When Fataima Ahmad’s three daughters first started a small local balloon twisting business while in elementary school, it was hard to imagine how it would grow into Balloon Zoom one day. But as her daughters grew older and began to depart for college, the American University Park resident seemed faced with two options: shut down the business or turn it into something different. Something bigger.
Ahmad chose the second option and Balloon Zoom was born, transforming from a party balloon occupation to a unique and professional decor business. Today Balloon Zoom caters to clients across the DMV area including a mix of universities, other businesses, as well as group and private events. Some of their larger clients include the University of Maryland’s football team and the Washington Wizards.
With each client, Ahmad likes to meet one-on-one to look at the space and the vision for the event. She then helps the client decide what they need to make the event come alive. Every order is custom and Ahmad sees to each part of the process herself from inflation, assembly, transportation and installment.
Options for decor include balloon arches, walls, centerpieces, and columns just to name a few.
“These are not the balloons I grew up with,” Ahmad said. “It’s another artistic medium.”
Balloon Zoom is rooted in both community and family. Ahmad has lived in AU Park for 22 years and attended graduate school at American University. Afterwards, Ahmad worked as a lawyer before taking a break so she could focus on being a mom. She said the company taught her kids independence, financial responsibility and quick-thinking. And beyond that, she said it gave her more freedom to continue to be a mom while working.
“It’s woven into the history of my family. It’s something that did different things for the whole family,” Ahmad said.
What truly defines the company however is a strong commitment to both sustainability and giving back.
Balloon Zoom balloons are made from a biodegradable material and are filled with air rather than helium. Ahmad said after she takes down each installation, the balloons are sent to a specialty recycler to keep them out of regular landfills.
As a company, Balloon Zoom does not provide balloons for balloon releases either due to the damage they can cause to the environment and wildlife.
Beyond environmental concerns, Ahmad and Balloon Zoom also support charities dealing with food insecurity and education for girls, causes she feels passionately about. They help support CAMFED, which works to give women and girls in Africa opportunity and education. And more locally they support World Central Kitchen and World Food.
And, of course, the final mission of Balloon Zoom is joy. Ahmad said that’s the number one reason to be involved in balloons as an art and a business.
“Balloons make everyone happy across the age spectrum. We need a lot more of that right now.”
More information on Balloon Zoom can be found on their website: https://www.balloonzoom.com/
Story by: Sydnee Patak