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Bradford balloon artist feeling deflated as pandemic rages on (4 photos)

Before the pandemic, Bradford balloon artist Minerva MacIsaac had a bustling, balloon business, but with no chance of social gatherings or events insight, she worries how she will be able to pay the bills in the months ahead

With most social events scaled back or flat out cancelled this year, those working in the events and entertainment industry like Bradford's Minerva MacIsaac are having to come up with creative solutions to keep afloat during the pandemic. 

MacIsaac who is self-employed with her business, Minerva's Creations, specializing in balloon art and children's entertainment, says this year has been extra difficult not only because of her suffering business, but her daughter's serious medical condition. 

Her 16-year-old daughter Daleyn was diagnosed with ANCA Vascilitus in the summer of 2019, and since then the family has been struggling to pay the bills while keeping up with daily doctor appointments. To make matters worse, Daleyn's condition is so severe that she will require a kidney replacement. The family has spent the past six months desperately searching for an eligible donor. 

The couple also has an 11-year-old son, Ryan, with severe autism, which is part of the reason MacIsaac started working from home 10 years ago as a daycare provider.

MacIsaac's husband Dale is unable to work due to his own medical issues, leaving MacIsaac as the sole income earner for the family. 

MacIsaac started her entertainment business seven years ago after experimenting with face painting and balloon twisting on her daycare charges. 

"The kids loved it!" she remembers. 

At the time, she was looking after five children in her home and  trying to find ways to keep them entertained. After much practice, she started to develop a passion for face paint and balloon art and decided to take her hobby to the next level,  turning it into a business. 

In order to perfect her craft, she by studied at the online International Face Painting School and took courses in balloon art, airbrush tattoos and children's entertainment. 

"If you want to excel in your business, you invest in education," she says. 

MacIsaac is continuously signing up for seminars and workshops to learn about the latest trends in entertainment and event decor. 

The bread and butter of her business comes from weekend long festivals she takes part in during the summer months all over the Greater Toronto Area, doing balloon twists, bubble shows, airbrush tattoos, face painting and magic tricks. 

Now with all her events cancelled,  she is relying on her balloon art for birthdays and special events to pay the bills, but it's not enough she says. 

"I have some orders (for balloons) but it is very very few," she explained, "I am not the only one who is making balloons...I have a lot of competition."

Most recently, she has added 'yard cards' to her service menu, which include large cardboard cutouts and stakes for a birthday or milestone greeting to be set up outside.

"I also add in balloons so it stands out," she said, "it's outstanding and not ordinary." 

MacIsaac specializes in all types of balloon decor, including arches, bouquets, sculptures, columns, shimmer walls and more. 

She uses high-quality, premium materials from a professional balloon supplier which she says is important in the industry. 

"If you get the cheaper materials, it will ruin your business and no one will hire you," she shared, "it may be a bit more expensive, but your clients will be happy."

Looking ahead, she knows it will be a while still before large gatherings like festivals will be allowed, but hopes to push through with her decor for private family celebrations.

"Some people can't afford it (decor) during the pandemic, so sometimes it's very hard to get clients," she said. 

The government recently announced a support grant being offered to small businesses. The funding which starts at $10,000 and goes to a maximum of $20,000, will help businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under the new province-wide shutdown. 

To learn more about the small business grant, visit here.

To learn more about Minerva's Creations, check out her website here or follow her on Instagram @minervas_creations. 


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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