MHM PULSE CHECK: WEEK OF MAY 27TH

Because a balloon garland can be both luxury décor and your ticket to financial freedom.

Author

Brittany Plumeri
May 29, 2025

🎙️ This Week’s Podcast: Mama’s Got Balloon Décor

Meet Cristina Vlahos, the creative force behind Stina Does It, a luxury balloon and event signage business that’s as bold as her personality.

From teaching herself balloon styling for her son’s birthday to now commanding $28+ per foot as a sought-after event stylist, Cristina shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it actually takes to grow a decor business, reclaim your independence, and still show up fully as a mom.

✨ In this episode:

  • DIY beginnings and the viral post that launched her brand

  • Why she doesn’t do full-on event planning—and how that helped her niche down

  • What to charge for balloon installs (and why you're probably lowballing yourself)

  • Her journey from stay-at-home mom to single mom CEO

✨ Hustle Corner: Know Your Worth & Charge It

Cristina said it best:

“Balloon styling is a luxury service. If you’re doing it for less than $28 a foot, you’re lowballing yourself.”

In this week’s episode, she drops a truth bomb that applies to any service-based business—if someone’s hiring you, it’s because they can’t or don’t want to do it themselves. You bring value. You bring results. You deserve to charge accordingly.

🔥 Hustle Truths from Stina:

  • Don’t price from fear—price from confidence and clarity

  • Start earlier in the week to avoid burnout on weekends

  • Say yes to networking—that’s how she went from unknown to in demand

🔦 Side Hustle Spotlight: The Decor Drop

Cristina’s business started with a DIY Toy Story balloon arch—and has grown into a thriving brand with a pro van, luxury signage, and a client waitlist.

Her secret? She made one piece of décor the star, niched down, and never looked back. She doesn’t do it all—she does what she’s best at. And people pay for that.

💡 Want to be the go-to party pro in your area?
Start with:

  • A signature offer (hers is luxe balloon installs & signage)

  • High-quality photos of your work

  • A process that lets clients feel heard and understood

  • A service you can scale with systems (and support—shout out to her dad for those wood boards!)

📲 Follow Cristina for inspo → @stinadoesit

💌 Before You Go…

Cristina isn’t just creating event magic—she’s rewriting her story. From stay-at-home mom to single mama boss with full financial control, her journey is proof that passion-fueled income is possible.

What’s one thing you’d love to start if you stopped waiting for permission?

Hit reply. I’m rooting for you.

—

With hustle & heart,
Brittany (your fellow mama on a mission)
👩‍💻 @Themoneyhungrymama