By Judith Roberts
Local freshman Sarah Kate Taylor didn’t expect to start a business before she ever walked the halls of Ruston High School. She didn’t think that her creative outlet which consisted of color, creativity and cohesion, would amount to her becoming a young entrepreneur. But what started as a hobby when she was in junior high at A.E. Phillips has turned into a part-time job for this cheerleader.
“It all started during the COVID quarantine,” Taylor said. “I mostly do balloon arches but have also completed several other creations. It started out as something that I thought would be a fun, creative hobby. At some point along the way, it became a business.”
Taylor, who also is involved with Temple Baptist Church and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, has created balloon arches to adorn the back of Homecoming parade cars, add pizzaz to birthday parties and celebrations, school activities and more.
“I just enjoy coming up with different designs,” Taylor said. “I really enjoy seeing the finished product and knowing I helped make someone’s day better.”
Taylor, who isn’t on social media, said she gets most of her business from word of mouth and people seeing her designs on her mom’s Instagram account.
“It’s an up and down business,” she said. “There are some weeks where I don’t make any. Other weeks, mostly around events or holidays, I may make as many as eight to 10 that week.”
Not all balloon arches are created the same, either. Taylor said she’s had some interesting designs.
“My most unique would be either one that resembled the planets or one that I created for a Star Wars party,” she said.
As far as the future goes, Taylor said her priority is her role as a student, though she does enjoy the work of creating balloon arches.
“It’s grown beyond my expectations,” she said. “Being involved in high school takes up a lot of time. I will continue it as long as I can continue to enjoy my time as a student.”
