Up, Up and Away …

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

April 28, 2008 06:58 pm

— CONNEAUT — Balloons are not just for children’s birthday parties anymore.
In fact, according to Pam Stump, owner-operator of Imagination Custom Creations, “The party does not start until the balloons arrive.”
Founded in 1992, as a home-based business, Stump began by offering an ever-expanding array of custom engraved gifts, wedding items and recognition awards. By 2001, her business had “ballooned,” and she earned the title of certified balloon artist. In fact, Stump is Ashtabula County’s only certified balloon artist, and there are only about 2,000 certified balloon artists worldwide.
“What started as just engraving grew into wedding items, centerpieces and decorations; and then one thing led to another until now I am an event specialist,” she said.
In other words, whatever the occasion, Stump can meet your needs for decoration, invitations, rental items, personalized gifts and more.
“I still go once a month to Balloon School in Dayton, where I learn the new designs and products on the market,” she said. “We learn from other professionals who work in the industry. It is so much fun.”
Stump wants to set the record straight: While she is a balloon artist, she is not a balloon twister.
“I cannot make dogs or giraffes. Actually, I don’t enjoy that. I love re-creating whole rooms out of balloons,” she said.
In 2006, Julie Imbrogno, of Ashtabula, came to Stump as a bride-to-be and needed help planning the perfect wedding. What she got was not only perfect and unique to her personality, but also special memories.
“My most beautiful memory was our balloon release at the church,” Imbrogno said. “It was really special; watching all those balloons going up at the same time was amazingly beautiful.”
At the reception, the Imbrognos had a balloon arch, balloon centerpieces, balloon topiary trees, balloons on the dance floor and much more.
“Pam takes her time with you. She is fun and knowledgeable. All the planning was so fun because of her; it was easy,” Imbrogno said.
Kelly McCrea, of North Kingsville, a 2007 bride agrees.
“I could not find anything I liked anywhere, and when I saw her balloon centerpieces, I knew that was exactly what I was looking for,” she said. “Working with Pam was the low-stress part of planning my wedding. She never acted annoyed because I was calling her with questions; she made my time with her so much fun.”
“She has this huge mailbox you can rent for your cards at the reception, and I thought that was so cute; I just loved it. She is very creative.”
Because Stump has been in the event planning business for 15 years, she has had the opportunity to form relationships with other business owners, including caterers, disc jockeys, florists, cake and party centers.
“I am able to offer my brides sound advice on who else does a great job, because I have been around for 15 years,” Stump said. “I also have developed a good reputation with the people who run the halls. These people trust me; they know they can count on me.”
Because Stump delivers, sets up and tears down, sometimes she needs a strong man to help her out.
“My son Jeremy Wheeler is a great help; together we are whirlwind team,” she said. “My husband loves to help tear down; he says busting all those balloons is great therapy.”
Now is the time to be planning for graduation and Mother’s Day gifts, said Stump.
Need a truly creative gift that will please any graduate?
Order a dollar shirt. That’s correct: a shirt made completely out of dollars, with coins for the buttons and for any amount $20 and up.
“This is one shirt that is ‘one size fits all,’ and it comes in everyone’s favorite color — green,” she said.
“I love everything about my job. I specialize in celebration and recognition, so everything about it is positive and uplifting. Everyone smiles when they see balloons,” Stump said.
Visit Pam Stump at Imagination Custom Creations by appointment (440 593-6001) or check out her Web site (www.figment.ws).

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