Genette Flynn: Balloonacy...& more

I am 52 and have lived in Stratford upon Avon for 16 years now. We moved to this area because of my husband’s job, from our home town of Liverpool. I joined a bank 36 years ago when I was 16 – not a career  I particularly wanted at the time, as I would have preferred to do something more artistic - but in those days one did what was advised by your parents and I was given no option! In spite of this, banking suited my skill set (except for the artistic bent) and it gave me a very happy and varied working life that fitted in well when my 2 boys came along. I was also able to transfer with the Bank when we moved down here in 1994. I then ended my banking days in January 2009.

How it all began

I took early retirement and volunteered to take a redundancy package with the Bank in January of 2009. I simply became bored being at home and wanted to have a job - preferably that would use my artistic skills and that I would find creative. Also I wanted to work hours to suit me and to be able to take time off when I chose to.

I was advised to contact the Women’s Business Development Agency by the job centre in Stratford upon Avon. I was given the telephone number and initially spoke to Margaret who encouraged me to access to their website www.wmwomensbusinesscentre.com to use the online training modules, factsheets and templates. I also read some of the case studies on there and found it very inspirational.

A helping hand from the Women’s Business Development Agency

I then got back in touch with WBDA explained my various business concerns to Margaret, she is the lady who in my experience binds the whole of the programme together, and she suggested it was time for me to attend WBDAs free workshops and then meet with a Business Advisor. I the free workshops, such as Marketing and Finance, which were so helpful! They gave me clear insight into what was required to start my business.  Then I was booked in to see, Carolyn Reilly, whose advice and support also proved invaluable. She was able to advise me how to comprehend all aspects of the plan that I did not quite understand.

My main challenges faced were mainly from a confidence point of view.  After the workshops and having my one-to-one advice sessions, I dismissed all ideas that I would fail and I have increased in confidence and been determined not let anything get the better of me.

Then an opportunity was provided when I heard that a friend I used to help out with event decoration was selling all of her balloon equipment; I contacted her and bought it all. I haven’t looked back since! 

About Balloonacy….& more

I am a sole trader providing a balloon artistry service across the south of Warwickshire and the Stratford upon Avon area. I am a member of NABAS which is the only independent trade association for the party and promotional balloon industry in the UK.

My business provides event decoration, for any occasion of any size. To include; balloons, floristry, wedding favours, table decorations and party bags for all ages. I can decorate and co ordinate a small table to a whole room.

I also provide a service to hotels, clubs, garages, schools and organisations and  also decorate promotional events for corporate companies, having recently provided the balloons at Kylie Minogues’ At Home’ bedding launch.

My company provides ancillary services for example, Helium Balloon Gas, Balloon nets - full of balloons that can be released over a dance floor at parties, Balloon Releases, Exploding Balloons for parties, Printed Balloons, Printed Ribbons,  Ribbon Bow service and a Balloon in a Box service for different occasions.

For more information about Genette’s services, please contact her on 07912 626036
Or email genflynn@balloonacywarwickshire.co.uk or check out her website http://www.balloonacywarwickshire.co.uk/