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Tuesday, 12 March 2024
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Written by Amber Little
Fayetteville is the proud home of several women-owned businesses. March is Women’s History Month, a perfect time to highlight some of those businesses. Ta’Tianna Bonilla, lovingly known locally as the Balloon Lady and a Spring Lake native, has added herself to the long list of women business owners in the city with the opening of her store. I Love Balloons is located at 2622 Hope Mills Road Suite 112, open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday by Appointment Only.
Normally, balloon art is reserved for special occasions and requires placing an order early. Bonilla is bringing the craft of balloon art to everyday life. The concept is unique and one that she hopes will be successful and provide customers with an experience.
“I wanted to do something outside of the normal. I wanted to display balloon art. You can always run to Party City, Family Dollar, and even Dollar Tree to purchase balloons. We don’t have many places where you can purchase balloon art. I want my customers to feel like they are walking through an exhibit of Balloons. I want to be able to provide more than just a regular helium bundle of balloons. I want you to have an experience,” Bonilla said of why she chose to open her store.
Bonilla has been working with balloons for the majority of her life.
“I’ve literally loved balloons since I was a child. I remember always saying ‘I Love Balloons’ in high school and I had them taped to my bedroom wall. A simple balloon can really change the whole room. Balloons can bring happiness to any situation. No matter the age or gender, balloons will always bring a smile to someone’s face. I love making people happy and bringing smiles. That’s the reason why I picked this field. I love balloons and I know others do too,” she said.
The Balloon Lady didn’t actually get her start until tragedy struck a friend.
She explained, “I was asked to decorate my friend's son's gravesite. He was only 3 years old when he passed. I decided to try this balloon column and at the time it wasn’t the greatest. Everyone loved it! The balloons really brought that family so many smiles just based off that single balloon column. Even during a very sad time, balloons brought joy smiles and comfort.”
There are big plans for I Love Balloons. Bonilla, a faithful Christian and proud member of True Vine Ministries, has faith that her business is destined to prosper and as a savvy business owner, has a plan for the expansion of the business.
“The long-term goal for my business is to become a balloon distributor. Within the next 3 to 5 years, I would love to have a warehouse and we can distribute balloons throughout the whole world. I want to be able to set my family up for generational wealth. My family has been the backbone of my business … Mom, Xavier, Corrisa, Chisa, Angel, Ebony … When other balloon artists think of balloons for their business I want them to think of my company. I’m 35 so I know I won’t be able to twist balloons for the rest of my life but I can be the balloon plug worldwide,” she said. For now, The Balloon Lady is excited about stepping into a brick-and-mortar and serving a community she cares for.
“Being a woman in business is absolutely amazing. I took my leap of faith and left my job 3 years ago this July. I remember talking to some of my higher-ups and explaining what I wanted to do. I know they thought ‘this lady is crazy leaving her job to do balloons!’ So to open my store was a dream. I can’t even to begin to explain. I’m a black woman from Spring Lake who went to Spring Lake Middle School and I own a balloon shop. I have clients that range from the single mother doing their children’s first birthday parties to Mr. Rick Hendricks's automotive corporate location in Charlotte, North Carolina. God has been absolutely amazing when it comes to blessing this Christian woman-owned business,” Bonilla said.
For more information on I Love Balloons visit their Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/BalloonLadyTati, and remember “There’s always an occasion to order balloons.”
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Tuesday, 12 March 2024
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Written by Sam Olsen
On March 5th, Fort Liberty's Provider's Cafe took part in the Philip A. Connelly army-wide competition between dining facilities.
Every day, their team of 92G (Cook and Culinary) soldiers prepared and honed their teamwork, talents, and organization in preparation for Tuesday's competition. Beginning at 5 a.m., the soldiers arrived and began their preparation for the day's event. Shortly after, Sgt. First Class Brown ran the troops through their morning formation and gave them an inspiring speech about their dedication, efforts thus far, and drive to prove that they were the best 92G the Army had to offer.
"I want them to enjoy themselves. This is their profession; this is what they do. This is culinary arts. It is an opportunity to show what they can do. But for them, it's just another day. They are always putting their best foot forward trying to be the best version of themselves and improve,” said Lt. Vuylsteke.
The morning started with breakfast and it was truly something to see. Fresh squeezed juice from pineapples, celery, and cucumbers was made available to all soldiers at the beginning of the line going through the facility. The well-known omelet station, scratch-made biscuits and carbs were at the beginning as is common in “warrior restaurants,” as they are coming to be called.
However, these were different.
Time, care and effort went into every step of the process the team at the Provider's Cafe took to ensure the highest quality food was made available to the soldiers who would be eating there.
Throughout the line, talk of their highly regarded French toast was abundant. There were sweet potato pancakes, fresh fruits, fresh yogurts, and a variety of cereals also present that far outdid the standard at most other warrior restaurants throughout the Army.
The shift lead and first cook of the team, Staff Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. McCrae, attributed their continual success to their communication and effective teamwork that ensured every member of their team knew their jobs and how to execute their roles. Their success depended on them supporting one another throughout the competition and daily process.
"Teamwork and making sure everyone did their jobs, but also picking each other up and helping," said Sgt. McCrae on his perspective on their what has led them to their current reputation for excellence. "But we do that on the daily. We came together and worked together to achieve that goal."
Lunchtime was where the team was able to really shine. The main courses being prime rib and fresh grilled chicken, the team outdid themselves in both their preparation and presentation of the menu items for that day's meal.
The item that stole the show was undoubtedly the red velvet cake made by Spc. De La Cruz. The dessert item was so delicious, even the competition graders couldn't help but have another piece.
Overall, the team of 92G at the Provider's Cafe excelled in their craft and was able to provide the highest quality of service and nutrition available to the soldiers who chose to eat there. This standard is one they exemplify daily, and their achievement as one of six finalists in the competition is evidence of that.
The winner won't be announced until later; however, they will be strong contenders for first place amongst the entire Army for their commitment to the tenets of the military, and their dedication to their craft as culinary artists.
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