Rising Stars: Meet Johanna Kline of St. Joseph, Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Kline

Hi Johanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Johanna Kline (Aranda Herrera), and I’m the proud owner of *Balloons D’Lux*. I was born and raised in La Paz, Mexico, and I am a wife and mother of two beautiful girls. My journey to where I am today is deeply rooted in my family’s determination to give us a better life. My parents made the difficult decision to move us to the United States when I was 12 years old, hoping it would open doors to opportunities we couldn’t access back in Mexico. The decision wasn’t easy, and I won’t sugarcoat it—those first years were tough. I arrived in St. Joseph, Missouri, without a single drop of English, and that language barrier felt like an enormous wall between me and the world. But my curiosity about people—their stories, their lives—kept me going.

Coming from Mexico, a country rich in culture, food, art, and vibrant colors, I think that’s where the seeds for my creativity were really planted. In Mexico, no party is complete without colorful, fun decor. From a young age, my abuelita (grandmother) would sit me at the table and teach me how to create beautiful decorations using tissue and crepe paper. I remember spending countless hours with her, working on decorations for our big family gatherings. I think that’s where my love for creating and bringing joy to others began.

Throughout my childhood and into my adult life, I always gravitated towards the behind-the-scenes magic of a party—the decor. With a large family, there was no shortage of celebrations—birthdays, baby showers, and holiday parties. No matter what the event, I always found myself taking charge of the decorations. Sometimes, I didn’t even volunteer—I was *voluntold*, and I was thrilled about it! All I needed were the supplies, and I’d enter my own little world of creation. I started working with balloons more seriously, sometimes using garland kits from Amazon or just balloons from big-box stores. Little by little, I honed my craft and began to realize just how much I loved designing for others.

In 2016, I started posting pictures of our family gatherings and the balloon designs I’d created, and before long, people started reaching out to ask if I’d do the same for their events. At first, I only took on close friends’ events and did it all for fun—never charging anyone. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but feel the spark that would eventually lead to something bigger.

On the professional side, my creative mind had always driven me to explore new things. While operating our previous business, I realized there was a significant need for a graphic designer. After multiple attempts to hire someone, I decided, *“Why is it so hard to find someone to create brand and marketing for us?”* So, I took matters into my own hands. I became a self-taught graphic designer, spending hours learning about branding and marketing. I used that knowledge to rebrand and market our company, and in 2014, we added a branding and marketing department to our business. This addition allowed me to help companies—big and small, from local businesses to multimillion-dollar enterprises—rebrand and grow nationwide.

My husband and I sold our business in 2021, which left me with the freedom to explore new possibilities. That’s when the idea for *Balloons D’Lux* began to take shape. I had spent years creating beautiful balloon decorations for family and friends, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I loved it. In March 2022, I officially registered *Balloons D’Lux*, and I began running operations out of my basement. It was a humble start, but I was determined to build something unique.

I didn’t just want to be another balloon business—I wanted to offer something special. I wanted to provide high-quality products and services, but also be able to serve those on a smaller budget. I believe everyone deserves a beautiful celebration, no matter their budget. One of my big goals was to open a retail store that would be unlike any other balloon and party supply store. I wanted to create an experience that would make people smile from the moment they walked in.

On December 2nd 2024, I officially opened my store at 3508 N Belt Highway, Suite C, St. Joseph, MO. It was a dream come true, not just for me but for my family. What drives me every day is my girls. I want to show them that hard work truly pays off and that dreams and aspirations can come true if you put in the effort. My goal is to continue growing, and I’m already planning on adding a delivery van to expand our services—and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll open more stores in other locations!

At the end of the day, what inspires me the most is the joy I bring to others. I love seeing people smile, knowing that I’m part of their celebration. *Balloons D’Lux* is my way of giving back, one beautiful balloon at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has certainly been an exciting and rewarding one, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Each obstacle and success has shaped where *Balloons D’Lux* is today. I would say that one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced has been overcoming my own self-doubt—those intrusive thoughts of “what ifs.” They held me back from opening my store sooner and made me second-guess decisions like locking down a location. As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, the biggest hurdle is actually within yourself. We can easily weigh ourselves down with thoughts of failure, or with the “I can’t” mentality. The key is learning to shift that mindset into one of confidence and action.

Another challenge has been time management. As much as I love my business, my most important role in life is being a mother. My children will always come first, which means there have been moments when I had to turn down opportunities or postpone projects because of family events. Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of family life has been tough at times, but I embrace it all. It’s about finding that harmony and staying focused on the bigger picture.

No great success story ever started by staying in your comfort zone. Being uncomfortable is growing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating custom balloon garlands and decor, and I’m particularly known for my unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, which often include custom-painted balloons. My passion for bringing creativity to life is what drives my work, and I take immense pride in the intricate details that go into every design. Whether it’s a simple garland or an elaborate installation, I approach each project with the same level of dedication to ensure it’s a perfect reflection of my client’s vision.

What sets me apart is my ability to bring out something truly unique for every client. I’m not just delivering a service—I’m working alongside my clients to craft a custom experience. My attention to detail is unmatched, and I’m proud of how I prioritize customer service. From the initial consultation to the final installation, I’m always making sure my clients feel heard, valued, and delighted with the outcome. It’s that blend of creativity and personalized care that sets me apart in this field, and what I’m most proud of.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My Brand-

When I think of balloons at an event, I think luxury and elegance. As Spanish is my native language, I naturally find that my thought processes occur in Spanish. Consequently, my initial thought was “Globos De Lujo.” Globos de lujo translates into Balloons of Luxury.
The name “Balloons of Luxury” exceeded my initial expectations in terms of length. To optimize its effectiveness and marketability, This is where my background in brand and marketing became handy!
I kept exploring alternative word combinations to enhance both its appeal and overall flow.
Then it just hit! Balloons D’Lux
“Balloons” naming my target market, “D”pronounced “de”, (“de” means “of” in Spanish) keeping some of its origin. and finally “Lux” short for Luxury.

This name effectively bridges the linguistic gap while preserving the essence of classiness and high-quality service implied in the original Spanish.

The choice of “D’Lux” adds a sense of elegance and exclusivity, appealing to an audience seeking premium balloon arrangements. The phonetic similarity between “D’Lux” and “Deluxe” enhances its memorability and marketability.

By drawing inspiration from its Spanish roots, “Balloons D’Lux” honors its cultural origins while elevating the brand’s image, suggesting a product or service that stands out in both creativity and quality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.BalloonsDlux.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloons_dlux
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalloonsDLux