Meet Los Angeles No.1 Balloon Franchasing Business Women Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lili Gao and we’ve shared our conversation below. (LA Shoutout Article)

Hi LiLi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting One Up Balloons was rooted in a desire to break free from the limitations that traditional jobs impose. I realized that if you have a dream and the drive to make it a reality, you shouldn’t be confined to a capped income or someone else’s vision. Starting my own business was about taking control of my future, creating something meaningful, and building a brand that reflects my passion for celebrations and innovation. It’s about knowing that the sky’s the limit when you’re the one in the driver’s seat.

What should our readers know about your business?
At One Up Balloons, we noticed a significant tech barrier in the party industry, which is often dominated by mom-and-pop shops that lack websites or tracking systems. Planning a party can be incredibly stressful when you’re juggling multiple vendors. We wanted to simplify that experience and bring something fresh and modern to the table. Instead of the usual crayon-hued décor, we focus on trendy, sophisticated decorations like metallic foil letters and balloons with sparkling string lights—things that look straight out of a Pinterest board.

One Up Balloons started in Vancouver, Canada, and we’ve grown to include two franchised locations, one of which is in Los Angeles. We sell our supplies online and through our brick-and-mortar locations, and excited to say that we’ve even begun manufacturing and currently selling our brand’s party goods in large retail chains across North America.

The journey hasn’t been easy; my entrepreneurial life has felt like a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs and plenty of firefighting. But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t need a perfect plan to start—just start now. Building a great team culture with people who are passionate about the industry will save you a lot of time and energy. We’re on a mission to celebrate 100 million birthdays for 100 million people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
Stay: Check into a centrally located hotel, like one in Downtown LA or West Hollywood.
Dinner: Start the evening with a nice dinner at a popular restaurant in the area, offering a mix of local and international flavors.
Evening: Take a leisurely evening stroll, perhaps along the beach or through a lively neighborhood like Santa Monica or West Hollywood.

Day 2: Explore Hollywood & Beverly Hills
Breakfast: Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe.
Morning: Visit iconic Hollywood landmarks, including the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at a well-known burger joint or local eatery.
Afternoon: Spend time in Beverly Hills, exploring Rodeo Drive and enjoying the lush parks.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a stylish restaurant in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood.

Day 3: Beach Day in Santa Monica & Venice
Breakfast: Have breakfast at a cozy cafe near the beach.
Morning: Spend the morning at Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the rides and ocean views.
Lunch: Lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Santa Monica.
Afternoon: Explore Venice Beach, including the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Canals.
Dinner: Dinner at a trendy spot in Venice with outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe.

Day 4: Downtown LA & Arts District
Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast in a historic market or cafe in Downtown LA.
Morning: Explore cultural landmarks like The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, or the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
Lunch: Have lunch at a popular spot in the Arts District.
Afternoon: Walk through the Arts District, enjoying street art, galleries, and unique shops.
Dinner: Finish the day with dinner at a highly-rated restaurant in Downtown LA or Little Tokyo.

Day 5: Nature & Views
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe with great views.
Morning: Spend the morning hiking in Griffith Park or exploring the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits.
Lunch: Lunch at a casual spot near the park or museum.
Afternoon: Visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city, or relax at a nearby park or garden.
Dinner: Have dinner at a classic LA restaurant, known for its ambiance and history.

Day 6: Malibu & Coastal Drive
Morning: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way.
Breakfast: Breakfast at a beachfront cafe in Malibu.
Morning/Afternoon: Relax at the beach or explore natural attractions like Zuma Beach or Point Dume.
Lunch: Lunch with an ocean view at a popular Malibu restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit cultural sites like the Getty Villa or continue exploring the coastal area.
Dinner: Return to the city for a dinner at a renowned seafood or coastal restaurant.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect
Brunch: Enjoy a relaxed brunch at a popular neighborhood spot.
Morning/Afternoon: Spend your final day relaxing—whether at a local park, exploring a nearby neighborhood, or visiting a spa.
Lunch: Grab lunch at a casual yet beloved local restaurant.
Evening: Take in one last LA sunset, whether from a scenic overlook, a rooftop bar, or the beach, before heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to both of my parents. From day one, they’ve been my biggest supporters and have stood by me throughout this entire journey. When times were tough and the path ahead seemed uncertain, they were the ones who encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Their unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength. Not only did they provide emotional support, but they also invested in my business with a $5,000 loan six years ago, which was a crucial stepping stone in getting One Up off the ground. They’ve been there for every win and loss, and I truly couldn’t have made it this far without them.

Website: https://www.oneupballoons.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneupparty/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-up-party/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneuppartys/