When Maisie from Ribble Valley Balloons started sharing her work on TikTok, she never imagined it would transform into a platform educating thousands of aspiring balloon artists. Now, with a massive following and newly launched online training, she's become one of the industry's most influential voices championing bold creativity, proper pricing, and sustainable business practices.
As we step into 2026, we caught up with Maisie to discuss the trends that defined 2025, the lessons that shaped her journey, and why she believes the balloon industry is ready for its biggest transformation yet.
What was the most exciting balloon or event trend you worked with in 2025?
"I'm honestly obsessed with the new plinths 😍 When they're paired with sequin walls and balloons, they completely transform an event and give the most luxury feel. You can customise them so much, personalised acrylic discs, different props, different budgets… the possibilities are endless. As soon as my online training launched in November, I couldn't wait to start creating tutorials with them. So many designs, so much potential. I really think these are going to be huge in 2026."
What's one trend from 2025 that you hope stays, and one you're happy to leave behind?
"One trend from 2025 that I hope stays is the shift away from playing it safe. Throughout 2024 and most of 2025, neutrals, beiges and golds completely dominated, and don't get me wrong, I love them, but towards the end of 2025 I started seeing more bold colours, unexpected combinations and people really stepping outside the neutral palette. It's so much more striking, more creative and honestly refreshing. I can't wait to experiment with even more colour palettes in 2026.
Something I'd be very happy to leave behind is undercharging and devaluing ourselves. Going into 2026, there are more resources, more education and more support than ever before for people entering the balloon industry. Through my TikTok community @RibbleValleyBalloons, I've really tried to spread awareness around pricing properly, valuing your work and running your business effectively, so people don't have to go in blind like many of us once did. I truly hope 2026 is the year we stop racing to the bottom and start growing as a community of balloon artists who know their worth, charge confidently, and support each other to build real, sustainable businesses."
What's been the most valuable lesson the industry has taught you?
"One of the most valuable lessons the industry has taught me is that it can be a bit of a minefield at the beginning. There's such a strong urge to buy every prop, every colour and everything new that comes out, but I quickly learned that this isn't always the smartest way to grow. Focusing on one display, perfecting it, and building from there is genuinely the best way forward.
Another huge lesson has been understanding that not every customer is your customer. In my early days, I said yes to almost every enquiry and bent my pricing around other people's budgets. At the time it felt like the right thing to do, but in reality it worked against me. When I eventually started pricing correctly and understanding the business side more, many customers were so used to cheaper prices that it backfired when I raised them. I had to rebuild a whole new customer base, aside from the few who truly understood the value. If I'd priced properly from the start, I honestly believe I would have saved myself a lot of stress and growing pains."
If you could collaborate with any brand or personality on an event in 2026, who would it be and why?
"If I could collaborate with any brand on an event, it would hands down be Kalisan. They are my absolute go-to and have been for a long time — you'll see their balloons used constantly across my TikTok and throughout my online training because I genuinely love their products. The colour range, consistency and overall quality are unmatched, and as a balloon stylist that makes such a difference to both the creative process and the final result.
Alongside that, I already work closely with Event Suppliers UK, and their sequin walls are honestly second to none. They were one of the first brands I truly worked with — and one of the first to really believe in me and my vision, even when I had a much smaller following. Their products are unmatched, their customer service is amazing, and they've always supported my growth, which is something I'll always value.
What really draws me to both brands is the community and culture they've built. With Kalisan especially, you can see how genuinely valued their ambassadors are — the creativity, the recognition, the way they're supported. It never feels forced, it feels like a true partnership. To create an event in collaboration with brands I already trust, use daily and fully believe in would honestly be a dream."
Follow Maisie's journey and learn from her expertise at @RibbleValleyBalloons on TikTok, and explore the plinths and sequin walls she uses to create her stunning displays at Event Suppliers.