Zero Balloons grew out of a simple idea: that party decorations could be magical, affordable and kind to the planet. With a zero-waste philosophy and a love of creativity, they provide magical, vibrant, reusable displays that make every event feel unforgettable. For Michelle Maclennan, what began as DIY party pieces for her own family and friends has grown into a business that brings joy to birthdays, holidays and special events. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind Zero Balloons, her biggest breakthrough, how she balances work and family time, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My inspiration came from the lack of affordable, colourful party decorations on the market, and a desire to provide a sustainable alternative to balloons.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started from scratch with nothing but my ideas, goals and dreams to build sustainable, creative decorations. At first, I made Christmas, Easter and Halloween decorations from upcycled timber.
While setting up my son’s first birthday party at home, I realised how difficult it is to find good-quality decorations. I created a Paw Patrol backdrop for our living room and received amazing feedback.
Soon after, I built a website, created a fresh Facebook page and began designing products to hire. I asked my friends if I could trial displays at their kids’ birthday parties, which quickly followed with paid work and although it’s still very new, I’m excited to see what the future holds for Zero Balloons!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My biggest breakthrough was to rent the decorations. I was constantly trying to figure out how to make these big, beautiful creations affordable without compromising on quality or detail. Once I jumped over to the rental side of things, it all just fell into place.
We ensure the props are kept in top condition while being reused and cherished at various celebrations. If they are no longer needed, we transform them into brand new displays, all while maintaining a zero-waste approach.
