What would you do if something you invented went viral? Like, 400 million views viral? Carolynn Hayman, the creator behind Conrad the Unicorn (America's favorite balloon costume) learned the hard way that when the internet blows up your work, everyone suddenly wants to copy it.

In this episode she shares with us Conrad's origin story and breaks down the real problem most creators never think about: protecting your intellectual property. How do you protect your creativity? Should you trademark?

Carolynn shares all the details of her experience… what she wishes she knew sooner, how a publicist helped and how it's time to start planning Conrad's 10th birthday!

But that's not all… we also talk about her experience with product collaborations and how competitions and conventions can change your career. I loved having Carolynn on the show to share her really unique balloon world experiences!

In the UGlu Hotline, I share how I use white-out in my business.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@popdesignsandcreations | @conradtheunicorn

Other sponsors & resources:

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Gemar USA

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon)

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In this episode (recorded live at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention), Jessica and Dae from The Balloon Club Co. share their journey of combining their individual balloon businesses into something new, together. They discuss the importance of trust and communication in their partnership, and the significance of setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance. They also share encouragement for getting past the fears of entrepreneurship.

Key takeaways include:

• How trust is essential when going into business with someone.

• Why communication is key in partnerships.

• What things they put in place for their retail shop.

• Why overcoming fear is necessary for personal and professional growth.

• How partnerships can lead to greater resources and opportunities.

It was so fun to chat with this duo and I look forward to watching their growth!

In the UGlu Hotline, hear why I leave extra balloons and adhesives at my installs.

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

@balloonclubco

Other sponsors & resources:

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

Gemar USA

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon)

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

With Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co.

If you want to book better, not just more, this conversation with Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co. breaks down how to realign your website and visuals so the right clients find (and choose) you. It's easier than you think!

We cover:

• A year-end review to define your 2026 "dream client" (what you loved, what you never want again)

• The quick-hit homepage audit: images, fonts, color palette, consistency

• Mobile-first essentials and broken-button checks

• Smarter contact forms

• Messaging cleanup so you don't try to "serve everyone" (and attract no one)

• DIY vs. hiring help

• How time-blocking helps get things done

• Reminder: a new website (or refresh) is a tax write-off!

Listen in for a step-by-step plan, whether you've got no website, you want to DIY or you're ready to hand off the work to a pro.

In the UGlu Hotline, hear my organization tip for my foil balloons.

Unlock three free bonus episodes!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Other sponsors & resources:

Courtney Lynette Creative Co. (mention the podcast for $100 off!)

2026 Bright Balloon Planner

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST)

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)

DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline!

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

- - - -

On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon)

50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube