Today we’d like to introduce you to Ester Tillett.
Hi Ester , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for being interested in my story.
Looking back, I believe my story began long before Salem Balloons & Flowers. As a child, I spent more time decorating my dollhouse than actually playing with the dolls. That was probably the first clue that I was going to become a designer.
I was always drawn to creative activities. Give me a box of crayons instead of a doll, a sketchbook instead of a toy, or a LEGO house set instead of a tea set, and I was completely happy. I grew up in a home where two very different perspectives influenced me. My father was an entrepreneur who believed in creating opportunities and building something of your own, while my mother dedicated her career to helping others through her work in healthcare. They each taught me valuable lessons, but I naturally gravitated toward the entrepreneurial path because I loved the idea of creating something meaningful.
That passion led me to study Interior Design, where I discovered that good design isn’t simply about making a space beautiful; it’s about how it makes people feel. My favorite area became children’s environments because every design decision had a purpose. Colors, lighting, textures, and layouts could help create a sense of calm, encourage creativity, or make a child feel safe and welcome. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just designing rooms; I was designing experiences that could positively impact people’s lives.
When I moved to the United States, I knew I first needed to understand how things worked here before starting my own business. I invested time in learning, took entrepreneurship classes, volunteered decorating local churches, and helped friends transform their homes and offices. My original plan was to open a flower shop because it was a business I could realistically start with the resources I had. Balloons were simply an add-on.
To my surprise, clients began requesting my balloon designs more than the flowers, and before long, the roles reversed. As people started asking me to decorate entire events, I realized I hadn’t left Interior Design behind at all. I had simply repurposed it. Instead of designing permanent interiors, I was creating temporary environments where people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Today, Salem Balloons & Flowers reflects that journey. While we create balloon décor, florals, and event installations, what truly inspires me is transforming ordinary spaces into places where people feel welcomed, celebrated, and connected. My mission hasn’t really changed since I first discovered my love for design. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a family celebration, my goal is still the same: to design experiences that make people happy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think entrepreneurship is ever a smooth road, and mine certainly hasn’t been. Like many business owners, I’ve experienced long hours, self-doubt, financial challenges, and moments where I questioned whether I was making the right decisions. But every challenge taught me something valuable.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay open to where the journey leads you. My original plan was to build a flower shop, but my clients kept asking for my balloon designs and eventually complete event décor. Instead of holding on to my original idea, I listened to what my clients were telling me. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I could have made because it allowed my business to grow into something I hadn’t originally imagined.
Another important lesson was realizing that I hadn’t left my Interior Design career behind; I had simply repurposed it. The principles I learned about creating environments, understanding how spaces influence emotions, and designing with intention became the foundation of everything I do today. The medium changed, but the purpose never did.
Perhaps the most important lesson, however, is that beautiful décor is only part of the experience. People may remember the balloons or the flowers, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. That’s why I put so much care into every interaction, from the first inquiry to the final installation. I want my clients to feel heard, cared for, and genuinely excited throughout the entire process.
Looking back, I wouldn’t call the journey easy, but I wouldn’t change it either. Every challenge has helped me become a better designer, a better business owner, and a better listener.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One thing people are often surprised to learn is that I don’t approach events as a balloon decorator; I approach them as a designer.
My background in Interior Design influences every project I create. Before I think about balloons, flowers, or props, I think about the experience. How will guests feel when they enter the space? Where will people naturally gather? What will draw their attention? How can the décor complement the event rather than compete with it?
I often compare my role to that of a movie director. A director isn’t the one on screen; they’re the person thoughtfully orchestrating everything behind the scenes to create an unforgettable experience. That’s how I see event design. My role isn’t to be the center of attention; it’s to create an environment where people can celebrate, connect, and make memories they’ll carry with them long after the event is over.
Whether I’m designing for a wedding, a corporate activation, or a family celebration, my goal is always to create an environment that feels intentional and reflects the people or brand it’s celebrating. Every event has its own story, and I enjoy discovering how to bring that story to life through color, proportion, texture, lighting, and thoughtful details.
I also believe that great design begins long before installation day. That’s why I spend a great deal of time getting to know my clients, creating personalized mockups, and carefully planning each project. I want my clients to feel confident throughout the process and excited about what’s to come.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want people to remember the décor. I want them to remember how the space made them feel. If someone walks into an event and immediately feels welcomed, celebrated, or inspired, then I know I’ve done my job.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Happiness is everything. So, what brings you happiness?
For me, happiness comes from knowing that something I created made a positive difference in someone else’s day.
Of course, I enjoy the creative process itself. I love designing, solving challenges, and seeing an idea evolve from a simple sketch into a finished installation. But what truly makes me happy is witnessing the reaction. Seeing a bride walk into her reception for the first time, watching guests gather around a beautifully designed space, or hearing a client say, “This is way better than everything I envisioned,” makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Outside of my business, the people I love are what matter most. If there’s one thing I hope people remember about me someday, it isn’t how many events I designed or how successful my business became. I hope they remember that I was there when they needed me, that I cared, that I listened, and that I tried to make their lives a little brighter.
To me, happiness is using my creativity to make people happy, and making sure the people I love know I’m there for them when they need me.
Any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning, but also be thoughtful about who you choose to learn from.
There is so much valuable information available today, and I’ve learned something from every class, book, conference, and conversation I’ve had. At the same time, I’ve realized that not every mentor is the right mentor for every stage of your journey. It’s important to find people whose experience, values, and actions align with the kind of professional you want to become.
I’d also encourage people to remember that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms or through formal mentorships. Some of my greatest lessons have come from listening to my clients, collaborating with other professionals, and simply paying attention to what each project teaches me. Every event is an opportunity to improve.
Networking, in my experience, isn’t about collecting business cards or making as many connections as possible. It’s about building genuine relationships. Be kind, be reliable, keep your promises, and support others whenever you can. People remember how you make them feel, and trust is built one interaction at a time.
Finally, don’t be afraid to develop your own voice. It’s wonderful to be inspired by others, but your greatest strength will always be what makes your work uniquely yours. The goal isn’t to become the next successful vent designer; it’s to become the best version of yourself.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
If there’s one thing I’d like readers to take away from my story, it’s that our careers don’t always unfold exactly as we imagine, and that’s okay.
Sometimes the opportunities that shape our lives are the ones we never planned for. What matters is staying curious, continuing to learn, and being willing to adapt without losing sight of who you are.
For me, design has always been about people. Whether I was studying Interior Design, creating floral arrangements, or designing event environments, my purpose has remained the same: to create spaces that help people feel welcomed, celebrated, and connected.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has trusted Salem Balloons & Flowers with their most meaningful moments. It’s a privilege to contribute to celebrations and milestones that families, friends, and organizations will cherish for years to come.
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