Nonahood News: Tell us about your art.
Rebekah Dailidonis: We’re Everything Holiday Co., a balloon company that offers custom balloon decor for all events. We are located in Lake Nona but serve all of Central Florida. As a balloon company, our goal is to take your event to new heights. We have been in business for one year and have grown our business tremendously in just that little bit of time. Locally, we’ve worked with residents and businesses such as Tavistock, Jet Blue, Right at Home, Pure Barre and several other companies. One thing that’s different about us is we use sustainable products. Our balloons are 100% biodegradable, made from 100% latex. Latex is harvested without harming the tree. They degrade at the same rate as an oak leaf. We try to be as green and as sustainable as possible.
NHN: Why balloons?
Michelle Sverission: I love balloon decor for events. They are such a statement piece and really add that wow factor to an event. I always did balloon decor for my kids’ birthdays but never actually thought about doing it professionally. Neighbors after seeing our balloon decor and event planning skills encouraged us to open a business, and that was the inception of Everything Holiday Co.
Last July, I had an incredible opportunity to do an event at the Grand Cypress Hyatt Hotel called Balloon Wonderland for Give Kids The World. We filled a 30,000-square-foot corporate venue from floor to ceiling with balloon displays towering as high as 24 feet in height. I worked alongside 300 balloon artists from all over the world, and it was an incredible experience.
RD: I come from a medical background. I’ve always been artistic, but that’s not what I went into. I saw Michelle doing balloons, and it inspired me to try my hand at balloons. I look back now and giggle at my first attempts because I was clearly a novice. We’ve grown so much from our early days of balloons attached to strip kits. I love what you can do with balloons. Traditionally, you think balloons can look tacky, but if they’re done right, you can transform any place into a work of art.
NHN: Describe your creative process.
RD: We haven’t had it happen yet, but I would love for someone to come to me and say, “I don’t care. Sky’s the limit, make it happen.” Traditionally, we are geared towards what our client wants. We start by gathering critical information about the event such as location, time, indoor/outdoor, etc. This is followed by the creative concept that can take a few minutes up to a few days depending on the concept complexity. Many times, I’ll sketch something out on a piece of paper, then Michelle transfers the sketch to Canva to create a mockup of what it would look like.
NHN: Recent artistic accomplishments?
RD: The biggest accomplishment was probably Michelle’s balloon build Balloon Wonderland for Give Kids The World. The event was massive, and it was for such a good cause. We do have several up-and-coming events that we are excited for. One event in particular is the Laureate Park Elementary art night. This is where parents buy their child’s painting, and the proceeds go to the art department. Graduation is coming up, and we are sure to be busy.
NHN: Most rewarding aspect of this work?
MS: Honestly, our customers’ reactions. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into doing a balloon build, no matter how small or how large, there’s always a reward at the end to see the customer’s face light up.
NHN: Most challenging aspect?
MS: Unpredictable weather. Balloons can become delicate when they are outside, so proper planning and praying to the weather gods is a must.
NHN: Passions besides art?
RD: Outside of my balloon decor and Everything Holiday, I am a neurology nurse practitioner. I work for Nemours, which is located right here in Lake Nona. I’m a mother to a beautiful 2-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy. My husband, daughter and I love to travel and be outdoors.
MS: I have a sassy, fun 5-year-old daughter and a sweet, soccer loving 9-year-old son. My kids and husband are my everything. We love outdoor activities and all the fun our community offers. I’m the Laureate Park Elementary PTA president this year; I’ve been part of the PTA for 4 years now. Hosting school events and bringing happiness to students is just what I enjoy.
NHN: Upcoming projects?
RD: We can’t speak on it yet, but we are very excited about a project in the works that we feel will be a wonderful addition to our community.
NHN: Where can people find you?
RD: Our website everythingholidayco.com, Instagram @everythingholidayco, or Facebook.
