Custom balloon business celebrates first brick and mortar building opening

By Jazmine Knight

A local business recently celebrated the grand opening of its first storefront.

Balloons D’Lux, located at 3508 N. Belt Highway, hosted a grand opening at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

The business specializes in personalized balloon garlands, arches, centerpieces and more using biodegradable, natural latex balloons.

Owner Johanna Kline started Balloons D’Lux in March of 2022 to spark her creativity outside of her 9-to-5 career.

But her passion for design and décor didn’t start a couple years ago. It all started in Mexico when Kline was a little girl.

“Coming from Hispanic heritage where we’re known for putting events together well and making them really festive and bright and colorful. So, it’s just in my blood,” Kline said.

Kline’s grandmother used to host big family gatherings, so to prepare, she would sit Kline down with piles of streamers, tissue paper, balloons and anything else you can think of, telling her to create whatever her heart desires.

The passion for balloons came a bit later in life, about 15 years ago.

“I just kind of started playing with the Amazon kits, and people and friends would ask me if I would put it together for them,” Kline said.

Soon after her beloved hobby blossomed into a small business. Kline said because every celebration is unique, she strives to bring the highest level of respect and admiration with her work.

“When people walked in, I just wanted them to be like, “wow”. And then [say] “I made that,” said Kline.

Prior to opening, Kline knew the journey of owning a business would be hard. Especially when competing with other major retailers in town.

“It is hard, you know, especially with Party City,” Kline said. “I was like, “I just can’t compete with that, they’re just too big.”

Kline put off the idea for a while but when Party City closed, she felt an opportunity moving closer. Kline remembers driving past her now storefront and telling her husband that this would be a great place for a store.

“Finally I just splurged and I went ahead and contacted the leasing owner… negotiated and finally got the space,” Kline said.

This is when reality set in for Kline and her family. However, Kline knew this was just the beginning. Now that she had the space, she wanted to expand to more than just balloons. Now, Balloons D’Lux also offers various party supplies as well.

Kline is really thankful for the community’s support. Josh Ziemann, longtime friend and customer, said that Kline is an amazing person to work with. Kline has built balloon arches for his daughter’s first and second birthday.

“She is a very personable person,” said Ziemann. “Easy to communicate with. She went above and beyond and worked with us on timing.”

Ziemann said he’s extremely proud of Kline. He encourages the rest of the community to utilize Kline’s services for all of their future party needs.

If Ziemann could give Kline one piece of advice, it would be to keep going even when times get hard.

“She’s got a great support system and always will have a great support system. Just keep going,” Ziemann said.

For balloon inquiries, customers can fill out the contact form located on the website at balloonsdlux.com or for more information call 816-264-8050.