Daily Inspiration: Meet Olivia Nowak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Nowak.

Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My calling for balloons began when I was a freshman in high school. To help with tuition at my private all-girls school, I signed up for community work and was assigned to our campus balloon store. It was a lively little shop in the cafeteria where seniors (“big sisters”) would buy balloons for their freshmen “little sisters” to decorate lockers during initiation week — and of course, we stayed busy year-round celebrating birthdays and special occasions.

That’s where I discovered how something as simple as a balloon could bring so much happiness and excitement to others. My first real job after that was at a large party store in Chicago, where I learned the fundamentals of balloon design and the art of creating arches, columns, and event displays.

From those early experiences, I found my passion for transforming spaces and creating joy through color, creativity, and celebration — one balloon at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. When I first started, I was doing everything on my own — from taking orders and designing displays to delivering and setting up events. Balancing creativity with the business side was a learning curve. There were times when I had to figure things out through trial and error, whether it was managing inventory, working long hours for big events, or dealing with unexpected weather when setting up outdoor installations.

During those early years, I was also working a full-time office job, which was really my bread and butter income. I would spend my days at the office and my evenings and weekends working on balloon orders. It was exhausting at times, but I was determined to keep growing my passion on the side while still meeting my financial responsibilities.

Another challenge was finding confidence in myself as a creative professional. In the beginning, I questioned whether I could turn something I loved into a real business. But over time, with every satisfied client and every successful event, I gained trust in my skills and vision.

Each obstacle helped me grow — not just as a business owner, but as a person. Now, I see those struggles as stepping stones that shaped who I am today and helped build the foundation for what my business has become.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating custom balloon designs for all types of celebrations — from intimate birthday parties and baby showers to large-scale corporate events and community gatherings. My goal is always to transform ordinary spaces into something vibrant and memorable, using color, texture, and creativity to set the tone for each event.

I’m known for my attention to detail and my ability to bring a client’s vision to life. Whether it’s an elegant arch, a playful balloon wall, or a full event setup, I take pride in listening closely to what each client wants, connecting with them and adding those extra touches that make their celebration feel personal and special.

What I’m most proud of is how far this journey has come — from working in that little high school balloon store to now running a business that helps people celebrate life’s biggest moments. I’ve had the chance to be part of so many milestones — birthdays, weddings, graduations, and grand openings — and it’s truly rewarding to know my work helps make those memories even more joyful.

What also makes me proud is seeing how a simple balloon arrangement can bring healing and comfort. Balloons have a unique way of lifting spirits — I’ve seen them turn someone’s sadness into a smile, or help bring light into a difficult moment. Knowing that my work can spark that kind of joy and emotional connection is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

What sets me apart is the heart I put into every project. For me, it’s not just about balloons — it’s about creating experiences that bring people together and remind them to celebrate life. I also pray over every event and every recipient, asking that joy, peace, and love fill the space and the people who gather there. That spiritual element is an important part of my process, and I believe it’s one of the reasons my work carries such warmth and positivity.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to start where you are and don’t be afraid to grow through the process. When I began, I was 15 & didn’t have everything figured out — I just had passion, determination, and a willingness to learn. Every setup, every mistake, and every success became a lesson that helped me get better.

I wish I had known sooner that it’s okay to take your time and that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Stay consistent, keep showing up, and remember why you started in the first place. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but your journey is uniquely yours — and that’s what will make your work special.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of faith and gratitude. For me, prayer has always been a big part of my business. Trust that God will guide your path and open doors when the time is right. Keep your heart in it, serve people with excellence, and the rest will follow.

Most of all, enjoy the ride. Celebrate the small wins, keep learning, and never lose sight of the joy that led you to do what you love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://obceventdecor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivias_balloon_creations/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qd4bGaXVx0
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/olivias-balloon-creations-scottsdale-3
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=Olivia%27s+Balloon+Creations+Reviews