We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Andrea Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Andrea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After 9 years of working as an educator, I wanted a change of pace and a career path that allowed me to spend more time with my family. I fell in love with balloon styling 4 years ago decorating high school dances and other school events. Over the years I continued to hone my skills, until November of 2021 when I decided it was time to make my hobby a career and got an LLC. I spent the remainder of 2021 and the spring of 2022 working on building my brand and clientele, then on July 1 2022 I started Nine Designs full-time. The past 6 months as a business owner have been challenging but it has also been the most rewarding experience of my life. Life is precious and time is fleeting, so I am happy to have a company that allows me to be a part of all types of celebratory moments.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I love what I do. I love that I have an opportunity to create something that’s original. I love that I’m able to create special moments for people. Now, it’s hard making a name for myself in the event decor industry in Atlanta because there’s so many people doing what I do and doing it well. At the same time, I truly care about people. When people work with Nine Designs, we’re building a relationship to ensure they feel the decor for their event captures them. People want memories. I want to make their memories beautiful.

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.
Listen, I love Atlanta. I love the culture and the people here. I love to show people around the city.

I’m a mom, so our tour of ATL would have to include Fernbank Museum. To be honest, while my kids love Fernbank, I *really* love Fernbank. Their forested playground is a whole vibe. It’s just a beautiful stress-free place for our family. My husband is the principal at Peace Preparatory Academy in the English Avenue neighborhood, so I definitely want to show the Westside lots of love and let people see all the great things that are happening over here. Not too far from there is my favorite place to shop–Westside Market. Skip Lennox, skip Ponce, and come see the real deal at Westside Market. When it’s time to eat, drink and play, we love the vibe at The Painted Duck. Again, it’s a super-chill spot for games and drinks. We also love all of the nearby restaurants too–Flower Child, Upbeet, Sublime Doughnuts, Eight Sushi, The Optimist… Atlanta is a great food city and we love trying new spots. My all-time favorite Atlanta restaurant is Poor Calvins.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Nine Designs is more than a balloon company, it is a legacy. As a New Orleans native, I grew up in the lower 9th ward in a family full of creatives. I built this company to honor my past, my late grandmothers Lula and Vergie, my aunts Brenda, Sheryl, Carol, Trudie, and my mother Deidre. Without the countless hours spent watching them craft and create I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.ninedesignsballoons.com

Instagram: _ninedesigns_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/d-andrea-jenkins-258538254

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nine-Designs-Luxury-Balloons-Event-Decor/100084474504420/

Image Credits
Photographer: Diamond Tullis -A Pure Gem Photography

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