THE BALLOONARY FORMALLY OPENS ON MADISON AVENUE WITH A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
Woman-owned, eco-friendly balloon shop and party favor store celebrates formal opening on Madison Avenue.
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 29, 23) — On Tuesday, August 29 at 3 p.m, the Lark Street BID was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and local elected officials to celebrate the opening of The Balloonary, a 100% woman owned balloon and party favor store owned by Nina Young and Stephanie Turcotte at 449 Madison Ave.
The Balloonary business took off during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown; they offered balloons for drive-by showers and parties, zoom backdrops, and to brighten tough days for people. After posting their offerings on Instagram, business increased significantly. Nina and Stephanie are very familiar with the Lark Street business corridor, as they both worked at Bombers on Lark Street for many years. Both familiar as patrons, employees, and residents of the area, this neighborhood is “the perfect space for them”.
Patrick Noonan, Chairman of the Lark Street Business Improvement Board said “Lark Street is home to so many unique small businesses and Nina and Stephanie exemplify the creativity and passion of our district and its people. Lark street businesses have fought incredibly hard to survive the last few years and this is another sign that Lark Street remains open for business. On behalf of all the Lark Street business owners, I’m very excited to formally welcome ‘The Balloonary’ to the corridor.”
“I am so excited to formally welcome The Ballonary to the 6th Ward! This is a beautiful business that adds such joy and frivolity to Madison Ave,” said 6th Ward Albany Common Councilmember Gabriella Romero. Congratulations to Steph and Nina in this amazing business venture! Thank you for spreading more joy and happiness in the world!
"I am excited to welcome yet another new business to the Lark Street Business Improvement District. The Balloonary thrived as an at-home business during the pandemic and now we are thrilled they have a storefront along this important corridor. Congratulations to Nina and Stephanie for expanding your business and re-dedicating yourselves to Lark Street and New York's Capital City!" said Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan.
“This woman-owned business is a vibrant new addition to the City of Albany and Albany County as a whole. Celebrations are a part of life, but considering the impact on our natural resources should always float to the top. We’re thrilled to see that The Balloonary embraces an eco-friendly approach as a core value by not using helium in their balloons and minimizing waste,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or planning a wedding, you can rest assured that here you will get a product that is both high-quality and environmentally conscious.”
“Congratulations to Steph and Nina in making Lark Street Home” said Matthew Peter, Albany County Legislator from the 5th district, “creativity and place making is what Lark Street is known for and The Balloonary adds to that vision”.
"Congratulations to Steph and Nina for 'rising to new heights' on the opening of their one-stop custom balloon shop, The Balloonary," said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. "Small businesses like The Balloonary in Albany's Hudson/Park neighborhood are the cornerstones of our communities, and ventures like Steph and Nina's form the backbone of our local economy, support our neighbors, while breathing life into our neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing their future success and watching their creations 'blow up' at local events around our community!"
“The Hudson/ Park Neighborhood Association is thrilled to welcome both Steph and Nina to our business community with the opening of The Balloonary on Madison Avenue! Terrell Rabb, President of Hudson Park Neighborhood Association said. “Our surrounding communities have always been a home and destination for creative people and businesses. We’re happy to have The Balloonary continue this tradition. We’ve already enjoyed their beautiful designs at other local businesses, neighborhood events, and community parades and festivals. We encourage everyone to consider The Balloonary for your next special event.”
For more information about the Lark Street BID, its recent activities, and events, visit larkstreetbid.org. To contact board members, email bid@larkstreet.org or call 855-518-LARK.
###
