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What are your favorite hobbies or past times?
Listening to audiobooks, watching my daughter play soccer, and my son model.
Did you grow up in Oregon? If not, what brought you to Oregon, and how long have you lived in Oregon?
We are both originally from Detroit, Michigan, Alisshia decided she wanted to expand her career in Engineering and applied to work for Nike. Of course, she got the job and that's how we became Oregonians. We have been here since 2014.
Tell me more about your business.
We are a family-owned and operated business based in Cornelius, Oregon. We service events Small to Mighty in size. My wife and I are co-owners, and we have our 6-year-old Wynter, who is our resident business model. Our son Jordan and sister Kyra handle assisting with setup and installations as needed. We enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of our community as well as giving back. We have participated in a few volunteer opportunities and provided decorations for some of Oregon's widely known organizations.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? When did you establish your business?
We established our business in October 2019. We had decided we wanted to supplement our income by doing something quick and fun that didn't require heavy lifting, so we actually started out renting folding tables and chairs. One day we decided let's practice making a balloon garland (you can see this garland on our Instagram page. We keep it there as a reminder of where we started). Soon after, we were called to do balloons more, than renting folding tables and chairs. Then month over month, we continued to get inquiries, and now we strictly specialize in creating custom balloon decor and luxury event seating like throne chairs.
How did you finance your business? Do you have any advice for others who need business capital?
We, at this time, finance our business ourselves and apply for grants. Others who need business capital, there are some wonderful grant opportunities out there if you research and apply.
What role does your business play in fulfilling your personal mission and vision?
I have a few personal values my business aligns with, but the one that stands out is actually our Motto. (Made with Love from my family to yours). We enjoy spreading love and joy to the community through our art/decorations. We built this company from our heart, so we serve with smiles and style with love.
What is your most inspirational moment or major accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to walk away from my full-time role and elevate this company to a level I couldn't have dreamed of.
Have you encountered any obstacles or barriers as an entrepreneur of color?
There are many obstacles in business ownership, but for me, a few pain points have been locating appropriate funding that fits my business and making enough money to hire an assistant.
As you look over your entrepreneur journey, is there anything you would have changed? What are your next steps?
I would have connected with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce sooner!! For now, I personally am studying to be a Real Estate Broker in Oregon when I become licensed, I plan to work in real estate and continue to create beautiful balloon designs for the community. One day I hope I can find a nice showroom for my business and move my inventory out of my garage. I got my eye on a space in Tanasbourne, but I wouldn't know where to start getting funding for that.
Did you have a mentor? If so, what role did they play in your business success?
I had 3 mentors/guides. first was Crystal Oliver, who passed away recently. She guided me through the start-up stage by helping me finalize a business name, website, etc. She told me when I was starting to always strive for progress, not perfection, and that business ownership builds generational wealth. This is why I keep going to build something for my kids.
Another mentor/teacher is the owner of Magic Balloons, Cinthia. I am self-taught, but at some point last year, I made my way to a class of hers to sharpen my skills, and we have been connected ever since. She said I am her best student.
Lastly, my virtual teacher Lakeisha Sharpe of Sharpe Designs (Youtube), when I couldn't afford a class and didn't know anyone in the industry, she was it! Her practice and expert teaching made learning without a class so easy. I still use many of her tips to this day.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
Forget about sleep! if you care about sleeping more than building, this isn't for you. My days are long, and my nights are longer. I do prioritize self-care; however, entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart. I have wanted to give up plenty of times. I cried at night and woke up the next day, and got back to work.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
My whole family, whom you don't see much because they like to stay in the background, but if not for them there would be no Small and Mighty Event Rentals Plus. Alisshia Woods, wife; Dianna Woods, aunt and child caretaker while we are on jobs; Kyra Giddens, our sister who supplies us with our vinyl requests for some balloons as well as assists on setups; our son and daughter, Jordan and Wynter, who give up time with their parents to ensure we can go build the brand and serve our clients with love.
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