Tara and Josh Heitmann
Tara and Josh Heitmann never expected balloons to change their lives. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they planned their daughter’s birthday party, they realized something surprising—Aberdeen didn’t have a local business specializing in balloon décor.
Tara, working at the Avera Cancer Center, and Josh, a car salesman, saw an opportunity. What started as a simple DIY project quickly became something much bigger. With YouTube tutorials and Facebook groups as their inspiration, they taught themselves the art of balloon design. Soon, their house was overflowing with colorful, intricate balloon displays. They loved the creative process and started wondering: Could this be more than just a hobby?
Starting a business from scratch is never easy, so they braced for a slow and steady build. But the moment they went live on Facebook, everything changed. Orders flooded in - there was a real demand for high-quality balloon arrangements. And if there’s one thing Beyond the Balloon does well, it’s timing. They launched just before Valentine’s Day—a perfect holiday to go the extra mile with balloon displays and messages. From that point on, demand never slowed. Within months, their home workspace could no longer keep up, and they moved into a commercial space.
The dream of making Beyond the Balloon a full-time job? They thought it would take five years. It only took two. The business grew so fast that both Tara and Josh left their jobs to focus on it completely. What started as balloon décor quickly expanded into backdrop and marquee letter & number rentals. But they didn’t just add new services—they introduced them at the perfect time. Their expansion coincided with a feature on 1 Million Cups, a platform highlighting small business success stories. That exposure helped them reach even more customers.
Unlike many businesses that rely on traditional advertising, Beyond the Balloon has built its brand almost entirely through social media and creative marketing. One of their smartest moves? Betty, their glass-box truck that doubles as a mobile showroom and advertisement. If you’ve driven through Northeast South Dakota, chances are you’ve seen Betty—and for many, that’s their first introduction to Beyond the Balloon.
Beyond the Balloon was born in a time of uncertainty, so Tara and Josh know firsthand how much the pandemic affected people—especially the elderly. With nursing homes on lockdown, many residents felt more isolated than ever. In 2022, they launched the Adopt a Grandparent program, delivering balloon bouquets and Valentine cards made by local students, to senior living residents. What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger:
● 484 grandparents received balloons in the first year.
● 737 more followed in 2023.
● 1141 in 2024
● 1194 in 2025
Running a business as a married couple with kids? It’s as chaotic as it sounds. When asked about work-life balance, Tara and Josh just laughed. “When we started, the kids thought it was amazing. Now? Not so much,” Tara said. “They’ve seen so many balloons that they don’t even blink when a 10-foot display is sitting in the living room.” Balancing work and family isn’t always easy, but the business has given them something rare: time together. Especially in the summers, when they can make their own schedule and prioritize family moments.
And they’re not stopping anytime soon. Their latest expansion? An even bigger commercial space coming April 2025. With multiple businesses, packed schedules, and no signs of slowing down, I had to ask: How do they do it? For Tara and Josh, the answer is simple—passion, adaptability, and the willingness to keep evolving, always at the right time.
Some of the best ideas start with a simple celebration. So the next time you see Betty on the road, take a moment to check out her latest display. And if you’re looking for something extra special, Tara and Josh are always ready to bring your vision to life.
