Poppin’ Balloons owner spreads joy in memory of her mother

Nancy Anderson

Shopper News

Ashleigh Stroup has a way of turning ordinary moments into something worth celebrating.

As the owner of Poppin’ Balloons in Hardin Valley, she’s built a reputation not just for eyecatching designs, but for transforming balloons into full-scale works of art with arches, sculptures and installations that elevate birthdays, school events and community gatherings alike.

Stroup started her balloon business in 2023 in honor of her mother, who passed away just a year before.

“She was the creative one in the family … I was not. As it turns out, I inherited some of her creativity.

“She left this world leaving it up to me to carry on the tradition of creativity.”

Stroup’s first foray into balloon sculpture did not go well. She bought an arch kit with a strip with holes that hold balloons. She said it was terrible. It was flimsy and didn’t hold the balloons.

“I wanted to do something special for my daughter’s 13th birthday. So I bought the strip. It was the worst experience. I tell you I had no idea what I was doing, so I began researching and learning.

“Clearly this is what God put in front of me. I researched and I learned. I wanted to perfect it in honor of my mother, plus I just love a challenge,” said Stroup.

Soon her new hobby became a business. Now Stroup is in high demand despite there being fierce competition in the balloon sculpture world.

“Balloons are a great thing to have in your life, especially if you are sad about something. Balloons are celebrating something positive and happy. That’s something I want to spread to others — happiness.

“I’m not the only one who feels this way. There are dozens of balloon artists just in Hardin Valley, but I believe it’s such a big market there’s room for us all.”

Stroup said the whole experience is a “God thing.”

Her business allows her to make connections and friends all over Knoxville.

“In the early days, I gave a bunch of things away just to get my foot in the door. Now I’m to the point where I can take the gigs I want. I don’t have to take everything that comes my way,” she said.

Ashleigh Stroup, owner of Poppin’ Balloons in Hardin Valley, said the balloon sculpture business is her passion and her calling.

PROVIDED BY ASHLEIGH STROUP

Stroup said her biggest challenge is saying “no” and finding balance. She’s a full-time dental hygienist, mother and now business owner.

She plans to expand her business to include instruction and DIY kits and helping others find their success in building balloon sculptures large or small.

“I would love to instruct others. I wish every business, not just balloons, would get into the mentality of supporting others. It makes it such a nicer world than being competitors. There’s enough business for everyone.

“I believe that if I am supposed to get a job, I’ll get it. If not, then I believe it’s meant for someone who needs it more than I do.

“I do hope this continues. I love spreading joy and happiness to others.”

Info: Find Poppin’ Balloons Knoxville on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Stroup created these balloon sculptures for Bid Day at the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority chapter at UT in 2025.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ASHLEIGH STROUP

Ashleigh Stroup, owner of Poppin’ Balloons, created this installment for a 1st birthday.

Stroup installs a sculpture at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority on Bid Day in 2025.