Hobby balloons into full-blown business for Timaru woman

Creating colourful displays using balloons started as a hobby for Gaz Hodge, but a move to Timaru late last year was the catalyst for her hobby becoming a business.

Hodge and her husband, Warren, moved from Wairarapa to Timaru in November, and by January had decided to take the plunge and go into business – launching Airy Fairy, which offers balloon decorations which she calls ‘Balloonagrams’ for events.

Hodge said creating decorations using balloons had been a hobby for about two years before they moved south.

“I was just making balloon sculptures for friends and family,” Hodge said.

Since the start of the year, Hodge has sold 196 balloon sculptures for various events across the South Island.

“I made my first sale in January, when we were still getting settled into our new home, and we made some pretty good sales during Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day and now Father’s Day is coming up.

“There’s been so much support from the community and people really got behind my business.”

Hodge said she and her husband have fallen in love with Timaru.

“Everything is so accessible, everything is so beautiful here and the people are so friendly. They really encourage you to be here, and they also really encouraged me to keep the business going.”

Hodge said for her, the driving factor in keeping the business going, were the smiles from people when they see the finished product.

“I get such a buzz when I create something and that brings joy to someone.

“Watching the kids, and just people with their faces against the window watching me unload a big balloon sculpture is probably my favourite part.”

The latex for the balloons is sourced sustainably, and they are compostable, she said.

Her goal is to eventually open a shop in Timaru selling a range of other party items.

“My husband and I are pretty social people and whenever we got an opportunity to dress up, go to a themed party, or just having a party ourselves, we always made sure we gave it our all.

“We invited our friends over to our house for dinner once, and they walked into a Mexican night party complete with sombreros, moustaches and decorations.”

She says she has been asked by many people if she would be part of Blow Up, the new series where balloon artists create eye-popping works of art in a series of challenges.

“My business is still in the first year but If I get an opportunity to be on the show and if I have the skills for it, ill take that chance up.”

She is also considering offering balloon twisting classes, and lessons where people could learn the art while enjoying a drink with friends.

She has also collaborated with another balloon artist from Ōamaru for two projects in Timaru and has picked up some skills from them as well.

Hodge said her advice for anyone considering starting their own business was, “it’s so much easier if you love what you’re doing”.

She said she was still learning on the job, and how to cater to different people in different age groups, and she tries her best to keep up with what children like for decor ideas.

“I love a challenge.”