The first time I noticed this fabulous balloon design/decoration was at the bridal fair Casa Romantica in San Clemente about three years ago. I was blown away with the design and creativity. Raquel Medina is the designer and owner of Balloonique design based in Claremont, CA. Raquel started her business in 2018. Since then her fabulous business has been flourishing and dazzling her clients in the OC, LA and the Inland Empire.
I had the opportunity of visiting Raquel while in action in Irvine. Upon entering the venue, I was like “Wow!” The quintessential balloon designer has turned the backyard pictured here into a full festive balloon paradise that will make every guest’s jaw drop. The color palette, the design and her creativity were just stunning.
This entrepreneur and mother of four boys tells popbuff readers her key driving force towards becoming an entrepreneur, her challenges, memorable moments, and her favorite part of owning a balloon business. Raquel also shares her advice to all budding entrepreneurs and business owners.
Popbuff: What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
Raquel: My family. I needed to find a career that would allow me to be more present at home and the flexibility to create my own schedule.
Popbuff: Where did the idea of your business derive from?
Raquel: Pinterest while getting inspiration on what I can do to be a part of the events industry.
Popbuff: How did you come up with the name for your company?
Raquel: I wanted to create unique designs with balloons so I came up with Balloonique Designs which was so fitting because that’s always the goal.. to create unique never seen before designs.
Popbuff: Tell me the challenges of Balloonique?
Raquel: The biggest challenge for me is over committing myself with events and not having enough time for designing. Don’t get me wrong, I always do a beautiful job but I feel that there is never enough time in a setup for me. I always want to keep going and adding here and there. As far as over committing myself, I find it very hard for me to say no to all events. I want to be a part of everyone’s event but unfortunately I have to be realistic and take on what will keep me sane in this business.
Popbuff: What have you learned from being an entrepreneur?
Raquel: I still have lots to learn but the biggest thing is having patience and knowing that If I fail I just need to get back up and keep going after my dream!
Popbuff: What was your memorable moment?
Raquel: My most memorable moment was getting my first huge booking in 2020. When I thought it was going to be a very challenging financial year for me getting furloughed from my part time job it was complete opposite from what I thought. I remember crying when I got the check from this huge gig I booked and there after I have been so blessed.
Popbuff: What’s your favorite part of owning a balloon design business?
Raquel: The flexibility with my time during the week. Being able to be present with my kids more even if it meant working really late nights on the business. Such a blessing and dream come true to have that opportunity of more time with them and my husband.
Popbuff: How do you handle stress?
Raquel: I work well under pressure but I do find myself exploding when I reach my limits. One thing I struggle with is self care and putting myself first. It’s definitely something I’m working on this year.
Popbuff: How do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Raquel: I see myself still running this business. It would be a dream of mine to have a balloon line and also an event space but I’m okay with that taking it’s time. I’m hoping for my kids to get a little older so that they can help me grow this business more. I remember going to work with my mom and dad when they had their own businesses and it’s always something I cherished and felt like it has made me the business woman I am today.
Popbuff: What do you like to do during your downtime?
Raquel: I love to spend time with family and I also love to dance or have a girls day with my friends.
Popbuff: Word of advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Raquel: It’s a quote I live by.
“Success is not final;
Failure is not Fatal;
It is the courage to continue that counts.”
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