We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheila fluker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Balloon Squad was actually created by accident, but saved my life in the process. After 17 years of military service I was injured during my last tour to Iraq, and forced to do a medical separation. This lead to anxiety, depression and severe PTSD along with other medical issues. A friend introduced me to balloons and it became my therapy turned business now here we are 6 years later.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Balloon Squad is a full service balloon decor company that helps you decorate what you celebrate. We are most proud of our ability to expand and scale our company in just 6 years to 3 locations. We have a retail store in Columbia, SC, and warehouse/studio operations in Charroltte, Nc and Dallas, Tx. It hasn’t been easy, but definitely worth it. We have been able to provide jobs for our community, served as volunteers at different community events, provided mentorship and classes for fellow entrepreneurs, and supported educational efforts in lower income communities buy purchasing books and head phones for several students. In efforts to support our community, they have demonstrated the same and kept us in business during COVID when so many other balloon stores had to close unfortunately.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As much as I love a good time and gathering together for fun events, I appreciate the quiet moments in life. Sunday brunch at Hall’s chop house, then hang out on the boat admiring the amazing scenery of Lake Murray, followed by a full spa day, wrapped up with a movie, and dinner at Kiki’s Chicken and waffles is the perfect day!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Leaving the military changed my entire course of life plans. I would definitely say my family is the biggest reason for our success! They saw me go through a difficult time in life, that honestly I thought I couldn’t come back from. My husband has supported me from day 1 as the “muscle, and CEO” of our company, and my children have sacrificed and been understanding throughout this entire entrepreneur process. Without their support I would have not made it this far.

Website: www.theballoonsquad.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_balloon_squad?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-fluker-theballoonqueen?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balloonsquadsc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.