Meet Talesha Austin: Balloon decor/Events

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

Hi Talesha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process starting my balloon/event business was knowing that I would be doing something that I absolutely love doing. This business allows me to show my creative side, in addition to it being therapeutic for me as well. I started my business after I decided to have myself a birthday party here in my home, and I did all the decor myself. I throughly enjoyed it so much. I also got so may compliments on the decor, which included my own balloon garland. I was told that I should do this, but I doubted myself still. I got a number of requests and decided to step out on faith and do one for a client. It went very well, and that was the start of my business .

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I graduated from high school, I immediately attended a community College. After a year or so, I realized that college wasn’t really for me. I took some business classes because I knew deep down I knew one day I would want to own my business. I also had interest in technology as well. I took some classes for a certification for web design. Over the years, I worked with tech support, supporting computers, internet, networks, and help desk for employers. In 2007 my husband and I moved to Atlanta, Ga and purchased our first home together. I then started my dream of starting my own business a few years later. As of today, I am still running my business 8 years later, and pursued a sister business, my Balloon/Event business Divaxpress Events. Thankfully, both have even very lucrative, which is a blessing. It was not easy by any means starting my own business, especially after moving to a new state, with young children. My husband and I stepped out on faith, and left our trust in God. We found a church home, and attended church regularly. We learned that when you put God first, you will never be last. My advice to anyone wanting to pursue their dreams is to never give up, never compare your story to anyone else. We all have an assignment. The only thing I compare myself too is doing better than I did last month, last year and etc.

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 visiting the city, I would first take her downtown to visit the beautiful historic city. We would eat at a few restaurants, ( I don’t really have a favorite, I love them all ) We would defiantly do a brunch. I love Highland Bakery because their sweet potato biscuits are delicious. I also love Thumbs Up Diner. We would visit Atlantic station, Piedmont park, The Atlanta Belt-line, and Buckhead just to sight see. We would also check out the King Center. I also absolutely love little five points for shopping because they have some awesome stores in that area. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my husband who also my biggest cheerleader in everything I do. Since I started my business, who has been the biggest help whenever I needed anything. He also has been the handyman, and brains to helping me figure out how to assist clients with their request where it required some extra thinking hanging their garland etc. There have been days where he has stopped his work, (he also have his own business) to assist me, and make sure that I have everything I need to assist my clients. He has such a beautiful heart, and I am so thankful for everything he do for me. I would also like to shoutout my mother. She is the reason I have the creative side of me which i love so much. My mother has also encouraged me that I can do anything I can put my mind too, she also helped build up my confidence in starting this business. As a child, my mom always told me and my sisters, we can do anything we put our minds too, always treat people the way you want to be treated, and GOD first always. She is also one of my biggest cheerleaders and biggest supporters. Beautiful inside and out… One of my best friends. Lastly, I would like to give a shoutout to my Pastor Anthony Murray of Oasis Life Church. One of things I have done mainly with my business is to always put God first. My pastor has spoke to me and my husband about how we should keep our faith in God, pray, and never give up on our dreams. During the pandemic, he has done live videos on social media that have encouraged me, and lifted me up many days when i felt like running a business ( i have two) was entirely too hard. He is part of the reason as well, why I started my businesses. I am forever grateful for my Pastor.

Instagram: @divaxpressevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divaxpressevents/

Image Credits
Thank you to the amazing photographer Adrian Thomas for my Headshot photo!!