Business owner, Stacey Forrester, 36, found a passion for balloon arranging through her job in retail.

Now she has been shortlisted for the UK Balloon Artists Awards for the second year running.

Stacey’s Balloons has been shortlisted for the second time (Image: Stacey Forrester) “I have a retail job that started selling helium balloons and I enjoyed making them so started to practice at home,” Stacey said.

 “I started making them for family and people suggested I should start to venture out.

“From that, I started making for friends who started recommending me.”

Stacey’s Balloon’s offers many display options (Image: Stacey Forrester) Based in Witham, Stacey’s Balloons, offers balloon stacks, bubbles, helium balloons and balloon garlands.

Stacey’s Balloons was shortlisted for the first time last autumn, in the Best Deliverable Display category for the UK Balloon Artists Awards.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it. It’s made my confidence grow by being recognised but some amazing balloon artists that have been in the industry for many years.

“It’s pushed me with every design to think maybe I could enter this display into the awards this year.”

Stacey’s Balloons was shortlisted in 2023 with a 35th birthday display (Image: Stacey Forrester) This year, Stacey’s Balloons has been shortlisted in two categories, including the best classic display and the best themed display – with the awards ceremony taking place next month.

“It would mean so much to win the awards this year as I’ve worked so hard on my creations it would be lovely to be recognised for that,” Stacey said.

“I’m hoping to grow my business more over the next year and enter the awards next year.”

For more information, visit Stacey’s Balloons on Facebook.