Meet Kelly Avalos | Founder and CEO of Jelly Bean by Kelly

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

Hi Kelly, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Balloon Life Chose me. It all started back in 2014 when my daughter turned One. Her middle name is Star and I wanted a Twinkle Little Star theme. Back then that is something you couldn’t buy at the store, so I made a fringe backdrop and added stars which took me over 4hrs to make. Today I still make those fringe backdrops in 20 minutes and sell them on my Etsy Shop. That was the highlight of my career, I could sell various fringe backdrops and sell on my Etsy Shop along with other handmade birthday decor for others. That’s when I knew my passion was crafting and birthday parties. I continued to pursue my love for crafts, and being able to design other people’s birthday parties for their kids, loving every moment of it, I knew that this was my thing!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My balloon designs are a work of art. Each design is unique and hand-crafted. I taught myself and learned from TikTok. From my very first balloon install to my current designs you can diffently see the difference and empowerment. Even my very first design was not that bad honestly, its a passion that I have and you can see that thru my work. I truly enjoy what I do and its my thing. You can tell me your ideas, and I instantly put the design in my head and already know what I want to plan, its my creative mind at work. I love when my clients give me a blank canvas, that’s when my creativity comes out! I am not going to lie, there have been times when I really didn’t know what I was going to do, until it was time, and those have been my absolute best work.

I have been in the corporate world since college, and I sat behind a desk making wish bracelets for my Etsy shop. After covid, I decided to quit the corporate world and pursue my balloon business to the fullest. That was not an easy decision to make, that was the most challenging decision I have ever made. Today, I provide designs for brand activations, corporations, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and everything in between, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. On top of balloon decor, we have 2 photo booths; a digital booth and our newest DSLR camera booth with the option to print or digital images. And I must say I have invested in fun premium props and signs, that’s the secret to our photo booth experiences. Creating a full party experience with our designs and photo booths; we can capture every moment of our client’s milestones.

My Challenge was to get my name out to the world. I wanted a unique name, one that would be catchy and that people will remember. My kids were my inspiration to name as well. They are my jelly beans. I was a bit nervous being in the spotlight, I was never the one to share everything or post every day, I just opened my Instagram and TikTok page not too long ago, and have learned to wear all the hats: from mom world to Jelly Bean world, soccer mom, and managing all our social media, inventory, sales, etc. Its a lot of work but I couldn’t have it any other way and feel blessed every day that I can live my dreams. Connect with me on Instagram and Tiktok @jellybeanbykelly

My brand is my life. Balloon life chose me. It’s my passion and you can see that through my work. I am not just a balloon artist designing your party, its more than that. We build connections and relationships with our clients and vendors. I personalize every connection and every design, and I always catch myself doing more than what my clients ask for because that’s who I am. I have to leave the room knowing my design was 100% even if it means adding or putting more than asked because my clients trust me, and that’s more than I can ask for.

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.
If my best friend was coming to visit, and they wanted to see Atlanta the first place I would take them is the GA Aquarium.

Day 1
Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club- The food is amazing, especially the chicken and waffles! Then we would walk to the GA Aquarium and see all the amazing habitats, followed by their dolphin show, which is a must! But don’t sit in the front row because you will get soaked in salt water. (I know because we have sat in the front and let me tell you… we were stinky after.) Then we would walk over to the Cola-Cola Factory for the afternoon and learn all the cola history and try all the various colas around the world. Dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood, and a walk around Centennial Olympic Park and ride the Sky Wheel overlooking downtown.

Day 2
Wake up early and tailgate for an Atlanta United Game at the Mercedez Stadium. We are a soccer family, so soccer is everything. We would be there early to get a parking spot. Grill carne asada and have a Latino plate of rice and beans with pico de Gallo and listen to bachata and merengue. Then with our United jerseys, walk over to the game and get loud cheering our team! For lunch we would probably grab food from their concessions. And believe me, their food is really good, they have upgraded their menus and its a must try. Once the game is over head over to Mojitos Cuban Resturant, for latin food. One of my favorites restaurants and you must try their loaded mariquitas, you will thank me!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My daughter was my first inspiration to it all, without her or my passion for crafts I wouldn’t be here today; and all my 3 kiddos who inspire me every day. We are Latino and we are always celebrating something, and a birthday can’t never be too small, even if I try. My kids start planning their birthdays months away, and start telling me what they want from it- You name it- we have had it all from: petting zoos, face paintings, food trucks, jump castles, venue and theme park events, custom cakes, custom cookies, matching outfits, and even special ordered a Brazilian Blue Macaw bird show for my daughter’s RIO themed birthday! Call me crazy but these are the moments I truly love! My oldest daughter, tells me all the time that she is my manager and the boss of it all, because I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.

I dedicate my shoutout to faith and God. My support goes to my husband for being there each step of the way to where we are today. He is there building our props and painting every detail, to managing our inventory, transporting and setting up, and keeping up with the latest in the industry and the inspiration for the two Photo Booths we currently showcase. He wanted Jelly Bean to be more than just balloons; he wanted it to be the ultimate experience package.
My Encouragement belongs to my mother. She is always loving and sharing all my posts, encouraging me to never give up, and always being on-call when I need her. My sister and brother who are always on call when I need them too, no matter what time of the day they are willing to stop what they are doing to be part of Jelly Bean. Our family and friends who support, share and are willing to be part of it all, I appreciate it more than ever! I love you guys Vick, mama, sis, bro- Thank you for being part of my journey.

Website: https://www.jellybeanbykelly.com

Instagram: @jellybeanbykelly

Linkedin: @kellyavalos

Facebook: @jellybeanbykelly

Other: Etsy @jellybeanbykelly
Tiktok @jellybeanbykelly

Image Credits
Main Image of myself – Photography by Zuly
All others Instagram @jellybeanbykelly