What started in a garage has grown into a thriving family business in the heart of Chula Vista, where Claudia Paloma Saldana and her husband, Erasmo Salazar, now run Balloons Pro U.S. as a full-time team.
The couple launched the company after years of dreaming and gradual growth, working from home in 2018 and later relocating to Los Angeles before returning to open their first independent storefront in San Diego County in 2024. The shop, located at 1655 Broadway #7, offers balloon decoration services for retail and wholesale clients, including venues, churches and local companies.
“We’re not just selling balloons, we’re selling emotions,” says Claudia Paloma Saldana. (Courtesy)
Saldana became a certified balloon artist in 2019 and first registered the business as an LLC while operating solo. Her vision always included running the company with her husband, who at the time was working 12-hour overnight shifts in the medical industry.
“When the business became fully functional, that’s when I invited my husband to join the team,” she said.
As the business picked up momentum, Salazar began reviewing financial reports and proposed making it a physical business. Together with other business partners, they opened a store in Los Angeles but later chose to come back to San Diego, where they could offer a wider variety of balloon brands and be closer to family.
“We’re not just selling balloons, we’re selling emotions,” Saldana said. “When someone receives one of our decorations, it brings them joy, and sometimes even moves them to tears, because it’s an unexpected gesture. What we really offer is the emotion that comes from receiving a thoughtful gift from someone special.”
Originally from Tijuana and Chula Vista, the couple has lived in the United States for 15 years and wanted to return to their roots. Saldana said she also noticed the lack of professional balloon decor businesses in the area that made Chula Vista an ideal place to grow.
They opened Balloons Pro U.S. with the support of a $23,000 startup loan from Accessity in December 2023. The funding allowed them to furnish the store and offer in-person customer experience.
“If it weren’t for the Accessity loan, I’m pretty sure we never would’ve been able to open our store,” she said. “It wasn’t just about securing the physical space – it was also about filling it with merchandise. To be sincere, Accessity was exactly what we needed to finally make our business a reality.”
Saldana manages the creative side of the business, while Salazar serves as chief financial officer. She said their balloon decorations are crafted with thick latex that can last up to a month indoors and at least three days outdoors.
As a business owner and mother, Saldana said she sees the company as a way to inspire others, including her children. Her son, now 15, has witnessed the business evolve since he was 8 years old.
“I believe I’m living proof that, even after many years of effort and challenges, your project can still take off and thrive,” she said.
Saldana holds a degree in communication and has spoken at multiple conferences to encourage others to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. She said she hopes her story can motivate others to overcome obstacles and build something meaningful.
“I’m very much a dreamer, and I think that’s a key part of who I am,” she said. “It makes me almost blind to the obstacles – I simply don’t see them when I start something new. I’ve never been afraid to ask, ‘Who will buy my product?’ because I approach every venture with dedication and responsibility. For me, it’s not just about creating something good; it’s about building something you can truly live off of.”
Now settled in Chula Vista, the couple sees their business as one created by and for the community.
