We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samantha Heskey. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Samantha , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
What I’m chasing is impact. I want every event I create to spark joy, connection, and lasting memories for the people who walk into that space. Balloons may seem simple to some, but for me, they’re a tool to transform a room and create experiences that people carry with them long after the party is over.
I’m also chasing creativity and the freedom to keep growing and expanding my business. This is my baby — I’ve poured seven years of hard work, passion, and dedication into it, and watching it grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Beyond that, I’m chasing legacy. I want to leave something behind for the next wave of dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs who are watching from the sidelines wondering if they can do it too. I want my journey to show that it’s possible to turn passion into purpose, and purpose into something that lasts.
If I stopped chasing that, I think I’d lose a big piece of what makes me come alive. This business is more than décor — it’s my creative outlet, my way of serving others, and a reflection of my passion. Stopping wouldn’t just mean stepping away from balloons, it would mean stepping away from a calling that’s bigger than me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Samantha, and I am the owner and creative mind behind Samantha Michelle Special Events. I’m a proud two-time HBCU graduate from the highest of seven hills, Florida A&M University — #FAMU. I’m also a dog mom to the most spoiled little Yorkie, who definitely gets more home-cooked meals than I make for myself.
What started out in 2018 as a side hustle during grad school — building balloon columns — has transformed over the last seven years into something beyond what I ever imagined in the beginning stages. Initially, my business was a one-stop shop for all event needs, from design to full décor. But in the past two years, I made the decision to scale back and specialize in luxury balloon installations and focal point designs.
That shift was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It opened the door for me to be even more creative, because no two focal points or garlands are ever the same. In that time, my business has grown, my installations have gotten bigger, and the demand for my work has increased tremendously.
Scaling back also gave me more balance. It allows me to pour into my passion while still having time to spend with family and friends, and to enjoy traveling — another love of mine. At the heart of it, this business is my baby, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for the world
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the importance of working hard. Both of them, in their own way, showed me that dedication and consistency are essential to getting what you want — and that life is truly what you make of it.
They’re both business owners, and growing up watching their commitment, sacrifices, and growth instilled so many values in me from an early age. It was through their example that I understood what it takes to build something meaningful. Those lessons shaped my work ethic and planted the seeds that helped me establish and grow a successful business of my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: trust the process and trust yourself. Everything you’re working so hard for — even the things that don’t make sense right now — are preparing you for something greater.
I’d remind her that it’s okay to take up space, to be creative, to dream big, and to not let fear hold her back. The long nights, the doubts, and the moments of wondering if it will all work out — they’re all part of the journey. You are stronger than you realize, and one day you’ll look back and be so proud of the woman and business owner you’ve become.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that success happens overnight. What people often see — especially on social media — is the beautiful final product, but not the hours of planning, the trial and error, the investments, and the sacrifices that go into creating that look. You see the highlight reel, but not always the behind-the-scenes that makes it possible. For me, it’s taken seven years of growth, hard work, and learning to get where I am — and the journey is still continuing.
Another big misconception is that balloons are ‘just balloons.’ A lot of people still think balloon art is simple or something that doesn’t require real skill, planning, or creativity. But the truth is, luxury balloon installations take strategy, design knowledge, and hours of detailed work to bring to life. They’re not just decorations — they’re focal points that completely transform a space.
And lastly, the industry sometimes pushes the idea that bigger automatically means better. But in reality, intentional design and attention to detail are what truly make an installation stand out. It’s not always about size — it’s about creativity and impact.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I’m in nature. I love being outdoors, feeling the sun on me, and going on a good nature hike. Oftentimes while I’m hiking, I’ll still be responding to emails or planning content for the week, but it’s also a moment where I can enjoy the solitude and clear my head.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samanthamichelleevents.net/copy-of-samantha-michelle-updated-website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SamanthaMichelleSpecialEvents/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthamichellespevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaMichelleSpecialEvents/
Image Credits
Not Applicable
