As a child, Schaivon Nevings never got a balloon animal. Clowns scared him, but he longed for the twisted, colorful creations. Years later, he taught himself to shape more than 50 balloon objects to delight children and adults as the owner of BOB’s Balloons in Muncie.
“I will never charge a kid for a balloon,” he said. “I don’t want money to be the reason a child doesn’t get to enjoy something.”
Nevings — who appears at birthday parties, community events and adult parties — said he twists balloons to add “wonder and joy” to the world, but the business holds more weight.
BOB’s Balloons, he said, is breaking down barriers “people don’t even know are there.” “BOB’s stands for Black Owned Business, in celebration of black entrepreneurs,” he explained. “When was the last time you saw a black clown or a black balloon artist? Seeing me in this role — welcoming and approachable — is important to counteract the stereotypes many people have of Black men.”
Nevings said he has had opportunities to leave Muncie for larger markets, but his hometown has been “overwhelmingly supportive.” He loves living and working in Muncie: “I don’t think there are many communities like Muncie that would be so supportive. I’ve been blessed with lots of word-of-mouth referrals and the support of friends and neighbors.”
But he has not always felt so welcome. Among his first ventures was a window washing business. Nevings would book jobs, and then when he showed up, the client would cancel or avoid allowing him into their homes. Nevings said he denied a connection to his race for a while, but over time, the connection became clear.
Once he hired a white worker, those practices stopped, and his business flourished.
“I got wise and hired a white worker. Once I did that, I started getting big company gigs and people stopped canceling jobs,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s a reminder that in some circles, Black professionals have to work harder and move strategically to be as least threatening as possible.”
Even though he faced discrimination, Nevings said the city’s support and encouragement far outweigh any negative experiences. He said he looks forward to continuing to expand his business. BOB’s Balloons, for instance, is partnering with a temporary tattoo shop to offer tattoos along with balloons for kids and adults.
“I hope I’m impacting the kids most of all,” he said. “I remember the foundational memories of having a balloon, so if I could be that staple of joy in a childhood memory of a generation, I think that’s powerful.”
Keep up with BOB’s Balloons on Facebook or visit his website.
