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:
00:00 – Welcome to Southaven Business Beat
01:17 – Meet Jennifer Collura: From Las Vegas to Southaven
02:19 – From Hobby to Hustle: How Ballooned & Knotted Was Born
03:13 – What Makes Her Business Stand Out
05:05 – Technical Tools + Creative Heart
06:19 – Jennifer’s Creative Process for Custom Events
09:16 – Trends in the Balloon + Decor Industry
10:46 – The Bridgerton Party Reveal!
11:13 – Behind the Scenes of Ballooned & Knotted
12:34 – It’s More Than Balloons: Event Design & Consultation
14:18 – “If You Can Dream It, We Can Build It”
15:34 – Favorite Themes (Spoiler: She Loves Them All!)
17:15 – What’s Next: Goals, Growth & Empire Building
18:48 – Why Hiring a Pro is Worth It
20:21 – Amazon vs. Custom Decor: The Real Difference
22:19 – Joining the Chamber: From Skeptic to Supporter
25:02 – Chamber Perks for Small Businesses
26:02 – Final Thoughts & How to Book Ballooned & Knotted
💬 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?
✅ LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring interviews with the brilliant minds behind small businesses in the Mid-South. We’re here to spotlight talent, share growth strategies, and connect entrepreneurs with the communities they serve.
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📲 FOLLOW BALLOONED & KNOTTED
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📅 Now booking for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, grand openings & corporate events.
🎤 Want to be featured on the show? Reach out through the Southaven Chamber of Commerce!
📣 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
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