Introducing to the Chicago North Shore Moms community, doting mom of two and the creative powerhouse behind North Shore Balloon Decor, Megan Raysby. What began as a passion for celebrating life’s moments has grown into a thriving, sought-after business now celebrating 10 years of success. With a rare blend of artistic talent, entrepreneurial savvy, grit and certainly a whole lot of elbow grease, Megan has built a brand trusted by families and major companies alike across Chicago and the North Shore. Her journey is a beautiful reminder that motherhood and ambition can grow side by side—and even lift each other higher (pun intended). Welcome, Megan!
Hi Megan! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally, where do you live now and what brought you there?
I was raised just over the Wisconsin border, but in High School I fell in love with someone from the area. We moved to Chicago for college and stayed for about ten years, living everywhere from South Loop, River North, Uptown, to Lincoln Square. About ten years ago we settled back in the North Shore suburbs. It’s the perfect location because it allows us to serve both downtown Chicago balloon décor clients and families and businesses in the North Shore suburbs. Plus, to be honest, there was nowhere to park our balloon trucks when we lived in Wrigleyville, haha!
Tell us about your amazing kids.
I have an eleven-year-old daughter who loves to dance and sing, and a son who just started the engineering track as a high school freshman.
What are your favorite stomping grounds, restaurants, or local travel destinations?
Since I see so many restaurants and venues in my line of work as a balloon decor artist it’s hard to choose just one! Personally, our family loves to travel anywhere with mountains or beaches for inspiration and recharge time.
Anything you’re loving and can’t get enough of right now?
I love anything related to entrepreneurship, personal growth, or leadership. For TV, I’m always hooked on a good drama or competition show like Project Runway, The Great British Bake Off, or Iron Chef.
Let’s get down to business! Please introduce North Shore Balloon Decor. Our readers are in for a real eye candy treat!
I started North Shore Balloon Decor more than ten years ago, and our business really took off during the pandemic. Today, we have a core team, a seasonal team (especially during graduation season), and a small fleet of trucks that deliver balloon arches, organic garlands, and large balloon installations across Chicago and the North Shore.
Such a unique niche! How did you get started in this field?
I started with party entertainment, and beforelong, clients began asking for balloon décor as well. That demand grew into a full-service balloon decoration company specializing in corporate balloon installations, baby and bridal shower balloon décor, and branded balloon designs.
Does your education or past career experience connect to what you’re doing now?
Yes! I have both an art education and a business degree, so it’s truly a mix of creativity and entrepreneurship. I started with a craft company and an entertainment company, which evolved into our current event rental and balloon décor business.
You recently installed a several-story-tall balloon installation. Wow! How did you do that?
It was an incredible collaboration of over 20 artists, all pushing to create something that had never been done before. With so many hands, it only took one day of inflation and one day of install, though it did require a lift rental.
You’re celebrating 10 years of business, congratulations! How has your business changed in the last 5 years?
When we started, we focused on smaller balloon deliveries — yard arches and helium bouquets. That grew into private events with balloon backdrops and centerpieces, and eventually evolved into large-scale balloon décor for Chicago corporate events. We’re now growing our team to not only handle large-scale productions but to also bring back more options for smaller event clients and home delivery.
Today, we create grand openings, product launches, branded balloon arches, and balloon sculptures for companies like Honda and Ulta. We’ve also built giant balloon sculptures — from lobsters and banjo-playing frogs to 15-foot Eiffel Towers. And we still deliver the best birthday bouquets!
What is the process for working with you? What’s the lead time?
For smaller orders, we have an online wish list tool, quick pick birthday ideas, and a portfolio on our website where clients can browse balloon décor packages. For larger events, we offer fully custom balloon designs based on mood boards and brand kits. We’re pros at recreating inspiration photos. We even have an extensive Pinterest Board collection for any theme from Under the Sea to Casino Night. Design support is available via email, phone, or in-person consultation depending on the event.
Do you offer other decorating assistance, in addition to balloon décor?
Yes! In addition to balloon garlands and balloon arches in Chicago, we provide florals, shimmer walls, candy carts, backdrops, light-up letters, and event rentals. Through our sister company, we also connect clients with entertainers such as face painters, balloon twisters, DJs, magicians, and bubble shows. With over a decade of event décor experience in Chicago, we aim to be a true one-stop shop for our clients.
North Shore Balloon Decor is best known for….
We are most known for corporate events, Bar and Bat mitzvahs, ceiling decor, large installs, graduations, balloon sculpture, baby and Bridal showers.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business?
Yes — our passion is food security. We did a live build of a life-size gingerbread house in Northbrook Court to raise money for Hunger Resource Network. If you’re ever looking for a sponsor for a food drive or related event, North Shore Balloon Decor would love to be involved.
Time to give us your contact details for all those celebrations to be had!
We look forward to serving you! For more information visit our website at northshoreballoondecor.com. The best way to obtain a quote is to visit this link and fill out the form that applies to your request or project. And check us out on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for examples of our past and current projects.
About Our Meet a Mom Sponsor
Chicago North Shore Moms is supported in part by Mary Gregory Gifford, a Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
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