Rising Stars: Meet Shelby Hay of Lawrence

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Hay.

Hi Shelby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved to celebrate. Whether a birthday or a wedding, I love a good party! But it took me a few years to realize I wanted to enter the event industry. After graduating from college, I realized that a traditional 9-5 was not a good fit for me, and after working for a few years and realizing I needed to change something, I finally had the idea to do balloons! Until that realization, I had only done balloons for my own family, but I saw how they elevated any event and brought everyone smiles and joy. So I decided to take the plunge and try my hand at owning a balloon business. Right now, I am a team of one, but learning and growing every day!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
It for sure has been a rough road. The learning curve for balloons is steep, and I had a long way to go before I felt confident in selling my product and brand. But I love what I do, and I love to learn, so I am excited about the road ahead!

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of my organic balloon decor! I love making something look natural and beautiful while still being organized and thoughtful in my process. I believe that what sets me apart from others is my eye for color. I have a degree in art history, so I have spent a lot of time evaluating artwork and determining what makes it beautiful and pleasing to the eye. I love transferring those skills over to balloons and event design.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Take classes, learn from people you trust, and seek out professional help for things regarding the business side of this industry. I am not tech savvy, so I wish I had invested in things for my business early on, like hiring a professional to do my website.

Contact Info:

• Website: sunnydayeventco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnydayeventco/