme and size is just right.
Speaking to the ECHO, Katie said: “I've always been passionate about party planning and I created the balloons for my daughters 3rd birthday and absolutely loved it. One sleepless night later, I awoke with a business plan.
“Creating a business during the pandemic was always going to be full of uncertainty, however I was due to go on maternity leave and had nothing to lose, so 12 days after baby number two arrived, I went ahead and advertised my first balloon.
“My daughter's favourite story book was The Three Little Pigs, so my business name was inspired by this, as the action of the wolf huffing and puffing can also relate to the actions of inflating a balloon. To make it a little quirky, I added an extra 'F’ on the end of each word.
"The response and support I received after launching the business was unbelievable and this is why I still love what I do today. Whether Hufff and Pufff is a small or large part of an event, there is nothing more rewarding than being part of someone’s special day.”
As well as specialising in bespoke organic balloon installations for events, Katie also offers a large range of helium balloons and prop hire to suit every occasion. She explained: “One of my most popular props I hired out in 2021 was the moongate. It creates the most stunning backdrop and everyone loves it.
“Already this year we have been inundated with messages for 4ft LED numbers with balloon installations for events. All prop hire is available to view on the booking form on the website which has been created for customers to input all their ideas and inspirations for what they want to achieve for their event.”
Some customers know exactly what they want, but others are happy to have input from Katie. She added: “Customers normally come to me with pictures they have found online as their inspiration, whether it be the whole display or just the colours, it all really helps.
“As balloon stylists we are able to adapt this to create something very personal to each individual. We use a technique called ‘double stuffing’ to create bespoke colours. In 2021 the most popular colour palette was sage green, rose gold/gold and white/white sand. Everyone was loving it, and I'm a huge fan of green!
“According to Pantone, the colour of the year in 2022 is ‘Very Peri’. I've not had any bookings for this as of yet, but let's see! I have some exciting colour palettes coming up and the popular pastel trend is slowly creeping back in for spring.”
The time it takes Katie to create the balloon displays depends on each design and size. She said: “It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on size. I always have a rough idea in my head of what I would like it to look like or scribble on some paper, but I never plan.
“Part of the fun of the organic installation is that you just go with it and create your display as you go. The hard part is sourcing stock and finding sufficient colours and balloon sizes to allow you to create your installations.
“I find myself sitting for hours online going through all my suppliers to ensure I can purchase the appropriate stock. All our installations are created using only high quality materials that will not leave you disappointed. All the prep happens behind the scenes - I inflate as many balloons as I can before I arrive to ensure that all my time at the venue goes on creating the display.”
For Katie, the most rewarding part of her job is people allowing her to be a part of their special day. She explained: “Watching people’s reactions and the 'wow factor’ the displays can have on guests, it’s so satisfying. As easy as it looks to some, it can be really stressful working under pressure with a time schedule, being organised and creating a bespoke look all at the same time!
“Balloons have become huge in the event industry. They play a big part of any event and it all comes down to them creating the wow factor. Not only do they set the scene but they are bespoke to you. This is why it makes it so rewarding that our skills as balloon stylists are able to create something bespoke, unique and tailored for you.
“In January 2021 I joined a balloon academy called Dress Your Daydream where I was able to adapt and improve my skills. I will be coming up to two years in business in May and the interest and support is still growing every day. Hopefully 2022 will be the year for me to grow. I can't wait to create lots of exciting organic installations for events.”
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Hufff and Pufff has some very special products. Katie said: “Even if it's just a simple red foil heart to surprise your loved one, we have got you covered. All our balloons can be adapted to suit and personalised with any message. I'm still waiting for my first proposal installation - come on, guys!”
Katie has recently launched a DIY store on Etsy for people who want to create bespoke balloon decor but are on a tight budget. She explained: “I have created a range of DIY balloon garland kits and cake topper kits. Each kit comes with a clear installation guide to make installing an easy and fun process.
“I'm always inspired by people who love to do their own decor and at the end of the day this is how Hufff and Pufff was created.”
To find out more about Hufff and Pufff’s balloons, prop hire and more, visit the website. Alternatively, you can send Katie a message over on Hufff and Pufff's Instagram.
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