Today we’d like to introduce you to Rilee Faircloth.
Hi Rilee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Rilee! I’m 26, born and raised here in central Florida. When I had my daughter in May of 2020, I wanted to come up with a business that I would be able to work around my daughter’s schedule and her needs. I’ve always been “artsy” and really into any form of decorating… balloon art has been such a big trend the past few years and is only getting more popular, so I decided to teach myself how to create these luxury balloon arrangements, and eighteen pops was born! In the last two years, my skill has improved, and I’ve learned so much, not only about balloon art but about party planning in general. My plan and goal with eighteen pops is to become a full-party planning service with the most creative designs in central FL! I love what I do and could not be more thankful for this journey!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building my business definitely has not been a smooth road… and if it was smooth, what’s* the fun in that? I had to learn all the different techniques and the methods that worked best for me, and it took me a while to really get a good system down. My first year was very slow, and looking back at my work then makes me want to cringe, but it’s all about trial and error, I still make mistakes, and I’m still learning every day. I’m not even close to where I want to be, but I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a luxury balloon and event décor artist. I specialize in and am most known for balloon garlands (my most popular item). My balloon garlands are completely customizable and can be as big or as small as needed… what makes them, so fun is the options are basically endless. Adding fresh florals, feathers, streamers, jewels, and so many other embellishments is really what sets my arrangements apart from others, it’s all in the details! I always make sure my arrangements are full of life and has lots of texture and depth, so they don’t ever look “skimpy.” Another thing that sets me apart is I LOVE to be different… my style in general is very unique, and I think that shows through my work; I choose styles that most people wouldn’t but in a way that still caters to my client’s vision!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I think my daughter deserves the most credit for inspiring me to start this business… after all, I did it all for her! My family is also so supportive of me and always lets me get creative and every family gathering. All of my clients are wonderful, and my returning customers always bring me such love and positivity, and I’m so so thankful for them! I think just about everyone I’ve encountered while building this business has inspired me and helps me in some form, and I love hearing everyone’s advice and growing my knowledge about this career.
Pricing:
- Deluxe garlands – $18 per foot
- Basic garlands – $13 per foot
- Rentals range from $50 – $200+
- Delivery and installation – $50 per arrangement within 30miles
- Final pricing depends on customization of arrangement(s)
Contact Info:
- Website: eighteenpops.com
- Instagram: @eighteenpops
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eighteenpops
Image Credits
Sarah Burkhead
Rilee Faircloth
