¡ã Gramballoon / CEO Lee Hwa-young |
One of the rising startups in South Korea is getting smaller size-wise. Home and party decorating is one of them. Parties reminds us of balloon. Unlike in the past where balloons were just hung around here and there in-orderly manner, they seem to be reborn as art works.
Gramballoon
A South Korean startup Gramballoon is famous for customized balloon. What makes it different from rubber balloon is that it is made of special vinyl which keeps the air in the balloon and float in the air longer. It does not bang even if you poke it with a needle.
You can write letters on the balloon or you can put a bunch of flower in it to look mysterious and artistic. The balloon also has a handle to hold and you can add a light. Unique and excellent with her brainchilds, CEO Lee Hwa-young has applied for a number of patents and waiting for the result at the moment.
Lee studied balloon art on encouragement of her mother and obtained a certificate 10 years ago. She then worked at a restaurant and brew her idea of opening her own business.
She opened Gramballoon June last year and launched a franchise early this year. The number of stores including the soon-to-open now is 29, says Lee.
A Gramballoon's flower balloon can last more than 3 weeks and up to 6 months once made. It is order to made and delivered to the client's home.
At the head office in Hongseong County, Lee is running a Gramballoon course during the week and weekend. Those who wish to join the business after the course can do so as initial capital is affordable and no membership is occurred but only the training fee during the 2 year contract. Above all, you do not need to have a store to run a business as long as you are trained and you can open your own business, says Lee.
Gramballoon recently signed a MOU with the Korea Art & Cut Design Association last March in order to activate balloon startup. The MOU is expected to deliver skills and knowhow of Gramballoon more effectively and efficiently in order to minimize failure of novice startups.
"We are targeting to open 100 branches of the association nationwide. It is important for us to challenge new business with new ideas in this time of the virus spread and economic slow down. So we have rolled our sleeves to take part in re-activating economy with creative ideas" says Lee in determination.
°Áø¼º ±âÀÚ wlstjdxp@naver.com