Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephany Vargas
Hi Stephany , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Stephany and I am the owner and creator of Paper and Fringe.
I am a mother of two, a wife, and a full-time Social Worker; however, balloon art has quickly become my passion.
Although I fell in love with crafting instantly, it took me a bit longer to discover balloon art. To be honest, I was terrified of balloons because I hated the sound of them when they popped! One day I decided to try and make my son a balloon garland for his birthday and I‘ve been obsessed with balloon art ever since. I’ve been playing with balloons since the summer of 2019 and I am loving them more and more with each project!
Paper and Fringe was born from the love I have for creating. There is nothing more exciting to me than bringing to life my clients visions and making their day special. No matter the type of event, we work hard to ensure our clients vision is executed to perfection.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to entrepreneurship has not been an easy one for me. As a mother, wife and full time employee, it has been hard work to be able to start this small business and keep pushing myself to create and follow my dreams. The majority of the events we work on happen during the weekends which means that we are usually missing out on family events, functions and other things. Thankfully, I have and extra ordinary family who supports me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. It truly takes a village and I am so grateful for mine. I could not do this with out the support of my husband, my children, my in laws, my parents and my friends.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In 2018 I discovered my love for balloons and I’ve been PAPER AND FRINGE for the last 6 years. Paper and Fringe is a bespoke balloon decor company that specializes in unique and custom balloon decor for all types of events. We pride ourselves in creating one of a kind balloon installations for our clients and we specialize in custom colored balloon decor. We currently service clients in New York City, New Jersey, Florida, the Dominican Republic and beyond.
In 2022 I decided I wanted to connect with my following on social media on a much deeper level and so I launched @beautifulpeoplethepodcast . Hosting this podcast was such an amazing experience for me. We discussed so many things that we experience as creatives in this industry. Then in 2023, my husband and I created the @balloonstuffer which is the first custom color tool in the balloon industry, and we are currently patent pending. The balloon stuffer has had such an amazing response from balloon artist all over the world who love the tool and use it on a day to day basis.
Through this business I’ve learned so much and have grown tremendously as an individual, an artist and business woman.
I’ve learned the meaning of hard work and consistency.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My parents separated when I was 7 years old. My father was in my life, however I didn’t really get to see him often. My mother was a single parent and I grew up watching how hard she worked to provide my brothers and I the opportunities she didn’t have herself. Growing up I was a happy child. always doing something or asking someone as questions. Always super active and curious. I have always been super talkative and creative. I remember telling my mother I wanted to be an artist and I remember doodling in any piece of paper I could find.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.paperandfringe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperandfringe/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautifulpeoplethepodcast
Image Credits
Photographer: Aleksandra Florez Photogrpahy
Instagram @aleksandraflorezphotography
