Today we’d like to introduce you to Nalise Odum.
Hi Nalise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Wayne, Michigan, I come from a tight-knit, two-family household where family means everything. I’m one of five girls—with four sisters and one godbrother—and we’ve always been incredibly close. Growing up, I stayed focused in school, consistently earning good grades that led to a scholarship at Eastern Michigan University.
During college, I competed in pageants and talent shows, earning additional scholarships that helped cover my education. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree and soon after landed a position as a reporter for Ford Motor Company’s media team, where I worked for four years. At the same time, I served as an autism therapist for five years—supporting children and families while balancing both roles.
But deep down, I knew I was meant to work for myself. I asked myself two questions that changed everything: What do people always need? and What never stops? The answer was simple—life and celebration. I chose to build a business rooted in joy and started a party rental company offering bounce houses, face painters, snow cone and popcorn machines, and more for birthdays, school events, and corporate picnics.
My first major client was Delta Airlines. I’ll never forget receiving that first big check—and watching another vendor get one just for balloons. In that moment, I thought, Next time, I want both of those checks. That mindset fueled my hustle.
Since then, my business has expanded rapidly. I’ve done events for major companies and names like Def Jam, Floods Bar & Grille, Trick Trick, Kash Doll, Luxe Ballroom, and Detroit Manufacturing Company. What started as a side hustle has grown into a full-scale event service trusted by some of the biggest names in the city.
That moment with Delta was the turning point—and now, seven years later, I’m running a thriving business I built from the ground up. And I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges of running a business have been endless. One of the first hurdles I faced was people watching me closely—recording how I worked, asking tons of questions under the guise of interest, only to turn around and start their own competing businesses. That experience is actually what pushed me to begin teaching classes myself. If people were going to learn from me, I decided to own that space and turn it into another stream of income.
Another major obstacle came after the COVID-19 pandemic. The price of supplies, especially balloons, skyrocketed. I had to adjust my pricing structure while still making sure I offered something for every tax bracket. I learned the importance of being flexible and having packages that made sense for all budgets.
During the pandemic, business was booming. I was handling six to ten parties a day—sometimes even on weekdays—because everyone was celebrating at home. That pace forced me to become more efficient and sharpen my process. But once things settled down post-COVID, the demand slowed. I went from making $8,000 a month just on balloons to doing about four events on a Saturday, which is still a blessing—but it was a major adjustment. Those ups and downs taught me how to pivot, pace myself, and stay grateful in every season.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in balloon décor—everything from custom arches to full event setups. But one thing I’ve always been intentional about is making sure my work is never basic. That’s why I named my business “At Your Basic Balloons”—as a playful reminder that what I do is far from ordinary.
What really sets me apart is the detail and scale of my designs. Most balloon artists stick to using two sizes, but I like to work with at least four. That mix adds depth, movement, and luxury to every setup. I use a lot of balloons—because I want it to feel like an experience, not just a decoration.
Over time, I’ve become so fluent in my craft that other party planners and designers have started calling me “the Beyoncé of Balloons.” That means the world to me. It tells me I’m on the right track—but it also comes with pressure, because I’m always learning and evolving. I don’t consider myself the greatest, but I do aim to provide the greatest customer service. I show up on time, I communicate clearly, and I always try to give people real value for what they’re paying.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is the relationships I’ve built. I’ve had clients call me for their gender reveal, then their baby shower, then the first birthday, second, third, even kindergarten graduation. Watching their families grow and being part of those milestones is such a privilege. My business thrives off of repeat clients, and to me, that’s the highest compliment—you came back because I made you feel something.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely. I’m really drawn to spiritual and encouraging content—that’s what grounds me. I love listening to devotionals, especially messages from T.D. Jakes and Pastor Michael Todd. Their words have helped me stay focused, motivated, and rooted through the ups and downs of life and business. Sometimes just hearing the right message at the right time can shift my whole mindset.
I’m also inspired by books that encourage growth and self-discovery, like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. These books remind me to trust my journey and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Creatively, I get inspired by studying balloon art from around the world. I’ll go online and search hashtags from other countries to see what balloon artists are doing internationally. It keeps me learning, evolving, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my own designs. I always say—stay a student, even when you’re considered an expert.
Pricing:
- I have organic columns $120 a piece
- Half skinny arch $225
- Thick half arch $315
- Whole arch $425 these are all starting prices they range my size and indoor/outdoor prices are different
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Notyourbasicballoons
- Facebook: Notyourbasicballoons
