Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Audreanna Ayala.

🎙️ Episode Summary

She shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance professional to creative entrepreneur and founder of Ayala Balloon Events. Specializing in balloon décor and modern bounce house rentals, she has carved a niche in gender reveal events, blending artistry, family inspiration, and business savvy to create unforgettable experiences.

🔑 Key Points 👩‍💼 Background & Business Launch
Works full-time in financial services while building her balloon décor business.
Started in 2018 after becoming a mother and wanting to create unique party experiences for her children.
Learned balloon artistry through Pinterest inspiration and formal balloon décor classes.

“I’m an artist—a balloon décor artist—not a balloon twister.”

🎈 Business Focus: Balloon Décor & Bounce Houses
Offers custom balloon installations for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Provides modern bounce house rentals—elegant, white, and photo-friendly for adult events like bridal showers.
Known for gender reveal setups with fireworks, detonators, and personalized backdrops.

“I’m creating core memories for every event in your life.”

💡 Creative Process & Client Experience
Clients often bring inspiration photos, which she adapts with her own artistic flair.
Emphasizes originality and refuses to replicate others’ designs exactly.
Offers consultation, setup, and follow-up to ensure satisfaction.

“I want people to know me for my technique—not someone else’s.”

📣 Marketing & Branding
Promotes primarily through Instagram, showcasing videos, stories, and behind-the-scenes content.
Leverages her identity as a mother and perfectionist to connect with clients emotionally.

“I know what it’s like to be a mom. I want everything to be perfect.”

🚩 Challenges & Pain Points
Corporate Events: Time constraints and setup logistics.
Gender Reveals: Ensuring the correct gender color and managing firework safety.
Last-Minute Changes: Accommodated when possible, but with additional fees.

“I don’t wear pink or blue to gender reveals—I stay neutral so I don’t give anything away.”

💰 Pricing & Operations
Prices based on:

Materials and equipment
Labor and setup time
Insurance and safety
Additional staff for large events
Emphasizes the importance of insurance and safety protocols, especially for fireworks and bounce houses.

🚀 Vision & Expansion
Plans to expand gender reveal services beyond Georgia.
Inspired by trends in Miami and aims to become a national leader in gender reveal experiences.
Encouraged by Rushion to own her niche and market herself as the go-to expert.

“You are the queen of gender reveals. Own it.” — Rashawn McDonald

📌 Quotes to Highlight
“Life doesn’t always go in order, but we can still create core memories.”
“I’m not in the business of replicating someone else’s art.”
“I want to be at the head of the gender reveal movement.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Audreanna Ayala.
🎙️&nbsp;Episode Summary
She shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance professional to creative entrepreneur and founder of Ayala Balloon Events. Specializing in&nbsp;balloon d&eacute;cor and modern bounce house rentals, she has carved a niche in gender reveal events, blending artistry, family inspiration, and business savvy to create unforgettable experiences.
<hr>
🔑 Key Points 👩&zwj;💼 Background &amp; Business Launch
<ul>
<li>Works full-time in financial services while building her balloon d&eacute;cor business.</li>
<li>Started in 2018 after becoming a mother and wanting to create unique party experiences for her children.</li>
<li>Learned balloon artistry through Pinterest inspiration and formal balloon d&eacute;cor classes.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m an artist&mdash;a balloon d&eacute;cor artist&mdash;not a balloon twister.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
🎈 Business Focus: Balloon D&eacute;cor &amp; Bounce Houses
<ul>
<li>Offers custom balloon installations for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.</li>
<li>Provides modern bounce house rentals&mdash;elegant, white, and photo-friendly for adult events like bridal showers.</li>
<li>Known for gender reveal setups with fireworks, detonators, and personalized backdrops.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m creating core memories for every event in your life.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
💡 Creative Process &amp; Client Experience
<ul>
<li>Clients often bring inspiration photos, which she adapts with her own artistic flair.</li>
<li>Emphasizes originality and refuses to replicate others&rsquo; designs exactly.</li>
<li>Offers consultation, setup, and follow-up to ensure satisfaction.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I want people to know me for my technique&mdash;not someone else&rsquo;s.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
📣 Marketing &amp; Branding
<ul>
<li>Promotes primarily through Instagram, showcasing videos, stories, and behind-the-scenes content.</li>
<li>Leverages her identity as a mother and perfectionist to connect with clients emotionally.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I know what it&rsquo;s like to be a mom. I want everything to be perfect.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
🚩 Challenges &amp; Pain Points
<ul>
<li>Corporate Events: Time constraints and setup logistics.</li>
<li>Gender Reveals: Ensuring the correct gender color and managing firework safety.</li>
<li>Last-Minute Changes: Accommodated when possible, but with additional fees.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t wear pink or blue to gender reveals&mdash;I stay neutral so I don&rsquo;t give anything away.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
💰 Pricing &amp; Operations
<ul>
<li>Prices based on:
<ul>
<li>Materials and equipment</li>
<li>Labor and setup time</li>
<li>Insurance and safety</li>
<li>Additional staff for large events</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emphasizes the importance of insurance and safety protocols, especially for fireworks and bounce houses.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🚀 Vision &amp; Expansion
<ul>
<li>Plans to expand gender reveal services beyond Georgia.</li>
<li>Inspired by trends in Miami and aims to become a national leader in gender reveal experiences.</li>
<li>Encouraged by Rushion to&nbsp;own her niche and market herself as the go-to expert.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You are the queen of gender reveals. Own it.&rdquo; &mdash; Rashawn McDonald
</blockquote>
<hr>
📌 Quotes to Highlight
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Life doesn&rsquo;t always go in order, but we can still create core memories.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not in the business of replicating someone else&rsquo;s art.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;I want to be at the head of the gender reveal movement.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Plan before you Leap: Ayala is building her part-time business while still working full-time in the financial services field.  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3a87a20a-1394-4a38-b786-b30e0130b1f1/transcript

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