I first learned about Stellableu Designs from their posts in a local Lansing Facebook group, Not Your Mother’s Networking Group. The name caught my attention because of my daughter’s name, but also their photos of bright and happy balloon arrangements.
Stella was feeling a little sad about her birthday this month, particularly because her birthday party last year was one of the first big things we had to cancel due to COVID. I knew that I wanted to do something to surprise her, so I reached out to Stellableu on Facebook about their prices and design options.
I received a quick reply, and within minutes I was able to place my balloon “BOUQ” order, which included a table arrangement for $35 and their taller single digit BOUQ for $55. The balloons could be picked up the day before from my choice of two Lansing-area locations, and would last for two-three weeks. Considering the cost and longevity of flowers, this seemed like a great alternative.
Stella’s balloon BOUQs were exactly what I asked for and such a great way to surprise her. They made for really fun photos to commemorate her eighth birthday.
This week, I reached out to Stellableu Designs‘ owners, Jenna and Domonique, to learn more about their business. I was amazed to find out they began their balloon, floral, and event rental business during the pandemic! Learn more about these fun women and how their creative vision came to life.
Tell me about yourselves and where you’re from.
Domonique: My name is Domonique and I am from the Downriver area. I relocated to Lansing after attending college at MSU and met my husband who is from here. We live in Lansing with our elder pug and daughter.
Jenna: Hi! I am Jenna and I was born in Lansing, raised in Williamston, and now reside in East Lansing with my husband and two cats.
How did you two meet?
Domonique: Jenna’s aunt is one of my coworkers who I affectionately call my adopted grandmother. She mentioned that I should meet her niece who has some event design experience and that occurred at Marcia’s 70th birthday bash (Jenna designed a beautiful party) in 2015, but we reconnected in 2020. She is not only my partner in this but I am grateful for her friendship.
Jenna: In our family my Aunt Marcia is the party guru and throws THE BEST parties. On her 70th birthday party in 2015, she mentioned that her friend and coworker Domonique had the same passions as me, and we really needed to connect. I heard that over the next four years, and finally reached out in 2020 for a sushi date.
When did you get the idea for Stellableu Designs, and how did you go about starting your business?
Domonique: Jenna and I met for sushi in February 2020 shortly before the shut down and during the pandemic she had this idea that we could start our business with balloons while everyone was sort of at home trying to make it through the pandemic. Jenna has wonderful ideas and she ordered us balloons and we started creating in fall 2020.
Jenna: In 2020, on our sushi date, we connected instantly sharing our passions and dreams for the event industry. At that time it was also the beginning of when covid hit, so we talked about what our long term goals were going to be, but also new ideas to do now because events were going to take a nasty turn for the worse. We knew balloons were super trendy in other states, and didn’t know of any other businesses in our area that were creating this particular organic balloon style. We decided at that moment that this idea would allow us to have creative control and still fulfill our passion for the industry. I honestly had no idea how much joy these balloons were going to give to our community here in Lansing.
What have been some of your favorite creations to make?
Domonique: My favorite so far was a custom garland we installed for a pumpkin themed baby shower. The organic shape and color palette of pinks and oranges was stunning. We were hired to work with an event planner from Detroit and it was awesome working alongside so many creative and talented women.
Jenna: Oh I love a BIG balloon installation. Garlands for instance or installations where balloons turn into art. On the walls, ceilings, everywhere! Ask Domonique, I always say bigger is better! I LOVE to go BIG when it comes to decor.
Photo by Stellableu Designs Photo by Stellableu Designs Photo by Stellableu Designs
How have you been able to pivot and adjust during the pandemic, when people are holding less events?
Domonique: This question is tricky since we started an event and planning company during the pandemic. I think we have just learned to follow the rules and cues when people are uncomfortable. Safety is a priority and we offered contactless delivery if that was our clients’ choice. We know that small and intimate gatherings are here and they can be just as beautiful and heartfelt.
Jenna: With the pandemic in mind, we had to create smaller designs that customers could pick up in their vehicle, along with offering contactless delivery for those that want safety in mind.
Do you have hopes and plans for new types of designs/services?
Domonique: We are so excited about being on the scene and getting more clients that are familiar with our work. Between the two of us we have created and designed for non-profits, weddings, baby showers, etc. for years. We are going to be offering a Bubbles & Brunch Series along with some intimate packages for picnics and date nights. We want people to enjoy themselves, relax, and have a good time despite some of the things we have all had to endure the past year.
Jenna: Super excited about our future, right now we are curating packages with complete setups for Drive by baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, picnics, bubbles and brunch, and date nights. We will continue to pivot as we must, we found that pivoting was key, and the best decision we could have made for our business to grow.
Be sure to check out Stellableu Designs on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram.