We had the good fortune of connecting with Genese Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genese, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I made the decision to jump right in with Balloon Decor! It was fun, I make my own schedule, yadda, yadda, yadda! But I had no idea there’d be sleepless nights & NO MORE weekend anything because I was booked & busy! While it felt great to be able to be a contributor in my household again, it also meant time away from my kids, family, friends, more time with my husband (because I just roped him in) & trying to navigate my day as a new business owner. And you know what that means, IM DOING IT ALL BY MYSELF!!!

The balance: It is super AWESOME & helpful that my husband is so supportive of my vision & business. The fact that my kids are older (13 & 18) helps because hey, they can help Mom also! My husband and I have dedicated two nights a month for just us. We eat dinner as a family as many evenings as possible. I have also found my happy place with this cardio class, M-Th with Xtreme Hip Hop w/Phil. I’m burning calories, relieving some stress & the playlist takes me back to the 90’s. My mother joins me daily (via IG live) & my husband joins as well. It’s a ever changing routine, but finding ways to incorporate my daily while running a spontaneous business is how I’m finding balance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Event Decorator! The one who comes in and transforms the space into what you’ve envisioned! (Very different from an Event Planner, LOL) I don’t really think that I’m all that different from other decorators but what makes me special is my dedication & passion to creating & exceeding the expectation!

I’ve worked in Customer Service since I was 15; Mainly on the creative side. Installations, Displays, Merchandising, hands on projects! I went to Fashion Ind HS where I fell in love with Visual Merchandising. Understanding the architecture of something just by looking at it! It’s the coolest super power!
I’m sure had I not been laid off from my 14yr stint with my previous employer, I wouldn’t know this brave, resilient handy woman that I’ve become today and get back to my roots!

It’s not easy starting & maintaining a business, nor has it gotten any easier! I took my passion for something & made it a profession with no experience or anyone to look to because they had done this before!

I’m still afraid! But I also know this started from an idea & to see whats it’s BECOMING, it’s a dream come true! I’m learning so much about being a business owner & about myself. Im exposing my kids & family to a different way to have an income. I can achieve anything I see! As long as I work hard & take nothing for granted, the blessings will continue to come! I put my all into every client that trusts me with their vision & hard earned money. In the end, not only will they understand that it not “Just Balloons”!!! This is an investment into an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life! That’s priceless!!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love a day out & good food! We are definitely hitting up Piquant in Bklyn for brunch! The Watermark Bar & Harlem Hookah in Manhattan! We will fill our days with trips to the city to shop & hit up Soho cafes, We’d get cute every evening for either dinner, dancing or staying in! I’d probably have matching PJ sets!!!!! I would definitely have to introduce her to Xtreme Hip Hop & can’t let her leave before we have a relaxing day at Sojo Day Spa.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to recognize Olayinka at Clique Balloons. Her super affordable balloon workshop gave me so much more that balloon tips!

My group on Facebook: Balloon Chit Chat is a judgement free zone where I continue to learn from & share with the many new & skilled designers out there!

Cheyenne Lespinas of Simply Elegant Events for her support, trust & for always being there to listen to me vent!

My amazing family for their love, patience & many, many favors granted even when y’all didn’t want to, LOL! I LOVE YOU TOO!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gg_eventsnyc/

Image Credits
GGEventsNYC Cyniah Gonzalez

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