By Joseph D’Alessandro
Sculpting balloons, inspecting airplanes and making props for Hollywood movies —Renee Morgan has done it all.
Morgan, owner of Aviator Balloons in North Bellmore, makes large installations for graduations, proms, weddings, baby showers, fundraising events and more. The sculptures cover ceilings and walls, make tunnels, and take the form of dresses, cars, trucks and people. Her largest wonderland-like installations can use tens of thousands of balloons, all for a single grand exhibit. Her work can even be found decorating Sony Hall for New York Fashion Week twice a year.
“I’m heading to Indiana to do a big balloon ball for a charity sponsor, the Ronald McDonald House,” she said of an event that took place between April 22 and 25. “So we used 100,000 balloons to create this circus-like theme. So everything from tight ropes to giant elephants. I’m a team leader in that build, where I’ll be commanding a team of about 80 people to create this large scale wonderland of balloons.”
Morgan started doing balloon artistry 10 years ago. Her aunt needed a display for her bridal shower, but found the available options to be too expensive, including balloon-themed pieces.
“I was like, yeah, I could do that,” Morgan recounted. “So I tried it. And I epically failed my first time, because it wasn’t easy.”
She began to study balloon art more thoroughly, which brought her where she is today.
For Morgan, sustainability is key for her business and the environment. She uses biodegradable balloons and eco-friendly packaging, and does not use helium, which can cause fiery explosions if they contact outdoor power lines. She also educates each client on proper disposal and cleanup methods.
Aviator Balloons also has programs to educate aspiring artists on business and techniques in the inflatable industry.
“I have a mentorship program with 30-plus ladies internationally,” Morgan said. “We have a mentorship program that operates via Zoom where we’ll meet and we’ll discuss the business behind balloons as well as the artistry that fuels it.”
One former student, Brittany Richardson, is the production assistant for Aviator Balloons.
“I started as a student back at the end of 2020,” Richardson said. “She’s a mentor of mine. I can call her for anything. I do balloons as well, so if I’m stuck on something, she’s always one call away. She’s so sweet.”
Over the years, Morgan’s business has grown to accept international students and clients — she has associates who work from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad when there is an assignment.
Morgan has experience working internationally, sourced from her long career in aviation. She was an airport inspector at John F. Kennedy airport in Queens before retiring and pursuing her interest in balloon artistry.
Morgan has earned three undergraduate degrees as well as a master’s in aviation, with a unique expertise in meteorology. Over the course of her career, she carried out accident analysis, development research, and wrote award-winning industry papers.
Morgan worked in the aviation industry for about 15 years, and has worked at a multitude of different airports as an airport inspector.
“I’ve always been interested in it since I was a baby,” Morgan said. “Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a pilot. Once I achieved that dream, I wanted to do more. But then I felt like I was tapping out, I felt like I was at the apex of my career.
“I retired two years ago. I was doing both for a while; I’ve retired to do balloons full time,” Morgan said.
Morgan also currently works for Paramount Pictures as a contract prop and set designer for upcoming movies filmed in New York, which she could not comment on.
Morgan balances the workload of an entrepreneur and contractor with motherhood.
“I’m a mom, to an autistic son, so it isn’t the easiest thing to balance, having a special needs child and working full time in your own business,” Morgan said. “And you don’t work your typical nine to five, sometimes it’s nine to 10 at night. It’s really understanding what you’re willing to sacrifice to make the amendments in your life, and what you’re willing to put first.”
Morgan’s hopes for the future are high. She has an interest in making an installation inside Roosevelt Field Mall. Her main priority is being able to be a full sustainable business, and potentially grab a Guinness World Record along the way.
Aviator Balloons has many local repeat clients including JD sports’ New York events, Long Island Harvest, and many school districts on Long Island, such as in Freeport and Merrick, as well as schools in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
If you are interested in a balloon sculpture, visit AviatorBalloons.com
