In the vibrant world of events and celebrations, Hi-Flyers Balloons shines as a beacon of…
Bubblegum Balloons: Pioneers in Party Perfection
In the vibrant world of events and celebrations, Bubblegum Balloons stands out as a beacon of creativity and innovation. Founded by Meg Robertson, Laura Slater, and Sally Clackett—a trio bonded by friendship and a passion for creativity—this dynamic company has reshaped the balloon industry landscape since its inception.
From Friendship to Business
Bubblegum Balloons began its journey over a decade ago, with Meg, Sally, and Laura all on maternity leave from their respective careers—IT Sales, gym management, and sales. United by their love for creative ventures and a strong sisterhood (Laura and Sally are sisters, while Meg is their childhood friend), they ventured into the world of balloons with no prior experience but abundant enthusiasm.
Setting Trends and Making Waves
Right from the start, Bubblegum Balloons disrupted norms by introducing innovative products like the UK’s first confetti balloon in a box, which could be delivered—a novelty that quickly gained attention. Their savvy move into personalized balloons further solidified their presence in the corporate market. Launching online and securing a spot on Not On The High Street (NOTHS), a major achievement during the early days of online retail, catapulted them into broader recognition.
Their strategic approach, including sending confetti balloons to key press and PR figures, paid off handsomely with prestigious orders like supplying balloons for the Beauty Awards by Look Fantastic magazine. Soon, Bubblegum Balloons became synonymous with exquisite event decor, catering to clients ranging from global brands like Mercedes and Nike to luxury venues such as Claridges and the OXO Tower.
Adapting and Innovating Through Challenges
Like many businesses, COVID-19 prompted Bubblegum Balloons to reassess and refine their operations. This period allowed them to enhance their warehouse facilities and implement streamlined stock and order management systems. It also sparked the idea of launching a wholesale branch in early 2023, aimed at sharing their curated range of trend-setting products with fellow industry professionals across the UK.
Knowledge Sharing and Training
A cornerstone of Bubblegum Balloons’ ethos is sharing their wealth of experience and industry insights. Inspired by their own learning curve as balloon decorators, they actively engage in training initiatives to empower others within the balloon community. Their transformative training experience with Tuftex in the US underscored their commitment to enhancing industry standards and supporting aspiring balloon artists.
Looking Forward
As they continue to evolve and expand their reach, Bubblegum Balloons remains steadfast in their dedication to quality, innovation, and community. Their journey—from creative beginnings to industry leaders and educators—serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals alike in the vibrant world of events and celebrations.
Bubblegum Balloons’ story is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for creating memorable experiences. With their wholesale venture and ongoing commitment to training, they are poised to lead the way in defining the future of balloon artistry.
You can catch the team behind Bubblegum Balloons at PIE UK 2025. The girls will be leading a session as part of the Monday programme. Not secured your place? Then book now and join us for two days of innovation, knowledge sharing, laughter, and fun with first-class instructors. https://tinyurl.com/3f3wyxbb