In this month’s People of GigSalad spotlight, meet balloon twister, performer, and business owner, Kelly Love. From overcoming a challenging childhood in Glasgow, Scotland, to building a beloved balloon-twisting business in Hollywood, Kelly has proven that grit and creativity can go hand in hand. Find out how she turned hope, hustle, and a whole lot of heart into a thriving career.
Becoming a balloon twister
Kelly Love has built a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand balloon twisters, but her path there started with a leap of faith. At 19, she packed her bags in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved more than 5,000 miles away, with no guarantee of what waited on the other side. That single decision set the stage for a performing career and an entertainment business, Clowning Party Entertainment, that she now runs with pride.
Finding her voice
Kelly grew up in a small family with her dad, her brother, and her sister. At age 2, an accident left her with a developmental delay. “[I was] pretty much a mute, and I wasn’t able to read, talk, or anything like that until I was about seven or eight,” she said. During that time, she formed an unbreakable bond with her sister. “When I was not really able to communicate well as a child, she was always the one standing up for me,” Kelly said. “If I was alone, she made sure that I didn’t feel lonely. Without my sister, I honestly would say that I would not exist.”
Then, at the age of 12, her sister was diagnosed with cancer. “But the good news is, this year she celebrated 20 years of being clear,” Kelly said. “That whole experience has only engraved in me that you only have one shot at life.” Around this time, she found a new joy in acting. “It was recommended to my parents to put me in a situation where I was forced to train my mind,” she said. That early introduction sparked a passion that never let go, setting Kelly on the path to becoming a performer.
Taking flight
At 19, Kelly moved to the United States to study acting. “I moved to the States when I was 19 years old with a hope and a dream, and here I am,” she said. Like many young students, she needed a flexible way to earn money. “I went on Craigslist, and there was a little party company that was looking for princesses, and I was like, I could be a princess,” she said. She began performing, and word of her talent spread quickly. Soon Kelly was fielding more requests than she could handle on her own, so she started recruiting other performers to join her. “Me became two, then became three, then became four, then became five, and now we’re ten,” she said.
Today, Kelly has built a career doing exactly what she loves. “I’m a performer. I love entertaining children. I love the fact that I get to be a big kid myself,” she said. The road to get here wasn’t easy. As a child, every minute was a struggle, but Kelly persevered. Reflecting on the challenges she overcame to get where she is today, she said, “When I look at my before and after, anything is possible.”
Using GigSalad
Since joining GigSalad in 2016 as Clowning Party Entertainment, Kelly has racked up more than 160 verified bookings and a five-star rating, with clients raving about her passion, personality, and professionalism. With years of experience running a business and advertising on GigSalad, she shares how the platform has helped her pursue her dream.
GigSalad: How has GigSalad made it easier to do what you love?
Kelly Love: GigSalad has given me the opportunity to connect with amazing clients, amazing people, and amazing opportunities; it has truly opened the door to what I do today.
GS: How does GigSalad make the booking process easier?
KL: My clients tell me all the time that booking on GigSalad is the easiest process. With GigSalad, you see the reviews, how many times they’ve been booked, and pictures and videos. Everything you need to know is there, and it’s easy to access.
GS: How has GigSalad helped you to share your talent?
KL: GigSalad has helped me show the world what I can do. Whenever you sign up as a vendor, you get the opportunity to select what it is that you do. When I was just setting up, I was like a balloon twister, face painter, and all my wonderful stuff. I was getting clients that were coming to me that knew what they wanted. GigSalad makes it really easy for people to find me.
GS: How does GigSalad support your business?
KL: GigSalad supports my business by always being at the other end of the phone. If I ever have a client that is somewhat difficult, I can always call someone, and they’re always there to help me. If there’s ever a financial issue, they’re always there to help.
GS: Why should people use GigSalad?
KL: If they’re looking for vendors who are verified, professional, fun, and trustworthy, they really shouldn’t be looking anywhere else but GigSalad.
✨ Looking for more inspiration and tips? Check out last month’s People of GigSalad spotlight with Drag Queen Foxie Adjuia!
Kelly’s story shows that with passion and perseverance, a childhood dream really can grow into a career worth celebrating. From a quiet, challenging start to a booming business built on balloons, laughter, and heart, she’s proof that following your passion pays off. Here’s to many more years of creativity, laughter, and unforgettable celebrations! 🎈🙌
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.