Sylvia the Balloon Lady

It all seems simple and straightforward enough: blow up a balloon, then twist it into the shape of a horse or dragon or puppy. But according to Sylvia Matthies, owner of Sylvia the Balloon Lady, her work has an almost metaphysical and spiritual component to it as well.

“My work with kids is far more than a vocation,” Sylvia says. “I use my balloon creations to transfer loving spirit to people combined with honesty, fairness, reliability and dedication. Responsibility is important to me.”

She uses her balloons to transport captive child audiences into a world where important life lessons can be taught in a gentle way, where a balloon puppy or dragon is a stand-in for how to deal with life’s big problems. “When I perform, I usually share my playful spirit with children,” she says. “They can respond very well to that because in that moment, I’m free.”