In the 1980’s I started a small business to go along with another business that turned out to be a great idea and there was a need for the service in Manhattan. Something different than flowers that are sent for every occasion, everyday! Balloon Boutique was opened at 619 N 3rd Manhattan, Ks in 1983.
After a few months in business, I realized that my idea was far better than I thought. There was a definite need for this service in Manhattan. We made deliveries everyday no different than floral shops. We offered a variety of gifts for all occasions. One Valentine’s Day we made 1000 deliveries. I ended up opening four in Kansas and one in Nebraska.
“And Then One Day”
An order come in late one afternoon and the delivery person had gone home. I had stopped by the shop and told Lori that I would make the run. It was just a few blocks away and I would make it on the way home. As I walked up to the door with ten 12” inch pink helium filled balloons a gust of wind took it right out of my hands. What was pain at the time turned out to be a blessing. My bouquet of balloons decided to go to the east coast. Mary and Ralph Jarvis found my balloons with the card still attached in their backyard in a tree in Bath, North Carolina. This was a 1300-mile trip that took 2 to 3 days. Helium filled balloons only float for about 24 hours. Per K-State physics professor Dean Bark, it had to catch the jet stream and not go through any clouds. I was not so happy with losing the balloons because I had to go back and deliver them again. The good side of this story is everyone in town now knew about The Balloon Boutique. Business was booming from that day on and this small business lasted in Manhattan and Beatrice, Nebraska for more than 20 years. I’ve said it before.
“Just Lucky”
Balloons travel to North Carolina
By Jet stream: 1300 miles
