The Shewards’ love for balloons started in 1983 when they owned a balloon shop in Springfield called, D&D Balloons Unlimited. After running the business for 16 years, Diane said they decided to close the shop and she started working for a balloon manufacturer - until she retired a little over a year ago.
“I had no plans whatsoever to ever do balloons again,” Diane said. “I retired - we were just traveling and everything.”
She said that she still belongs to a few balloon groups and saw that several balloon shops were suffering because they had to close during the pandemic. The balloon shops decided to make yard balloons and Diane said she thought it was a great idea.
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This is when she told her husband she was ready to start a new business, Yard Balloons To Go.
They are called yard balloons because that is what we do - we take them out and stick them in the yard,” Diane said. “There is no-contact whatsoever.”
Yard balloons range from $25 to $80 depending on what the customer wants, Diane explained.
“I enjoy getting out and running around and doing it,” Diane said. “I just can’t retire.”
Yard Balloons To Go has been operating for a month and Diane said they have delivered well over 100 yard balloons, maybe close to 200.
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“It’s so cool because they will hear us outside putting balloons in the yard and they’ll be looking out their window,” Diane said. “Once we get the balloons in place and we get back to our vehicle, they will come out in the yard.”
She explained that she always takes a picture of the delivery and sends it to the individual that ordered the yard balloon.
The couple delivers yard balloons for free within the city limits of Springfield. Deliveries outside the city limits will have a delivery fee depending on how far they go, Diane explained. They have delivered yard balloons to New Carlisle, Urbana, South Charleston, Huber Heights and Fairborn. She recommends ordering the yard balloon five to six days in advance.
Diane said they plan to continue their business after the pandemic is over as long as there is still a demand.
“I love balloons. I’ve been doing it since 1983 and I just fell in love with them,” Diane said. “It makes me happy and I love seeing the smiles on everybody’s faces.”
For more information, search for Yard Balloons To Go on Facebook or call 937-206-8598.
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