Swell Design and Media

 

 

  As adults or children, when we see shiny balloons we associate their swollen springiness with spring-like elation. We “tie” balloons to airy April beginnings such as weddings or baby showers. We also “tie and knot” balloons to happy endings; a cancer patient ringing a bell that tolls victory.

 

Balloons ultimately sheen with symbolization of celebration. They are light like a ribbon dancer kite but decorate an event space with moving might. Balloons delicately swell with invisible air but embellish a space with boldness and flare.   

 

“Balloons are very delicate, but they make a very bold statement,” Gabrielle said poetically. 

  

Gabrielle Barba is the sole owner and operator of Swell Design and Media, a balloon decor company. She creates balloon garlands/ backdrops that boldly beautify celebratory events. Daily, balloons are blown up and worked to emphasize joy. Intricate or simple swags are gracefully shaped to impact the heart of an event.

 

“One of my favorite creations was for a client’s best friend. She finished her last round of chemo and was cancer free. The client ordered balloons for her best friend to come home to. It was so simple and such a small piece but to be a part of something like that was so fulfilling,” Gabrielle said.

 

Before Gabrielle impacted others with her creative balloon designs, God “installed” thoughts of prosperous changes. The bountiful “installations” that were envisioned benefited family and Gabrielle’s social butterfly personality.

 

“I’d look out the window at my previous job and think, God I know there’s more for me, but I don’t know what that looks like. Also, I would picture my little girl outside and running in the grass. It was like a movie scene. I yearned for that,” Gabrielle stated.

 

“My husband works away, and I worked nine to five. When he was home, I felt like we only saw each other in the morning. We had to try to fit in that family time. It felt like that time was slipping away from me,” she added.

 

Gabrielle’s vision was like a movie scene directed by God. The scene thrived of family time, starring her husband, daughter, and son. Therefore, God’s calling inflated within her soul like her iridescent balloon creations.

 

“I’m not just closing my eyes and seeing this for no reason, it’s not a coincidence. I hear you God and I’m about to make this a reality. I know you’re going to give me the strength, grit, and determination to do it. I’m going to lean on you,” Gabrielle stated.

 

The reality of positive change tugged on Gabrielle’s heart like a child tugging on a balloon string. Her daughter’s first birthday party was the influential “tug” that started Swell Design and Media.

 

“When my daughter turned one, I wanted this massive Sesame Street Balloon Garland. I’m the mom that goes all out for parties. I got a quote, but it wasn’t in the budget. So, I figured out how to make it and it turned out really good. Then, I started making them for friends and family for free,” Gabrielle said.

 

Gabrielle started to receive a “balloon bouquet” of texted inquiries about her services. She would artistically arch balloon designs for work events and other clients. Her balloon decorating business started out as a side hustle, then spanned into a fully inflated business.

 

“I’m either going to take a leap of faith and put my faith over my fear (and put all of my trust in God) or I’m going to keep working nine to five because it feels more secure and comfortable,” Gabrielle said.

 

Therefore, Gabrielle resigned from her job as a MLS Specialist at the Local Realtor Association. She took a leap with a balloon in her hand, and she “floated” high into starry success. Gabrielle fully trusted God with all facets of her new venture (even amid the purchase of their recent home). Thus, Swell Design and Media was officially established with a LLC in May of 2022.   

 

“I thought about other names, but nothing stuck. My mom came up with the name, Swell. It’s a diverse word…a balloon swells and how swell! I put it next to some balloons on Canva and that’s the logo we have today,” Gabrielle explained.

 

Swell Design and Media has fully swelled into a God-ordained business. The owner, Gabrielle, constantly creates unique balloon arches or backdrops with a servant’s heart.

 

Therefore, with an occasional coffee in her hand and a balloon garland in the other, Gabrielle “hands” over the two necessities to a thankful client. Particularly, a mom amidst party pandemonium. She not only gives her heart fully to clients’ desires, but also to others in need. Every year, Gabrielle donates a Santa balloon piece to The Haven, decorating their building with Christmas cheer and safe warmth.

 

“I’m a people pleaser, so helping others and giving, brings me joy. Taking the stress off other people, like a mama (because I can relate), that brings me a lot of joy,” Gabrielle said. 

 

Swell Design and Media is a balloon décor company that alleviates party planning stress by offering to create the focal event emblem, balloons. Gabrielle customizes balloon arches and backdrops that are envisioned by the client and her “motion picture” mind.

 

“My motto on my website is, ‘Let me bring your vision to life,’” Gabrielle said.

 

Gabrielle is like a co-director (God being the director of the business) that helps direct your envisioned event scene.  

 

“It’s almost like your brain makes a movie of that day and what it looks like. You’re panning across the room and you’re seeing all the finishing touches. I want to be the person that makes that real life for you. I want you to see it and think, ‘This is exactly what I wanted. It’s perfect,’” Gabrielle stated.

 

Soon, the client will have more customizable options for their scripted event. Swell Design and Media will be offering sturdy wooden pieces that can be fashioned to fit the customer’s event theme.  

 

 “With the help of my friend, Mary Kathyrn Williams’ husband, Jake Williams, customizable pieces are being built for 2025. They’re going to be launching in January. They’re going to be made from wood, so they’ll be more durable, and every piece can be painted,” Gabrielle explained.

 

The customization process sometimes begins with a client’s idea and their inspirational pictures. Then, Gabrielle adapts the request into her authored artistic blending of influence and individuality.

 

“I try to blend that together. That way I’m not taking anyone else’s work and trying to mimic it. I’m taking what their vision is and I’m putting my own spin on it. It’s like I’m molding the two together,” Gabrielle said.

 

Gabrielle bonds with each client and “balloon knots” around their dreamy vision. She sophistically works to bring your exact vision into actualization. For example, if a specific balloon color is not in stock, the identical hue is ordered. Also, during the “bonding” process, color schemes, textures, and themes are discussed (possibly over more coffee).

 

“I also want to know if there’s going to be a décor person, that way we can be on the same page in terms of color. I’ll send them my color palette. Each client that books with me will receive a PDF with all the details; color scheme, inspiration picture, and what we’re going for. Then, it gets approved along with a given quote,” Gabrielle explained.  

 

“I feel like it creates a good bond between us. The client sees it and I see it,” she added.

 

When you book with Swell Design and Media, your requested balloon décor will sheen in the spotlight with luxury, durability, and with environmentally friendly aspects. Balloons are ordered from a specific vendor that offers hefty and biodegradable options. They can withstand the Louisiana heat and are manufactured to endure.

 

“If I’m going to be using multiple amounts of balloons every weekend, I want to make sure they’re biodegradable and high quality. Especially, when we live in a place that’s very hot. The balloons can last for about four weeks inside and days outside (Although, they will not look like the initial day of set up.),” Gabrielle explained.

 

“I want clients to also look back and think that it was worth every penny; it was so beautiful, it was so enjoyable, and it lasted forever,” she added.

 

Once a client approves the durable and swell balloon design, Gabrielle transports the pieces to any requested destination such as reception halls, homes, restaurants, etc. She has installed her creations around Houma, Thibodaux, Covington, Destrehan, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, lower bayou areas, and beyond.  

 

Gabrielle arrives at each destination promptly and works efficiently to install your “balloon party pop” creation in a timely manner. Her “storefront” is her front window where her children can be seen playing. Therefore, she fully shapes and makes the balloon garlands in her home.  

 

“I do everything at home. So, I completely set up the piece as if I’m setting it up at the event. I want to make sure it’s perfect. I’ll ask if clients if they want a sneak peek. I offer them that option in case they want to tweak anything. They have full control,” Gabrielle said.

 

Since the balloon décor is created in Gabrielle’s home, installation is expeditious. In turn, she may lend a hasty hand and become an instantaneous village for a client. Her generous heart inflates once again and hangs on the “mantle” along with a balloon swag.  

 

“Sometimes, if I have extra time, I ask the client if they need help with anything else. I know that party/ event days are stressful. If I have extra time, I like to lend a helping hand if I can,” Gabrielle said. 

 

Gabrielle works continuously around the clock (and around her two little ones, Emma and Lucas) with the columned support of her village. Her “pillar” people includes her mom, Kacy Amador, dad, John Amador, husband, Jonathan Barba, and friends. Her brother, Thomas Amador, and her sister, Erin Amador, also occasionally help with bigger balloon installations.

 

“Anytime I need my sister’s help, she is the first person to jump in…even my brother. Anytime I have a big install and need some really big muscles, my brother will always jump in and help me,” Gabrielle stated.

 

“My whole family helps me. They are my village. I could not do this if it weren’t for them. It’s only possible because of them and the grace of God,” she added.    

 

With the help of her village and God’s amazing grace, Gabrielle was able to accomplish a major feat requested by the Krewe of Terreanians (while thirty-seven weeks pregnant). She created a massive “jester jolly” balloon background that “cartwheeled” and sparkled at their Tableau in 2023.

 

“When I did this, I was thirty-seven weeks pregnant. The Tableau was on February 10^th, and I had my son on March 8^th. They gave me creative freedom and we made some really cool balloons,” Gabrielle said.

 

Over the past two years, the community has entrusted Swell Design and Media with their visions of decorated rooms with bouncy balloons. Humble yet bold creations have been shifted and arched to represent a victorious cancer-free march. Playful pastel balloon backgrounds are now a part of baby shower videos and toddling two birthday pictures.  

 

“I’m so thankful for the community supporting me and letting me live this dream. It’s a dream come true,” Gabrielle said with gratefulness.

 

“It’s been the biggest blessing for our family,” she added.

 

Many of Swell’s clients continually trust her decor designs and creativity. Therefore, they become a part of Gabrielle’s “well balloon rounded” family. Arches, swags, and balloon backgrounds have been blown up and tunefully shaped into ever-changing life seasons (engagements, weddings, baby showers, first birthdays).   

 

“I love so much when people come back to me. It solidifies that I did a good job. We’re also like family members. I’m so thankful for them and their trust in me,” Gabrielle stated.

 

“What I Iove is being a part of those special moments for people,” she added.

 

Swell Design and Media has “ballooned” into a God-destined business bringing sentimental life to parties. Gabrielle’s Balloons fully inflate with gleaming giftedness and Santa-like jolly. When the client’s party is over and the balloons deflate, life well-lived still originates.

 

“I felt like I was meant for more. I’ve always been a creative person. So, to be able to exercise those talents and gifts that God has given me, brings me a lot of joy,” Gabrielle said.

 

“I know that all this connects to my daughter’s first birthday and how I got started. So, every year for her birthday, I think, Wow! Look how far we’ve come. Look how much we’ve grown!’ It’s so sentimental to me,” she ended.

 

 

 

During the holiday season, Gabrielle is offering a Holiday “Grab and Go” balloon menu. Visit her Facebook page for more information or contact her through Facebook or Instagram. 

 

To contact Gabrielle and consult with her about balloon décor for your event, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/swelldesignandmedia

https://www.instagram.com/swell.design.media/

*Make sure to contact Gabrielle at least six weeks or more in advance to create a balloon design for your event.

 

*Travel fees may apply.