THOSE who took a walk through Craig-y-Don during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee weekend may have noticed a beautifully-arranged display of red, white and blue balloons lining its streets.
That was all thanks to Ballooning Marvellous, a business set up by husband and wife Paul and Amanda Williams last September, and which has proved so successful, it’s enabled them to close their Llanfairfechan gift shop and focus solely on their new venture.
Indeed, what started as lockdown project has, fittingly, blown up for Paul and Amanda – who don’t just use any old balloons, either.
The only Qualatex balloon boutique in North Wales, they cater for all occasions, from a simple helium foil balloon to more complex designs and arrangements.
Not only do they have balloons to suit all budgets, but personalised products are also available on request.
Paul said: “We had a gift shop in Llanfairfechan, which has now closed, but we were looking for something different to offer people.
“So, we did a QBN (Qualatex Balloon Network) course in lockdown, and from that, we thought we’d open a shop for ourselves.
“Craig-y-Don came up, so we took it on, and because it’s done so well, we closed our shop in Llanfairfechan. In the end, the balloons were paying the rent on the Llanfairfechan shop!
“Qualatex are supposed to be the best balloons in the world; that’s what they pride themselves on. They’re dearer, but they’re of better quality than the rest.”
While Paul looks after the business side of matters, Amanda is the creative mind – recent projects include a blue arch outside Coffee V café during Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza, and a chocolate bouquet with a balloon on top.
And, of course, the Jubilee decorations, which proved such a hit among a Craig-y-Don community that Ballooning Marvellous has settled in to seamlessly.
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In fact, not only has it helped their own business, but others in the area, too.
Paul added: “As a thank you to the local community and businesses who have supported us since we opened, we decided to give something back by decorating Craig-y-Don for the Jubilee.
“We made balloon columns, with crowns, Welsh balloons and Union Jacks. The feedback we received was phenomenal and overwhelming - it took four days, over 1,200 balloons. and a couple of late nights!
“We can't wait to talk to the local business to see what we can achieve for Christmas.”
Ballooning Marvellous, 32 Queen's Road, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, LL30 1AZ.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/BallooninMarvellous.
If you’re interested in having your business featured, request a Q&A questionnaire by emailing coastal-news@nwn.co.uk.
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