Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Jennifer Collura
VIDEO
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Community Bank – communitybank.net
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, host Cristan sits down with the creative powerhouse behind Ballooned and Knotted, Jennifer Collura. From Las Vegas to the Mid-South, Jennifer’s story is one of transformation, bold risks, and unstoppable creativity. What started as a part-time gig with a friend’s event company has quickly ballooned (yes, pun intended!) into one of the most talked-about event decor businesses in the area.
Jennifer brings us behind the scenes—from moving cross-country with her family to turning a creative hobby into a fully licensed and insured business serving weddings, baby showers, grand openings, corporate events, and everything in between. If you’ve seen a jaw-dropping balloon arch in Southaven lately… odds are, Jennifer’s behind it.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, planning your next big event, or just love a good glow-up business story, this one is for you.
CHAPTERS
- Welcome to Southaven Business Beat (00:00 – 01:17)
- Meet Jennifer Collura: From Las Vegas to Southaven (01:17 – 02:19)
- From Hobby to Hustle: How Ballooned & Knotted Was Born (02:19 – 03:13)
- What Makes Her Business Stand Out (03:13 – 05:05)
- Technical Tools + Creative Heart (05:05 – 06:19)
- Jennifer’s Creative Process for Custom Events (06:19 – 09:16)
- Trends in the Balloon + Decor Industry (09:16 – 10:46)
- The Bridgerton Party Reveal! (10:46 – 11:13)
- Behind the Scenes of Ballooned & Knotted (11:13 – 12:34)
- It’s More Than Balloons: Event Design & Consultation (12:34 – 14:18)
- “If You Can Dream It, We Can Build It” (14:18 – 15:34)
- Favorite Themes (Spoiler: She Loves Them All!) (15:34 – 17:15)
- What’s Next: Goals, Growth & Empire Building (17:15 – 18:48)
- Why Hiring a Pro is Worth It (18:48 – 20:21)
- Amazon vs. Custom Decor: The Real Difference (20:21 – 22:19)
- Joining the Chamber: From Skeptic to Supporter (22:19 – 25:02)
- Chamber Perks for Small Businesses(25:02 – 26:02)
- Final Thoughts & How to Book Ballooned & Knotted (26:02 – 27:14)
KEY MOMENTS & TAKEAWAYS
Start Small, Dream Big: Jennifer didn’t move to Mississippi expecting to launch a business. But her desire for a creative outlet turned into a full-fledged brand with growing demand and local acclaim. “I said, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’—and it blew up. No pun intended.”
More Than Balloons: From custom-painted wood backdrops to elegant florals and unique props like oversized bows, Ballooned & Knotted delivers themed experiences—not just decor. If you’re throwing a party and want guests to say “WOW,” Jennifer is your go-to.
Creative Vision: Jennifer describes her design style as “fun but elegant.” Whether she’s working with lemons, martinis, Bridgerton, or Taylor Swift themes, she combines intuition and experience to deliver show-stopping installations with a signature flair.
Licensed. Insured. Legit. What sets Ballooned & Knotted apart? Professional equipment, insured service, creative edge, and a client-first mindset. Every detail—start to finish—is thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed.
Don’t Fall for Amazon Photos: Jennifer candidly addresses the common misconception that you can DIY your decor with a $25 kit. Spoiler alert: you can’t. Especially when sellers steal images from professional designers and mislead customers.
Lessons from the Chamber: Originally looking to sell to the Chamber, Jennifer ended up joining—and found a tribe. “It’s allowed me to connect with people I never would have met, build trust, and grow faster than I ever expected.”
One Year In, and Just Getting Started: With her first business anniversary around the corner, Jennifer has big goals for the future—including expanding her team, increasing local availability, and possibly launching a storefront where clients can visualize and customize their events in person.
ENGAGE WITH US:
Have a favorite party theme or a dream celebration idea? Drop it in the comments!
What’s the most unforgettable event decor you’ve ever seen?
Or… what trend do you want to see make a comeback?
FOLLOW BALLOONED & KNOTTED
Instagram | Facebook
Now booking for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, grand openings & corporate events.
Special thanks to the Southaven Chamber of Commerce for making this series possible. Learn more about how the Chamber supports small business growth, visibility, and success—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro.
Ready to join? Visit: southavenchamber.com
SPONSOR LIST
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media
https://www.southavenchamber.com/ – Southaven Chamber of Commerce
YOUTUBE URL
